Best Mortgage Lenders for First-Time Buyers

First time home buyers are typically younger than those looking to purchase their second or third home. Because of their age, first-timers usually have less funds for a down payment and might also have student debts, poor credit, or financial worries that make it hard to finance a purchase. This makes it important to examine the best mortgages for first time buyers specifically. 

Top First-Time Home Buyer Lenders Compared & Explained

Lender	Minimum Credit Score	Visit Site
	620+ for most loans	View Rates
	580+	View Rates
	620+	View Rates

HUD First-Time Home Buyer Requirements

• You (or your spouse) have has not owned a principal residence for at least 3 years
• You are a single parent who has only owned with a former spouse while married
• You are a homemaker who has only owned with a spouse, but are no longer financially supported by your spouse
• You have only owned a principal residence not permanently affixed to a permanent foundation in accordance with applicable regulations
• You have only owned a property that was not in compliance with state, local or model building codes and which cannot be brought into compliance for less than the cost of constructing a permanent structure

Because of the unique circumstances of first-time home buyers, lenders might offer incentives such as low rates or small down payments. Many lenders offer FHA mortgages, which are home loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration. An FHA home loan requires a down payment of just 3.5% and has flexible requirements and an easier qualification process than a conventional loan. However, it does require that the borrower pay monthly mortgage insurance.

Our Top Lenders

Quicken offers a large range of mortgage and refinancing loans, including reverse mortgages, specialist VA and USDA mortgages, refinancing options, and a unique YOURgage option. Quicken promises to use cutting-edge technology to guide borrowers to the best loan product and complete the loan approval process quickly.  Quicken stands out for offering home equity loans for almost every possible scenario so that you can find a suitable home financing package speedily, whatever your needs. 

Read the full QuickenLoans review

Quicken Loans View Rates

Based in Atlanta, Georgia, AmeriSave Mortgage Corporation has established itself as one of the premier names in the mortgage loans and refinancing industry. The company was established in 2002, and has since expanded its service to 49 states and the District of Columbia. Today, the company offers a quick and straightforward way for potential homeowners and prospective buyers to uncover the loans they need and access funds efficiently. AmeriSave has expanded to employ more than 500 mortgage specialists, and funds billions in home loans every year. Moreover, the company offers a wide variety of mortgage options, including conventional, jumbo, FHA, VA and USDA loans.

Read the full AmeriSave review

AmeriSave Mortgage View Rates

The Better.com site is super-easy to use; when you input basic info (where the house is located, how much it costs, and how much your down payment and the amount you're looking to pay for your jumbo loan would be), the site immediately finds relevant loans with the best possible rates. It also tells you how much you can expect to pay in third party fees. If you input your information and no loans are available, the site will make suggestions about what you can change to receive loan options.

Read the full Better.com review

View Rates

First-Time Homebuyer Programs

There are several programs specifically geared for first-time home buyers, though you are free to use any home purchase loan that you qualify for. 

These programs include:

• FHA Loans

FHA loans are like many other mortgages and are made by private lenders, such as Quicken Loans. Your FHA loan, unlike a conventional loan, will be guaranteed by the federal government. This means that your lender will consider you, even if you might not qualify for a conventional mortgage. 

• USDA Loans

This program, run by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, focuses on rural homes and allows 100% financing (which means 0% down payments) to low income borrowers without stable housing. 

• VA Loans

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs helps service members, veterans, and surviving spouses buy homes with full financing. These loans do not require PMI, which can save. Private lenders can add their own requirements, but generally VA loans are a benefit for military personnel. 

• Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

Both Fannie Mae (the Federal National Mortgage Association, FNMA) and Freddie Mac (the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, FHLMC) purchase home loans from private lenders, enabling lenders to make more mortgages for borrowers like you. They purchase conventional, FHA, VA and USDA loans and guarantee loans. 

• Good Neighbor Next Door Programs

This program, originally intended for teachers, now includes law enforcement, EMTs, and firefighters. It's sponsored by HUD and allows 50% discounts on the list price of homes in certain areas. If you qualify, you have to commit to living in the place you are interested in buying for at least 3 years. 

Check out these reviews of the leading mortgage lenders to see who can help you realize your dream of buying a home.