: Must meet income limits (usually 115% of the area's median income) and the property must be in a qualified zone.
: Requires a one-time "funding fee" (typically 1.25% to 3.3%), which can be rolled into the loan balance.
: Some programs, such as those from Habitat for Humanity , provide zero-interest loans that are forgiven if you live in the home for a set period (e.g., 5 to 10 years).
If you don't qualify for VA or USDA loans, you can use DPA programs to cover the required down payment for other loan types.
Only two major federal programs offer a genuine 0% down payment option.
Buying a home with no savings is possible through specific government-backed programs and creative financing strategies that eliminate the traditional 20% down payment. While most loans require at least 3% to 3.5% down, certain specialized options allow for 100% financing, meaning you can close with zero dollars down for the purchase price. 1. True Zero-Down Mortgage Programs
: State Housing Finance Agencies (HFAs) like CalHFA offer "silent second" mortgages or grants that cover down payments and closing costs.