Who Counts as a "First-Time Homebuyer"?
Under federal HUD and Fannie Mae guidelines, anyone who has not owned a primary residence in the past 3 years qualifies as a first-time homebuyer—even if you owned a home earlier in life!
You do NOT need 20% down to buy a home. Compare 3% down conventional loans, reduced PMI programs, and closing cost grants.
Not all lenders participate in state housing grants or offer reduced-PMI HomeReady/Home Possible programs. Comparing matches you with certified first-time buyer lenders.
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See why thousands of consumers and business owners compare first-time homebuyer loans & 3% down mortgage quotes before signing:
| Comparison Factor | Single Retail Provider | ClickQuoteSave Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Down Payment Required | 10%–20% Traditional Bank | ✓ 0% (VA/USDA) to 3% (Conventional/FHA) |
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Under federal HUD and Fannie Mae guidelines, anyone who has not owned a primary residence in the past 3 years qualifies as a first-time homebuyer—even if you owned a home earlier in life!
Explore our long-tail comparison guides for home purchase mortgages:
Retail banks build heavy branch overhead into their 30-year fixed rates, while wholesale lenders and online direct lenders pass 0.25%–0.625% lower rates directly to consumers.
Read Guide & Compare Quotes → $6,500 at Closing SavingsNot all lenders participate in state housing grants or offer reduced-PMI HomeReady/Home Possible programs. Comparing matches you with certified first-time buyer lenders.
Read Guide & Compare Quotes →Yes! Both 3% down Conventional and 3.5% down FHA programs allow 100% of your down payment and closing costs to come from an eligible family gift.