You’ve decided that 2020 is the year you’re going to buy your first Downey house. Congratulations! Now comes the time to figure out how you’re going to pay for it.
The good news is there are quite a few great programs aimed at helping get first-time homebuyers into their dream homes. You just have to know where to look, what information to submit, and who to talk to. If you’re looking to buy your first Downey house in 2020, here are 4 first-time homebuyer programs you should consider investigating.
NATIONAL HOMEBUYERS FUND
The National Homebuyers Fund, or NHF, is one of the few multi-state homebuyer grants available. Once you find a lender that participates with the NHF, their down payment assistance program gives you up to 5 percent of your total loan amount. This is a non-repayable grant, which means you never have to pay it back.
The National Homebuyers Fund has some income criteria for qualification, similar to those found with Federal Housing Authority, Veterans Administration, and United States Department of Agriculture loans. Participating lenders can give you more information about the income requirements and limits in your area, as they vary based on your location and the housing market.
VETERANS ADMINISTRATION LOANS
If you are a veteran or currently a member of the active-duty military, you may qualify for a Veterans Administration (VA) loan. VA loans are not strictly for first-time homebuyers, but they certainly can help you buy your first Downey house if you’re a veteran or active-duty military. This program is a loan program, not a grant, but this type of loan allows you to buy a home without any down payment.
These loans are backed by the government and are offered through a network of participating lenders. As long as you meet the service requirements for a VA loan, you can qualify and receive this loan.
Additionally, if you have a service-related disability, you can receive an Adapted Housing Grant from the VA. This grant allows you to purchase a home that’s adapted to accommodate your disability, or can help you make upgrades to a home so that it suits your needs.
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE LOANS
For those looking to find their first home in an area considered rural, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers a loan program. Using this program, it may be possible to buy your first Downey house.
With this program, you do not need to make a down payment to purchase your house. However, you do need to live in a designated area and meet certain income requirements. Your chosen lender can give you more detail about the income requirements specific to Downey, as they vary from region to region.
HUD’S GOOD NEIGHBOR NEXT DOOR PROGRAM
The Good Neighbor Next Door program from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is available to first-time and repeat homebuyers alike. To be eligible for this program, you must purchase a property in an area marked for revitalization, as the program is meant to encourage growth and renewal of specific neighborhoods. Also, you must be part of certain professions, including:
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Law enforcement officers
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Firefighters
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Emergency medical technicians
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Teachers
If you meet these requirements and commit to living in a property for at least 36 months, you can receive up to 50 percent off the home’s price.
If you’re in one of the above professions and are looking to buy your first Downey house in 2020, this program may help cut your expenses drastically.