Is it possible to buy a house with no money down?
Yes, it is possible to buy a house with no money down, but it’s not super common and usually requires meeting specific qualifications. Here are some of the main options:
1. VA Loans (for Veterans, Active Duty, etc.)
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Offered by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
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No down payment required.
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No private mortgage insurance (PMI).
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You need to meet service requirements.
2. USDA Loans (for Rural & Some Suburban Areas)
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Backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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No down payment required.
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Home must be in an eligible rural area.
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Income limits apply (based on area median).
3. Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Programs
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State or local programs can offer grants or forgivable loans.
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Can cover some or all of your down payment and/or closing costs.
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Often aimed at first-time or low-to-moderate-income buyers.
4. Seller Financing
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Instead of getting a mortgage from a bank, the seller acts as the lender.
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May not require a traditional down payment, depending on the agreement.
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Riskier and less common, but possible.
5. Lease-to-Own (Rent-to-Own)
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You rent a home with the option to buy it later.
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A portion of your rent may go toward the future down payment.
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Usually requires some upfront payment, but not a traditional down payment.