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.
: State Housing Finance Agencies (HFAs) like CalHFA offer "silent second" mortgages or grants that cover down payments and closing costs. how to buy a house with no savings
: Allows for 1% down, with the lender providing a 2% grant to reach the 3% requirement. 4. Strategies to Eliminate Upfront Costs 7 Ways to Buy a House With No Money Down in 2026 If you don't qualify for VA or USDA
: Require 3.5% down and are lenient on credit scores (as low as 580). : Some programs, such as those from Habitat
: 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).