First-Time Homebuyers
If you’re new to buying a home, here’s what you can expect and how to navigate the process
Latest First-Time Homebuyer Articles
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Bankrate’s 2025 Home Affordability Report
While most homeowners are happy with their choice, many feel some level of remorse.
7 min read May 14, 2025 -
What is mortgage escrow?
It’s an often-inescapable fact of homebuying and homeowning life.
6 min read May 13, 2025 -
What is an HFA loan?
HFA loans are designed to make homeownership more affordable.
5 min read May 12, 2025 -
What is an FHA loan?
FHA loans can help borrowers with less-than-ideal credit and cash. But they aren’t perfect.
5 min read May 09, 2025 -
How to write a letter of explanation for a mortgage
No need to panic, but it’s important to do it right. Your loan may depend on it.
6 min read May 07, 2025 -
Types of mortgage lenders and how to choose
Not all lenders are alike. Here’s how to distinguish them, and why it matters for your mortgage.
5 min read May 05, 2025 -
What are reserves for a mortgage?
They’re a financial cushion to meet your monthly payments. But what makes them mandatory?
5 min read May 02, 2025 -
First-time homebuyer guide
Being a novice often feels like a nuisance. However, there are actually perks to being a first-timer.
10 min read May 02, 2025 -
FHA vs. conventional loans: What’s the difference?
Is one better than the other? Here are the pros and cons of each.
6 min read May 01, 2025 -
Fixed vs. adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM): What’s the difference?
One offers certain, unchanging payments; the other, a chance to pay less interest.
4 min read Apr 30, 2025
First-Time Homebuyer Programs by State
- Find your state's first-time homebuyer grants and programs
- Arizona first-time homebuyer grants and programs
- California first-time homebuyer grants and programs
- Florida first-time homebuyer grants and programs
- New Jersey first-time homebuyer grants and programs
- North Carolina first-time homebuyer grants and programs
- Pennsylvania first-time homebuyer grants and programs
- Tennessee first-time homebuyer grants and programs
- Texas first-time homebuyer grants and programs
- Washington first-time homebuyer grants and programs
Get guidance
- First-time homebuyer guide
- First-time homebuyer qualifications
- First-time homebuyer grants
- Tips for first-time homebuyers
- Avoid first-time homebuyer mistakes
- First-time homebuyer classes
- First-time homebuyer tax credit
- First-time homebuyer down payment
- How to compare lenders as a first-time homebuyer