Nationwide First-Time Buyer Lender · Direct Lender Since 1998 · NMLS #1826020
First-Time Home Buyer Loans
Buying your first home shouldn’t require a perfect credit file or a 20% down payment sitting in the bank. We offer low down payment programs starting as low as 3% down, guide you through FHA, Conventional, VA, and USDA options, and connect eligible buyers with down payment assistance – all with a real person walking you through every step.
- Low down payment programs starting as low as 3% down
- FHA, Conventional, VA & USDA loan options available
- Down payment assistance programs for eligible buyers
- Flexible credit qualification guidelines
- Fast pre-approvals and a streamlined loan process
Start Your First-Time Buyer Pre-Approval
Fast, friendly guidance from application to closing day.
- Tell us about your goalsTarget home price, your savings for a down payment, and your income situation.
- Get matched to a programFHA, Conventional, VA, USDA, or a down payment assistance option.
- Get pre-approved fastSo you can shop with confidence and make competitive offers.
Our First-Time Home Buyer Loan Advantages
- Low down payment programs starting as low as 3% down.
- FHA, Conventional, VA & USDA loan options available, so we match you to the program that actually fits.
- Down payment assistance programs for eligible buyers, including state and local options.
- Flexible credit qualification guidelines for eligible buyers, rather than a single rigid cutoff.
- Primary residences, condos, townhomes & single-family homes all eligible.
- Programs for self-employed and non-traditional income borrowers, not just W-2 employees.
- Competitive fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgage options, depending on your plans.
- Fast pre-approvals and a streamlined loan process, so you can move quickly once you find the right home.
- Guidance throughout the entire mortgage process, from your first question to closing day.
- Home financing tailored to long-term homeownership goals, not just the lowest possible rate today.
Loan program types
FHA, Conventional, VA & USDA – which one is right for you?
“First-time home buyer loan” isn’t a single product – it’s a starting point that can lead to any of several loan types, depending on your down payment, credit, income, and where you’re buying. Here’s a plain-language look at each:FHA Loans
Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, FHA loans are a popular starting point for first-time buyers thanks to flexible credit guidelines and a low minimum down payment.Conventional Loans
Not government-backed, conventional loans can offer competitive pricing and, with strong enough credit, some of the lowest overall costs among first-time buyer programs.VA Loans
Available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and some surviving spouses, VA loans can offer no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance.USDA Loans
Designed for eligible rural and suburban areas, USDA loans can offer zero-down financing for buyers who meet income and location requirements.Not sure which program fits your situation?Tell us your down payment and income picture – we’ll point you to the right one.
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Eligible properties
Homes you can buy as a first-time buyer
A “starter home” looks different for everyone. Whichever shape yours takes, one of our programs is likely built for it:Primary Residences
Any home you plan to live in as your primary residence is eligible across all four program types.Condos
A popular, lower-maintenance entry point into homeownership in many first-time buyer markets.Townhomes
Attached homes that often offer more square footage per dollar than a detached house.Single-Family Homes
The classic starter home, financeable with as little as 3% down on the right program.Found a home, or still looking?Either way, getting pre-approved first helps you shop with confidence.
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Closing the gap
Down payment assistance programs
The down payment is the single biggest hurdle for most first-time buyers – not the monthly payment. That’s why we actively connect eligible buyers with down payment assistance (DPA) programs, which can come in several forms: outright grants that never need to be repaid, forgivable second mortgages that are waived after you stay in the home for a set number of years, or low-interest deferred loans that come due when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage. Most DPA programs are run through state or local housing finance agencies and come with their own income limits, purchase price caps, and homebuyer education requirements, so eligibility varies by where you’re buying. We’ll walk you through what’s available in your area as part of your pre-approval, at no extra cost to explore your options. See What I Qualify For →Flexible qualification
Built for real financial situations, not just perfect ones
Flexible Credit Guidelines
We work with eligible buyers across a range of credit profiles rather than applying one rigid cutoff to every applicant.Self-Employed & Non-Traditional Income
Programs designed for self-employed borrowers, gig income, and other non-W-2 income situations that a purely automated system might miss.Fixed or Adjustable-Rate Options
Competitive fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgage options, so your loan structure matches how long you actually plan to stay.Free tool
First-time buyer payment calculator
This tool estimates your down payment, loan amount, and monthly payment – including an estimate for mortgage insurance if you’re putting down less than 20%. Enter your numbers to see the estimate. Illustrative only; your actual pre-approval will reflect the specific program you qualify for.Your home
Down payment needed–
Loan amount–
Monthly principal & interest–
Estimated mortgage insurance–
Estimated total monthly payment–
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Illustrative only; not a commitment to lend. Mortgage insurance is estimated at roughly 0.5% of the loan amount annually when the down payment is below 20%, and set to zero at or above 20% down – actual mortgage insurance varies by program and credit profile. Excludes closing costs. The interest rate is an example input, not a quote.
Where we help buyers get started
First-time home buyer loans by state
First-time buyer programs and down payment assistance vary meaningfully from state to state. Here’s a closer look at the states where we help the most first-time buyers get their start:
Don’t see your state below? You can still submit an application – we’re licensed nationwide and can help buyers in all 50 states.
FL
Florida
Florida Hometown Heroes & Florida Assist Florida’s lack of a state income tax and steady population growth make it an attractive place to put down roots, and the state runs some of the more active down payment assistance programs in the country for eligible first responders, teachers, healthcare workers, and other qualifying buyers. Because competition can be strong in popular Florida metros, getting pre-approved before you start touring homes goes a long way. Explore Florida first-time buyer loans →GA
Georgia
Georgia Dream Homeownership Program Georgia remains one of the more affordable states for first-time buyers relative to income, especially outside the core Atlanta metro. The Georgia Dream Homeownership Program offers down payment assistance to eligible buyers, and steady job growth across the state continues to support long-term home value stability for new owners. Explore Georgia first-time buyer loans →MD
Maryland
Maryland Mortgage Program (CDA) Maryland’s proximity to Washington, D.C. supports strong, stable employment for many first-time buyers, and the state’s Community Development Administration runs down payment and closing cost assistance products designed specifically to pair with a first mortgage. That combination can make higher-priced Maryland markets more attainable than the sticker price alone suggests. Explore Maryland first-time buyer loans →CA
California
CalHFA MyHome & Dream For All Programs California’s home prices are famously high, but the state also runs some of the most active first-time buyer support programs anywhere, through CalHFA’s down payment assistance and shared-appreciation options. Combined with FHA, VA, and USDA eligibility in qualifying areas, buyers who might assume they’re priced out often have more paths in than they expect. Explore California first-time buyer loans →OH
Ohio
OHFA YourChoice! Down Payment Assistance Ohio combines some of the country’s most affordable home prices with a straightforward state assistance program. OHFA’s YourChoice! Down Payment Assistance pairs a competitive fixed-rate mortgage with 2.5% to 5% of the purchase price toward your down payment or closing costs, forgiven after seven years if you stay in the home. Cities like Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland also run their own local grants that can stack on top. Explore Ohio first-time buyer loans →TN
Tennessee
THDA Great Choice & Great Choice Plus From Nashville and Memphis to smaller markets across the Volunteer State, the Tennessee Housing Development Agency pairs its Great Choice Home Loan with Great Choice Plus down payment assistance – either a flat $6,000 deferred second mortgage or up to 5% of the purchase price. No state income tax and steady job growth make Tennessee a popular landing spot for first-time buyers relocating from higher-cost states. Explore Tennessee first-time buyer loans →NJ
New Jersey
NJHMFA Down Payment Assistance & First Generation DPA New Jersey’s home prices run high, but so does the state’s commitment to first-time buyers. NJHMFA’s Down Payment Assistance Program offers up to $15,000 as an interest-free, five-year forgivable second mortgage, and eligible first-generation buyers can stack an additional $7,000 on top. Local programs in cities like Newark and Jersey City can add still more. Explore New Jersey first-time buyer loans →CT
Connecticut
CHFA Time To Own & DAP Loan Connecticut Housing Finance Authority runs two complementary paths to a lower cash-to-close: Time To Own, a 0% interest forgivable loan of up to $25,000 that disappears entirely after ten years, and the DAP Loan, a low fixed-rate second mortgage for buyers who can handle a small extra monthly payment. Both pair with a CHFA first mortgage across the state. Explore Connecticut first-time buyer loans →NC
North Carolina
NC Home Advantage Mortgage & NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment North Carolina’s growing metros – Charlotte, Raleigh, and the Triangle – draw a steady stream of first-time buyers, and the NC Housing Finance Agency backs them with real help: up to 3% down payment assistance through the NC Home Advantage Mortgage, plus up to $15,000 more through the NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment program for eligible first-time buyers and veterans. Explore North Carolina first-time buyer loans →TX
Texas
TDHCA My First Texas Home & TSAHC Homes for Texas Heroes Texas runs two statewide assistance tracks: TDHCA’s My First Texas Home, which pairs a 30-year fixed mortgage with up to 5% assistance as a deferred or forgivable second lien, and TSAHC’s Homes for Texas Heroes, a grant (no repayment) for teachers, first responders, veterans, and other public servants. Major cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin layer on their own local down payment programs too. Explore Texas first-time buyer loans →Buying somewhere else?We help first-time buyers nationwide – tell us your state and we’ll walk you through what’s available.
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How it works
Get pre-approved in three steps
1
Tell us about your goals
Share your target home price, how much you’ve saved, and your income situation – employed, self-employed, or a mix.2
Get matched to a program
We review FHA, Conventional, VA, USDA, and available down payment assistance to find your best fit.3
Get pre-approved fast
Shop with confidence and make competitive offers, backed by guidance through every step to closing.Ready to get started?Guidance throughout the entire mortgage process, from day one.
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Answers
First-time home buyer loan FAQ
Do I have to have never owned a home to qualify as a “first-time” buyer?
Not necessarily. Many first-time buyer programs use a broader definition – typically anyone who hasn’t owned a home in the past three years – rather than requiring you to have literally never owned property. We’ll help you understand which definition applies to the specific program you’re pursuing.What’s the real difference between FHA, Conventional, VA, and USDA loans?
FHA loans are government-backed and known for flexible credit guidelines with a low down payment. Conventional loans aren’t government-backed and can offer competitive pricing for stronger credit profiles. VA loans serve eligible veterans and service members with no down payment required. USDA loans support buyers in eligible rural and suburban areas with zero-down financing. We’ll help match you to the one that fits your credit, income, and target property.How much down payment do I actually need?
It depends on the program – some conventional and FHA options start as low as 3% to 3.5% down, and VA and USDA loans can require no down payment at all for eligible buyers. Down payment assistance programs can reduce what you need to bring to closing even further, depending on your state and eligibility.What credit score do I need to qualify?
We work with flexible credit qualification guidelines rather than a single fixed cutoff, and different loan programs have different minimums. Rather than guessing, it’s usually faster to start a pre-approval conversation and let us tell you exactly where you stand and what programs are available to you.Can self-employed or non-traditional income borrowers qualify?
Yes. We offer programs designed for self-employed borrowers and others with non-traditional income, using documentation like tax returns, business financials, or bank statements alongside or instead of standard pay stubs.What is down payment assistance, and how do I know if I qualify?
Down payment assistance (DPA) programs – often grants, forgivable loans, or low-interest second mortgages – help cover some or all of your down payment and closing costs. Eligibility usually depends on income limits, the purchase price of the home, and sometimes a homebuyer education course. We’ll check what’s available in your state as part of your pre-approval.What if my state isn’t listed on this page?
That’s not a problem. We’re a direct lender licensed nationwide, so you can still start an application no matter where you’re buying. We’ll walk you through the FHA, Conventional, VA, and USDA options available in your state, along with any state or local down payment assistance you may qualify for.How fast can I get pre-approved?
Our streamlined process is built for speed – most buyers can get a clear pre-approval quickly once we have your basic income, credit, and down payment information, so you can start shopping with a real number in hand rather than a guess.Still have questions about buying your first home?We’re here to help, start to finish.
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Keep exploring
Planning ahead? Explore our other programs
FloridaFirst-time buyer programs
GeorgiaFirst-time buyer programs
MarylandFirst-time buyer programs
CaliforniaFirst-time buyer programs
OhioFirst-time buyer programs
TennesseeFirst-time buyer programs
New JerseyFirst-time buyer programs
ConnecticutFirst-time buyer programs
North CarolinaFirst-time buyer programs
TexasFirst-time buyer programs
DSCR LoansFor when you’re ready to invest
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Your first-time buyer lender since 1998Direct lender · as low as 3% down · guidance the whole way, nationwide.
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© 2026 CambridgeHomeLoan.com · NMLS #1826020 · 4830 W Kennedy Blvd, Tampa, FL 33609 · (800) 826-5077 · Equal Housing Lender. This is not a commitment to lend. Loan programs including FHA, Conventional, VA, and USDA financing, and any down payment assistance program, are subject to individual eligibility, income and purchase-price limits, property location, credit qualification, and full underwriting approval, and terms vary by state and program. “As low as 3% down” and other minimums reflect the strongest borrower profiles under specific programs and are not available to all buyers or in all areas. VA loans are available only to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and certain surviving spouses; USDA loans are available only in eligible rural and suburban areas and are subject to household income limits. Down payment assistance programs referenced (including Florida Hometown Heroes, Florida Assist, the Georgia Dream Homeownership Program, the Maryland Mortgage Program, CalHFA programs, OHFA YourChoice!, THDA Great Choice Plus, NJHMFA Down Payment Assistance, CHFA Time To Own, the NC Home Advantage suite, and TDHCA/TSAHC programs) are administered by state or local housing agencies, subject to their own eligibility rules, funding availability, and program changes, and are not guaranteed. While this page highlights states where we help a high volume of first-time buyers, we are a direct lender licensed nationwide and can originate loans in states beyond those listed here; contact us to confirm current licensing in your state. Calculator results are illustrative, use an estimated mortgage insurance figure, and exclude closing costs. Rates, terms, and monthly payments will vary based on the loan program, your credit profile, and market conditions at the time of application. This page is informational and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice.