First Time Home Buyer Incentives - Yes They Exist

There are many first time home buyer incentives for you to take advantage of if you are considering buying your first home. Of course, all programs have their own eligibility requirements so it's important you target only those programs for which you will qualify. Your best bet is to start with a search online. There are many government sites that will provide you with all the information you need.

Some of the most common programs available to assist the first time home buyer are: Fannie May, FHA loans, VA loans, and programs through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Each office will have it's own unique requirements and programs.

For example, Fannie May (FannieMay.com) programs will provide incentives for first time buyers such as low down payments, financing options for people with bad credit, no appraisal fees, and very flexible mortgage loan terms.

If you've got a blemished credit record and a low credit score, you may find that financing can still be had through the Federal Housing Administration. This can be really helpful if you've had a somewhat spotty work history or have a bankruptcy on your credit report. Even with so many strikes against you, you still may qualify for a FHA loan.

FHA requires only a minimal down payment. Currently it's less than 4% down. Under FHA guidelines you can also borrow your down payment from friends or family. FHA are the only loans to allow for you to borrow money for a down payment.

The Department of Veterans Affairs offers mortgage help to active military personnel as well as retired military. The VA will guarantee up to 25% of the home loan amount which will help vets receive mortgages from their local bank or mortgage broker. To find out exactly what is available, go to: VA.gov.

The best thing you can do is to be proactive. Now is a great time to buy a home. With historically low interest rates, a glut of homes on the market, an unprecedented number of distressed homeowners, and many sources that are waiting and willing to lend a hand, now is a great time to jump into home ownership.

Be willing to invest some time to find what programs are just right for you. Make sure that you carefully check out what all the requirements are for any given program to see if you qualify.

Also, be careful that you only buy as much house as you can afford. That is part of the problem right now for many homeowners. The bank leant them
"X" amount of money so that is what they thought they could afford.

Unfortunately the bank doesn't take into consideration the fact that you like to eat out a lot or that you want to take family vacations once a year. The point is, don't think you have to go all the way up to your budget, you decide what monthly payment you will be comfortable with... and don't budge from that amount.

With so many first time home buyer incentives now is a great time to buy your first home. Don't be scared, just do your homework, set up a realistic budget (one that allows you to put money into a savings account every month) and find any programs that may help.