Buying your first home is exciting, but the idea of spending tens of thousands for a down payment can feel overwhelming. The good news? You don’t need 20% down to buy a home. In fact, no-down-payment home loans are available to many first-time buyers, making homeownership more accessible than ever.

When you pair these options with NHC’s affordable, newly constructed homes, priced at the lowest cost per square foot in many markets, your buying power goes even further. Keep reading to learn more about zero-down mortgage loans and other popular loans that can help you move into your dream home fast.

What Are No-Down-Payment Home Loans?

No-down-payment home loans let qualified buyers finance 100% of the home’s purchase price. These loans are typically insured by federal agencies, which reduces risk for lenders and makes approval easier for borrowers. The best part is that you can buy a home without having to save up a large lump sum of money first.

If you’re buying in an area like Texas, Florida, or North Carolina, and choose a newly-constructed NHC home, you’ll already benefit from lower prices. Add in a zero-down home loan, and your up-front costs could be slim.

To qualify for many of these programs, you’ll typically need:

• A credit score around 600 or higher
• A stable income and manageable debt
• To meet location or income requirements

Some programs, like those offered by United Wholesale Mortgage, are designed to support buyers earning up to 80% of their area’s median income. 

At NHC, we work diligently to ensure that our spacious homes are listed at the lowest price per square foot on the market. On top of this, we also help buyers secure fair financing to determine the best path forward for securing an affordable mortgage. If that all sounds good, feel free to contact our NHC Mortgage office to learn more about your loan options, including how to qualify for zero-down mortgage loans.

USDA Loan Eligibility and VA Loans: Popular Zero-Down Programs

VA Loans

One of the most widely used no-down-payment home loans is the VA loan. These are backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs and are reserved for active service members, veterans, and qualifying spouses.

You may be eligible if you meet one of the following:

• Served 90+ days during wartime
• Served 181+ days during peacetime
• Served 6+ years in the National Guard or Reserves
• Are the spouse of a service member who died in the line of duty

VA loans do not require Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) and often have lower interest rates, saving you even more when you buy one of NHC’s affordable, move-in-ready homes.

USDA Loans

For buyers in rural or suburban areas, USDA loans are another great option. These are backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and offer zero-down home loans for qualifying properties and buyers.

To meet USDA loan eligibility, you’ll need:

• A home located in an eligible area
• Income below 115% of the median for your area
• A credit score around 640 or higher

Many NHC communities, such as Waterside at Cedar Creek, are located in USDA-eligible zones, making it easier to qualify for zero-down home loans in Texas while also benefiting from affordable pricing and easy financing.

Low-Down-Payment Alternatives: FHA Loans and Conventional 3% Programs

Not every buyer will qualify for a no-down-payment home loan, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Programs like FHA loans allow down payments as low as 3.5%, and some conventional loans require just 3% down.

With down payment assistance or gift funds, many buyers can still reduce their out-of-pocket costs to nearly zero. If you're wondering how to qualify for zero-down mortgage loans, NHC's expert mortgage team can help walk you through your options.

You can explore different loan types in our Guide to Understanding Mortgages, or check if you qualify for a first-time home buyer grant to lower your up-front costs even further.

Zero-Down Home Loans in Texas: What First-Time Buyers Should Know

Texas is one of the most active states for zero-down home loans thanks to its rural land availability and strong first-time buyer programs.

If you're a Texas buyer considering new construction, here’s how you might qualify:

• VA and USDA loans are commonly used in Texas and apply to many rural and suburban communities
• TDHCA (Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs) offers down payment assistance for FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans
• Most programs require a credit score of 620+ and a household income within certain limits

To top it all off, NHC has tons of affordable homes and communities in Texas. Pair one of our homes with a loan program that fits your lifestyle, and you’ll be on a clear path away from renting and straight to homeownership.

The Benefits of No-Down-Payment Home Loans

1. Improved Buying Power

With a no-down-payment home loan, you may qualify for a more valuable home than you expected. That’s especially true when combined with NHC’s low price per square foot, which stretches your budget further and often eliminates the need for private mortgage insurance.

2. Preservation of Savings

By skipping a large upfront payment, you can keep your emergency fund intact. Use those savings for furniture, a backyard upgrade, or future expenses.

3. Immediate Homeownership

Zero-down home loans give you immediate equity, so there’s no need to rent or wait. You can start building long-term wealth right away and enjoy the pride of homeownership from day one.

Use Your No-Down-Payment Home Loan with NHC

Being a homeowner shouldn’t be hard, and with today’s prices, it may seem impossible. At NHC, we know that feeling all too well and have made it our mission to make the road to homeownership easy and fun. 

We have homes starting in the $160s that are eligible for no-down-payment home loans, have insanely large square footage, and are move-in ready. We also have tools like our mortgage calculator to help estimate what your monthly payments might look like with no money down (and they’ll be lower than you think). 

Ready to find your dream home? Contact us today!

FAQs

Are there any first-time home buyer loans with zero down available?

Yes. Programs like VA and USDA loans, as well as some lender-specific products, offer no-down-payment home loans to qualifying buyers.

What credit score is needed for a home loan with no down payment?

Most lenders look for a score of 600–640 or higher, depending on the loan type.

Can I get approved with no money down?

Yes! Many buyers qualify for zero-down home loans, especially when paired with an affordable home from NHC.

Can I use a financial gift to help buy a house?

Yes. Gift funds are often allowed for closing costs or down payments. Keep in mind, some amounts may be subject to gift tax regulations.