Can you buy a house with no money down?

Yes. VA loans require 0% down payment for eligible veterans and active-duty service members. USDA loans offer 100% financing for homes in qualifying rural and suburban areas. For buyers who don't qualify for VA or USDA, FHA loans start at 3.5% down (about $17,500 on a $500,000 home), and conventional loans go as low as 3%. Down payment assistance programs from CalHFA and local housing agencies can cover part or all of that amount through grants or forgivable second mortgages.

How much down payment do I need to buy a house?

It depends on the loan program. VA: 0% down. USDA: 0% down in eligible areas. FHA: 3.5% with a 580+ credit score, or 10% with a 500-579 score. Conventional: 3% minimum, but 20% avoids mortgage insurance. Jumbo: typically 10-20%. On a $500,000 home, that ranges from $0 (VA/USDA) to $100,000 (20% conventional). Most first-time buyers put down less than 10%.

What credit score do I need to buy a home?

FHA loans accept scores as low as 500 (with 10% down) or 580 (with 3.5% down). VA and conventional loans typically require 620+. Jumbo loans usually need 680-700+. A higher credit score directly lowers your interest rate. The difference between a 660 and a 740 can mean 0.5-1.0% in rate, which translates to $150-$300/month on a $500,000 loan.

How long does it take to buy a house?

From accepted offer to closing, expect 30-45 days. Pre-approval takes 1-3 days. House hunting varies (days to months). Once under contract: appraisal and inspection take 1-2 weeks, underwriting takes 2-3 weeks, and final closing prep takes 3-5 days. Getting pre-approved before shopping speeds up the entire process and strengthens your offer.

What documents do I need to buy a home?

Most lenders need: last two years of tax returns and W-2s, recent pay stubs (30 days), two months of bank statements, government-issued ID, and authorization to pull credit. Self-employed borrowers may need profit-and-loss statements or 12-24 months of bank statements instead. Your loan officer will give you a complete list based on your specific loan program.

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Buy a House With as Little as 0% Down

VA and USDA loans let you buy with zero down payment. FHA starts at 3.5%, conventional at 3%. We match you with the program that fits your credit, income, and savings.

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A 10-minute online application gives us enough to run your credit, calculate your buying power, and tell you which loan programs you qualify for. Pre-approval letters are typically ready within one business day.

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Loan Programs for Every Buyer

Two programs offer 0% down. Three more start at 3-3.5%. Here are your options with real numbers.

Conventional

As low as 3% down ($832,750 limit, up to $1,249,125 in high-cost areas)
620+ credit score, best rates at 740+
No mortgage insurance with 20% down

FHA

3.5% down with 580+ credit (10% down for 500-579)
Loan limits: $541,287 to $1,249,125 by county
Gift funds and seller concessions up to 6% allowed

VA

0% down payment for eligible veterans and active duty
No PMI, no loan limit for full entitlement
Funding fee 1.25-3.3% (waived for disabled veterans)

USDA

0% down payment in eligible areas (more qualify than you think)
Guarantee fee: 1% upfront + 0.35% annual
Income limits apply (115% of area median)

Jumbo

For loans above $832,750 (or county conforming limit)
680+ credit, 10-20% down typical
6-12 months reserves required

First-Time Buyer

Down payment assistance programs (grants and silent seconds)
CalHFA programs for California buyers
Below-market rates and reduced fees available

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A quick conversation with our team tells you which programs fit, what your payment looks like, and how much house you can afford.

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