Zero Down Home Loans

VA, USDA, Private Programs & DPA 💸🏡

Saving up for a down payment can feel like the biggest hurdle in buying a home — but here’s some good news: it doesn’t have to be. There are several zero down payment options that can help you become a homeowner sooner than you think. Whether you’re a veteran, buying in a rural area, or fit into a special buyer category, let’s walk through four ways to buy a home with little to nothing out of pocket.

VA Loans: Made for Military Families 🪖

If you’ve served in the military — whether you're active-duty, a veteran, or a qualifying surviving spouse — you could be eligible for a VA loan. These loans are backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs and are one of the best tools out there for buying a home with no money down.

VA loans don’t require private mortgage insurance (PMI), and some lenders will work with credit scores as low as 580. There is a funding fee (which helps keep the program running), but if you have a service-connected disability rated at 10% or higher, that fee may be waived entirely.

It’s a powerful benefit for those who have served, and it can open the door to homeownership without needing to drain your savings.

USDA Loans: For Rural Buyers 🌾

The USDA loan program is another awesome zero-down option — and no, you don’t have to live on a farm to qualify. These loans are designed to help moderate- and low-income buyers purchase homes in eligible rural areas. You’d be surprised how many communities actually qualify!

With a USDA loan, you can buy a home with no down payment and get access to low monthly mortgage insurance costs. We work with lenders that accept credit scores as low as 600, so it can be a great fit even if your credit isn’t perfect.

Curious if a specific property qualifies? You can check eligibility right on the USDA’s site using their handy map:
🔗 USDA Property Eligibility Tool

Private Zero-Down Loans: Special Programs You Might Not Know About 🏦

Not all zero-down loans are government-backed. Some private lenders and banks offer special programs — often called Special Purpose Credit Programs (SPCPs) — that provide 100% financing to select buyers. These programs are designed to promote homeownership in underserved communities or within specific geographic areas.

They’re not as widely advertised, but they can be a hidden gem if you qualify. Requirements vary by lender, and the criteria may be based on income, location, or community status. The best way to find out if you’re a fit? Talk to someone who knows the ins and outs of these offerings (hi, that’s me 🙋‍♀️).

Down Payment Assistance (DPA): Extra Help When You Need It 🧰

If none of the above options are the right fit — or you just need a little extra boost — Down Payment Assistance (DPA) programs are worth exploring. These can come in the form of grants, forgivable loans, or low-interest second loans that help cover your down payment or closing costs.

Some programs require repayment, while others don’t — and the right one depends on your income, location, and long-term plans.

I break down all the details (and the pros and cons of each type) in this blog:
👉 Unlock Your New Home with Down Payment Assistance

So, Which Zero-Down Option Is Right for You?

Everyone’s path to homeownership looks a little different — and that’s okay. The important thing is knowing that you have options. From VA and USDA loans to private lender programs and assistance you don’t have to repay, there’s more than one way to get your keys without emptying your wallet.

If you're not sure where to start, that’s where I come in. I’ll walk you through the options, answer your questions, and help build a plan that actually works for your life.

📲 Let’s connect and see what you qualify for — your homeownership journey could start today with $0 down.