Updated: November 21, 2023
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Buying a home can be exciting but challenging. Seeking financial assistance through a first-time homebuyer program in New Hampshire can help ease the process. MoneyGeek highlights the first-time homebuyer programs available in the state so you can choose the best option for your situation.
When you finance a home purchase, the amount you pay upfront is called the mortgage down payment. The down payment amount affects the type of mortgage and amount you qualify for. Generally, smaller down payments mean higher monthly payments.
Not everyone can afford to save enough for a 20% down payment. Thankfully, first-time New Hampshire homebuyers can access several programs to help them purchase a home. These include government-supported loans, state-specific programs, down-payment support and below-market purchase programs.
Eligibility for each homebuyer program varies. For example, VA loans are only available to those with military affiliations. In New Hampshire, certain homebuyer programs are exclusively available to state residents.
MoneyGeek’s guide to first-time homebuyer programs for New Hampshire residents can help you select the most suitable one for your needs.
Zero-down-payment loans allow you to get a mortgage with no down payment at closing. Loan programs that don’t require a down payment include VA and USDA loans.
USDA home loans, offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, provide financial support to low-to-moderate income homebuyers in rural areas. The program has three different types of funding programs:
Applicants receive financial assistance at significantly low rates and do not need down payments.
Eligibility for the direct home USDA loan in New Hampshire includes an adjusted income that falls below the applicable low-income limit for the state. In addition, the property should be at most 2,000 square feet, with a market value within the area's loan limit and not intended for commercial use.
Private lenders issue VA loans in New Hampshire guaranteed by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. VA loans are one of the most renowned financial assistance benefits those in the military enjoy. Eligible applicants include military members, veterans and family members who meet the loan requirements.
VA loans don’t require a down payment, which makes them an attractive alternative to traditional home loans. They also feature fewer eligibility requirements than other loan programs, although you must have a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) before applying.
The different types of VA loans include:
Low-down-payment programs allow first-time homebuyers to purchase a house with a down payment of less than 20%. Conventional loans and FHA loans belong in this category.
Private lenders offer conventional home loans to first-time home buyers in New Hampshire with flexible terms and applicant requirements. They are preferable to other loan types since they are widely available and feature low interest rates.
Unlike USDA and VA loans, buyers can use Fannie and Freddie conventional loans to purchase rental properties and vacation homes, as well as personal property.
Your loan may be conforming or non-conforming. A conforming conventional loan meets Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae requirements, whereas a non-conforming loan or jumbo loan deviates from these requirements.
Note that the down payment percentage may vary considerably between lenders. You will need to compare rates to find the best lender for you. In addition, most lenders will require private mortgage insurance to protect themselves if you default on the loan.
Federal Housing Administration loan programs from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) are available to home buyers through private lenders.
HUD does not offer FHA loans directly. Instead, private lenders, such as mortgage companies, credit unions and other financial institutions, offer FHA loans and require lower credit scores and down payments than conventional loan programs.
Maximum loan amounts differ depending on the lender and application area.You can use HUD's online tool to determine your maximum loan amount. Payment terms are 15 or 30 years, and homebuyers need proof of mortgage insurance.
FHA 203(k) loans include a home purchase amount and a separate amount for home renovation. FHA 203(k) loans may be ideal for those interested in getting an older property that needs work.
An FHA 203(k) loan covers various rehabilitation expenses, such as structural alterations and reconstruction, elimination of health and safety hazards, modernization, reconditioning or replacing plumbing and accessibility improvements.
Applicants must meet the eligibility requirements for the loan amount and type of property. Two types of FHA 203((k) loans you may find in New Hampshire include:
Zero-down-payment loans: Offer reduced rates but may be difficult to qualify.
USDA loans: Require low-to-moderate income and a rural property purchase.
VA loans: Limited to active military members, veterans, and eligible family members. Loans require a Certificate of Eligibility.
Conventional loans: Rates vary based on property type, loan amount and down payment percentage.
FHA loans: Are sold through private lenders and feature friendlier credit scores and down payment requirements.
FHA 203(k) loans: Feature restrictions on the type of property, loan amount and repair projects.
Aside from federal loans, you can also take advantage of state-specific first-time homebuyer programs in New Hampshire to realize the dream of purchasing your first home.
Home Flex Plus offers New Hampshire first-time homebuyers cash assistance of 2–3% of the principal loan. You can use the cash for payments or closing costs, and the repayment term is 30 years.
Home First is a Mortgage Revenue Bond program that offers first-time homebuyers reduced-rate mortgages and the option to add $10,000 in down payment assistance. Applicants must meet the income criteria for the town or city where the property is located.
MoneyGeek answered common questions about first-time homebuyer programs in New Hampshire to help buyers make the best decision for their needs.
New Hampshire has various homebuyer programs suitable for first-time applicants. They include USDA and VA loans, conventional loans, FHA and FHA 203 (k) loans and other state-specific options, such as Home Flex Plus loans and the Home First program.
To be eligible for financial assistance from federal and state-specific first-time home buyer programs, you cannot have owned a home in the past three years.
Zero-down-payment programs, such as VA and USDA loans, allow you to purchase a house in New Hampshire without putting money down.
Cash assistance is available in New Hampshire through the Home Flex Plus and Home First programs.
