How to Buy a Home With $0 Down in 2025 (Even If You Think You Can’t)

You Don’t Need Perfect Credit or a Big Savings Account

If you’re renting right now, you’ve probably heard the same thing over and over:

“You need 10–20% down.”
“Your credit must be perfect.”
“Homeownership is for people with money.”

Those rules don’t exist anymore.

In 2025, thousands of renters are buying homes with little-to-no money out of pocket, thanks to:

• Down payment assistance programs

• State and city homebuyer grants

• Employer-assisted housing

• Nonprofits and credit-building lenders

• Local housing commissions

• Special first-time buyer loan products

If you think you can’t buy a home, this guide is going to change that.

Step 1: Understand How $0 Down Really Works in 2025

Buying with $0 down doesn’t mean the home is free — it means your upfront costs are covered through a combination of:

✔ Down payment assistance (DPA)

Programs that give you $5,000–$30,000 or more toward your down payment.

✔ Grants (you never repay)

City, county, and state grants that cover down payment and closing costs.

✔ Forgivable loans

Loans that turn into a grant if you stay in the home 3–10 years.

✔ Zero-down mortgage products

Such as:

• USDA

• VA

• Certain conventional products

• Local credit union zero-down programs

✔ Seller credits and lender credits

Often used to reduce or eliminate closing costs.

Most buyers use 2–3 layered programs together — that’s the real secret behind $0 down.

Step 2: Check What Assistance Programs You’re Eligible For

This step is where renters usually get stuck, because every city and state has different rules.

The fastest way to find out what you qualify for is by using:
👉 NoDownPayment.app — your free database of 2,500+ verified programs nationwide.

You’ll see programs like:

• First-time buyer grants

• Credit-boost programs

• City-specific DPA options

• Employer-assisted programs

• Neighborhood incentives

• Zero-down loans in your state

It takes less than 60 seconds and shows real options available right now.

Step 3: Know the Basic Requirements (They’re Easier Than You Think)

Contrary to popular belief, most programs do not require:

✘ Perfect credit
✘ High income
✘ Years of rental history
✘ Huge savings

Here’s what most look for:

✔ FICO score around 580–620

Many buyers get approved with average or low credit.

✔ Stable income (W-2, 1099, or self-employed)

You don’t need a high salary — you just need consistency.

✔ Debt under control

Not perfect… just manageable.

✔ Completion of a homebuyer education course

Usually a simple online class.

If you don’t meet all criteria today, don’t worry — most buyers need 30–90 days of prep, not years.

Step 4: Calculate What You Can Afford

Here’s what surprises most renters:

Your mortgage payment is often less than your rent.

And unlike rent, it can’t suddenly go up $200 next year.

A simple affordability check includes:

• Monthly income

• Monthly debts

• Estimated taxes/insurance for your area

• Assistance or grant amounts you're using

If you’re unsure where to start, our weekly $0 Down Homebuyer Webinar walks you through the numbers step-by-step.

Step 5: Get Pre-Approved Through a Lender Who Knows DPA Programs

Not all lenders understand down payment assistance — and many don’t offer them.

Choose a lender who specializes in:

• First-time buyers

• Grants

• Zero-down products

• Credit-flexible loan options

• Layered assistance programs

A lender experienced with renters and underserved communities can turn a “no” into a “yes” quickly.

Step 6: Layer Programs for the Best Results

This is where buyers save the most money.

Example $0 Down Scenario:

• $12,000 state down payment assistance

• $8,000 city grant

• $5,000 lender credit

• Seller pays 3% of closing costs

Total Out-of-Pocket: $0–$1,200
Monthly Payment: Often less than your rent

Most buyers are shocked at how doable this is.

Step 7: Start Shopping for Homes Within Your Program’s Guidelines

Many programs have rules about:

• Maximum purchase price

• Location boundaries

• Property type (single-family, condo, etc.)

• Required inspection standards

A knowledgeable agent (like the Own The Roof team) will show you only the homes that work with your program so you don’t waste time.

Real Talk: You’re Closer Than You Think

Most renters dramatically underestimate how close they are to buying a home.

Here’s the truth:

• You don’t need 20% down

• You don’t need perfect credit

• You don’t need to make six figures

• You don’t need to wait years

• You don’t need to “get lucky”

What you need is information, guidance, and the right programs — and that’s exactly what Own The Roof was built to give you.

Your Next Step: Check Your Eligible Grants and Assistance Programs

In 60 seconds or less, you can see the programs available in your city.

👉 Visit NoDownPayment.app to get your list instantly.
👉 Or join our free weekly webinar: How Buyers Are Getting Homes With $0 Out of Pocket.

Your journey starts when you learn what’s possible.

And for the first time, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Our Favorite Program: