City of Amsterdam, NY

A 0%, deferred second loan from the State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA) to help buyers cover down payment and closing costs, pairing with a SONYMA first mortgage.

Who it's for:

Meet SONYMA income and purchase-price limits, complete homebuyer education, and use a SONYMA first mortgage.

Income limit:

County-specific SONYMA limits

Where:

New York

A low-interest SONYMA first mortgage for eligible first-time New York buyers that pairs with SONYMA down-payment assistance.

Who it's for:

First-time buyer, occupy as primary residence, and meet SONYMA income and credit limits; complete homebuyer education.

Income limit:

County-specific SONYMA limits

Where:

New York

Government-insured mortgages with down payments as low as 3.5% and flexible credit requirements — popular with first-time buyers.

Who it's for:

Credit score generally 580+ for 3.5% down; property must meet FHA standards and be a primary residence.

Income limit:

No income cap; loan limits vary by county

Where:

Nationwide

Zero-down, no-PMI mortgages backed by the VA for eligible veterans, service members, and surviving spouses.

Who it's for:

Meet VA service requirements and obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE); primary residence only.

Income limit:

No income cap; residual-income guidelines apply

Where:

Nationwide

Zero-down mortgages and direct loans for low- and moderate-income buyers in eligible rural and small-town areas.

Who it's for:

Income within USDA limits and property in a USDA-eligible rural area; primary residence.

Income limit:

≤ 115% of area median (Guaranteed); ≤ 80% (Direct)

Where:

Nationwide

Thousands of state and local programs offer grants or low-interest second loans to cover down payment and closing costs for eligible buyers.

Who it's for:

Usually first-time buyer (no home owned in 3 years), income limits, and a homebuyer-education course.

Income limit:

Program-specific (often ≤ 80–120% AMI)

Where:

Nationwide