10 of the Best First-Time Homebuyer Programs in the U.S.
By Natalia Wolting • Jan 3, 2025
Owning a home is a dream for many remote workers but navigating the financial and logistical hurdles can be daunting—especially for first-time buyers. Thankfully, the U.S. offers a variety of first-time homebuyer programs designed to ease the path to homeownership. These programs offer financial assistance, tax incentives and education to help individuals and families navigate the often intimidating process of buying their first home. Here’s a ranked list of the best first-time homebuyer programs in the U.S. for 2025 to help remote workers and individuals looking to relocate, find the right fit for their needs.
1. FHA Loans
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan program remains one of the most popular options for first-time homebuyers due to its flexible eligibility requirements and low down payment options.
Why It’s Great:
Requires as little as 3.5% down payment.
Credit score requirements are lenient, with approval possible for scores as low as 580.
Available nationwide, making it accessible to buyers in both urban and rural areas.
Best For: Buyers with limited savings or lower credit scores who want a straightforward path to homeownership.
2. USDA Loans
USDA loans offer incredible benefits with zero down payment requirements if you’re open to living in a rural or suburban area.
Why It’s Great:
No down payment is required.
Competitive interest rates.
Designed for moderate- to low-income buyers.
Best For: Remote workers and families willing to relocate to rural or suburban communities for affordable housing and quality of life.
3. VA Loans
For veterans, active-duty military members, and their families, VA loans provide unmatched benefits to achieve homeownership.
Why It’s Great:
No down payment is required.
No private mortgage insurance (PMI).
Competitive interest rates and flexible credit requirements.
Best For: Eligible service members and veterans looking to buy their first home without significant upfront costs.
4. Tulsa Remote Program
Tulsa Remote is more than just a housing assistance program—it’s a relocation incentive designed to attract remote workers to Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Why It’s Great:
Offers $10,000 in grants to remote workers who relocate to Tulsa.
Includes access to coworking spaces and networking events.
Affordable housing market with plenty of options for first-time buyers.
Best For: Remote workers seeking community and affordability in a mid-sized city.
5. Good Neighbor Next Door Program
This program by HUD offers significant discounts to teachers, firefighters, police officers and emergency medical technicians (EMTs).
Why It’s Great:
Up to 50% off the listing price of eligible homes.
Focused on revitalizing communities in need of investment.
Includes properties in urban, suburban, and some rural areas.
Best For: Eligible public servants committed to improving communities while achieving affordable homeownership.
6. West Virginia Housing Development Fund Movin’ Up Program
The Movin’ Up program by the West Virginia Housing Development Fund is tailored to assist buyers who may not meet the criteria for other state programs but still need support.
Why It’s Great:
Flexible income limits.
Competitive fixed interest rates.
Assistance for both first-time and repeat buyers transitioning into a new home.
Best For: This program caters to a broader range of buyers, making it a great option for remote workers looking to relocate to West Virginia’s scenic and affordable housing markets.
7. Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC)
The Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) offers programs to help low- and moderate-income Texans achieve their dream of homeownership.
Why It’s Great:
Down payment assistance grants and loans.
Fixed-rate mortgage options.
Special programs for teachers, veterans, police officers, and healthcare workers.
Best For: TSAHC provides tailored assistance for essential workers and others who might face financial barriers to homeownership, making Texas an attractive relocation option for remote workers.
8. Georgia Dream Homeownership Program
The Georgia Dream Homeownership Program is designed to assist low- and moderate-income families in purchasing their first home, with special incentives for public servants and educators.
Why It’s Great:
Down payment assistance up to $10,000.
Affordable fixed-rate mortgage options.
Additional assistance for teachers, healthcare providers, and law enforcement officers.
Best For: This program provides a helping hand to buyers in Georgia, making it a great choice for remote workers seeking affordable living options in the Southeast.
9. HomeReady and Home Possible Loans
These conventional loan programs, offered by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, cater to low- to moderate-income first-time buyers.
Why It’s Great:
Low down payment options start at 3%.
Flexible underwriting for non-traditional income sources.
Reduced mortgage insurance costs compared to FHA loans.
Best For: Buyers with steady incomes who want to minimize long-term mortgage insurance costs.
10. First-Time Homebuyer Savings Accounts
Available in several states, these accounts allow buyers to save for a home with tax advantages.
Why It’s Great:
Tax-deductible contributions in participating states.
Interest earned is often tax-free.
Encourages disciplined saving for future home purchases.
Best For: Long-term planners who want to maximize savings while reducing their tax burden.
How to Choose the Right Program
When evaluating first-time homebuyer programs, consider your unique needs as a remote worker or someone planning a move:
Location Matters - Look for programs targeting the areas you’re interested in relocating to.
Financial Fit - Assess your savings, income, and credit to determine which programs align best with your financial situation.
Lifestyle Preferences - Consider factors like community size, job opportunities, and local amenities when deciding where to settle.
Additional Relocation Assistance
While not a homebuyer’s program, MakeMyMove connects remote workers and workers in certain job fields willing to relocate to certain communities with financial and housing incentives.
Key Features:
Assistance with identifying communities offering homebuyer grants.
Relocation stipends, often exceeding $5,000 in value.
Community resources to ease the transition.
By bridging the gap between remote work flexibility and affordable housing opportunities, MakeMyMove helps remote professionals take advantage of programs that align with their lifestyle.
Mariah Zingarelli is just one example of a remote worker who used the program to achieve her dreams of homeownership. “Once we finalized our decision to move to Noblesville, MakeMyMove continued to assist us with various aspects of the relocation process. They helped us connect with reputable real estate agents who understood our specific requirements and guided us through the home-buying process. The MakeMyMove team also provided us with valuable resources, such as moving checklists and tips for a seamless transition,” Zingarelli says.
First-time homebuyer programs in the U.S. offer incredible opportunities to turn homeownership into reality. Whether you’re a remote worker planning a move or a first-time buyer navigating affordability challenges, these programs provide the financial support and incentives needed to succeed. Start your journey today and take the first step toward owning a home.
About MakeMyMove
Remote work has freed millions of Americans to live where they want, and many are making the move to places that better match their lifestyle. In turn, cities and towns across the country are offering incentives like cash, perks and programming to remote workers who move and work from their communities. At MakeMyMove, you can explore all the places, get personalized help to find the one that’s right for you, connect with locals, and access support to make your move a piece of cake.
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