•1 min read
Purchasing a home with no down payment might sound too good to be true, but several legitimate mortgage programs make this possible for qualified borrowers. These 100% financing options can help you achieve homeownership sooner without waiting years to save for a traditional down payment.
What is 100% Financing?
100% financing means you can purchase a home without making a down payment. Instead of the typical 3-20% down payment required for most loans, these programs allow you to finance the entire purchase price of the home. This can be particularly beneficial for:
- First-time homebuyers with limited savings
- Veterans and active military members
- Those with good income but minimal savings
Types of 100% Financing Programs
VA Loans
The most well-known zero down payment option, VA loans are available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and qualifying surviving spouses. Benefits include:
- No down payment required
- No private mortgage insurance (PMI)
- Competitive interest rates
- Flexible credit requirements
- No prepayment penalties
Down Payment Assistance Programs
Many state and local programs offer down payment assistance that can cover your entire down payment:
- Grants that don't need to be repaid
- Deferred payment loans
- Forgivable loans with residency requirements
- Often combined with FHA or conventional loans
Navy Federal Credit Union Loans
For eligible members, Navy Federal offers:
- 100% financing on primary residences
- No PMI options available
- Competitive rates for members
- Available to military members and their families
Pros and Cons of 100% Financing
Advantages
- Immediate homeownership: Buy now without waiting to save
- Preserve savings: Keep cash reserves for emergencies or improvements
- Build equity sooner: Start building wealth through homeownership
- Competitive rates: Many programs offer excellent interest rates
Considerations
- Higher monthly payments: Financing more means larger payments
- Limited equity initially: Start with no equity cushion
- Potential for negative equity: If home values decline
- Stricter requirements: May need better credit or meet specific criteria
Qualifying for 100% Financing
Credit Requirements
While more flexible than conventional loans, you'll typically need:
- VA Loans: No minimum score, but lenders often require 620+
- Down Payment Assistance: Varies by program, often 620-660+
Income Guidelines
- Must demonstrate stable, sufficient income
- Debt-to-income ratios typically capped at 41-45%
- VA loans have no income limits
- Down payment assistance programs may have income limits
Property Requirements
- Must be your primary residence (in most cases)
- Property must meet program-specific standards
- VA requires the property meet Minimum Property Requirements
Making 100% Financing Work for You
Budget Carefully
Without a down payment cushion:
- Ensure you can afford the full monthly payment
- Plan for maintenance and unexpected repairs
- Consider setting aside an emergency fund
Compare All Options
- Evaluate multiple 100% financing programs
- Consider the total cost over the life of the loan
- Factor in any funding fees or mortgage insurance
Work with Experts
Our team specializes in 100% financing options and can:
- Determine your eligibility for various programs
- Compare rates and terms across lenders
- Guide you through the application process
- Help you choose the best program for your situation
Is 100% Financing Right for You?
Zero down payment loans can be an excellent tool for achieving homeownership, but they're not for everyone. They work best when you have:
- Stable, reliable income
- Good credit (though requirements vary)
- Plans to stay in the home for several years
- A budget that accommodates the full payment
Related Resources
Learn more about your mortgage options:
- Explore our loan programs
- Explore our unique home financing
- Explore our mobile home loans
- Explore our FHA loans
Ready to take the next step?
Ready to explore your 100% financing options? Our mortgage experts can help you understand which programs you qualify for and guide you through the entire process.
Other Loan Programs
VA Loans
VA loans offer incredible benefits for veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible spouses, including zero down payment and no mortgage insurance.
FHA Loans
FHA loans are government-insured mortgages with flexible qualification requirements, perfect for first-time homebuyers and those with less-than-perfect credit.
