The Front Door
Real stories and guides to buying a home with little money down.
Stories, myths & money moves
The $0-Down Headlines Are Real. Here’s What They Leave Out.
Millions of suburban homes may qualify for zero-down mortgages. Here is how $0 down actually works — the USDA path, its catches, and our own $0-down process.
4 Common Down Payment Program Myths Debunked
The myths keeping good buyers renting — 20% down, income limits, sketchy loans, endless paperwork — debunked with real program facts.
3 More Down Payment Program Myths Debunked
Grants vs. forgivable vs. repayable seconds, conventional options beyond FHA, and the truth about sellers and assistance offers.
85% of Homeowners Wish They Had Known These Things Before Buying
Six lessons homeowners learn the hard way — the real monthly payment, maintenance, reserves, inspections — so you learn them the easy way.
Five Myths About Women Homebuyers and What the Data Really Shows
Co-signers, perfect credit, single incomes, waiting for marriage — five myths about women homebuyers vs. the facts.
Could You Qualify for More Down Payment Help Than You Think?
Five surprises about who qualifies: income, credit, repeat buyers, stacking, and profession or zip-code programs.
How Much House Can I Afford on a $200,000 Salary?
The 28/36 math on $200k, an interactive affordability estimator, and what actually moves your number.
How Much House Can I Afford on an $80,000 Salary?
The 28/36 math on $80k, the realistic price range, and the assistance programs built for this income.
Minimum Credit Score for an FHA Loan
580+ with 3.5% down, 500-579 with 10% down — plus what FHA really weighs and how to raise your score.
FHA Combo 100% Financiamiento: Comprar Casa con FICO 600+
Guía completa en español: límites FHA por condado, pagos mensuales e ingresos requeridos para comprar con poco o ningún enganche en 5 estados.
Down Payment Assistance Explained: Grants, Forgivable Seconds, Deferred Seconds & Matched Savings
Down payment assistance comes in four main structures — grants, forgivable seconds, deferred seconds, and matched savings. Learn what each one really means when you sell, refinance, or pay it back.
The Pros and Cons of Down Payment Assistance: An Honest Look
Down payment assistance can buy you a home years sooner — but it has real tradeoffs. An honest look at the pros and cons: repayment triggers, DTI impact, shared appreciation, and limited funding.
National Down Payment Assistance Programs: Chenoa Fund, National Homebuyers Fund & Bank Grants
Chenoa Fund, National Homebuyers Fund, and big-bank grant programs explained in plain language — how national down payment assistance works and what to verify before applying.
FHA vs. VA vs. USDA Loans: Comparing the Three Federal Low Down Payment Routes
FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% down for eligible veterans), and USDA (0% down in eligible areas) compared side by side — costs, eligibility, and which federal loan fits you.
Down Payment Help for Teachers, Healthcare Workers, First Responders & Military Families
Teachers, nurses, first responders, and military families have dedicated down payment help — state programs, VA loans, employer assistance, and hero reward networks. Here's where to look.
Matched Savings for Homebuyers: How Dollar-for-Dollar Programs Work
Matched savings programs (IDAs) match every dollar you save toward a home — no debt, no repayment. Learn how they work, who qualifies, and what the commitment looks like.
Down Payment Assistance by State: California, Texas, Arizona, Florida & Georgia
California, Texas, Arizona, Florida, and Georgia hold the most down payment assistance programs. Learn where to start in each state — the HFA, local programs, and how lenders fit in.
How to Qualify for Down Payment Assistance in 2026: 7 Steps
Don't disqualify yourself before you start. Seven practical steps to qualifying for down payment assistance in 2026 — income, credit, pre-approval, education courses, and timing.
How to Financially Prepare for Buying a Home
The six-step financial prep sequence: know your number, build credit habits, save in buckets, and get pre-approved.
Stop Waiting, Start Planning: A Smarter Path to Homeownership with Down Payment Assistance
The 20% waiting trap, the hidden cost of rent, and a 90-day plan from 'someday' to under contract.
Take the quiz. Get your match.
Seven questions, sixty seconds, and a program recommendation with your next step spelled out.
Not sure where to start? Take the 60-second quiz — no contact info neededSee what you qualify for
Tell us where you want to buy and how much you can put down. We'll match you with the assistance programs that fit — 100% combos, 1% down grants, or CalHFA — and walk you through every step.