Can You Buy A Home With
Little Or No Money Down?
Many buyers assume they need tens of thousands of dollars saved before they can buy. In reality, there are grant programs, down payment assistance options, seller credits, gift funds, and zero-down loan programs that may help.
No credit check. No obligation. Free.
Ryan Harding & the Work Hard Mortgage Team
We help buyers discover every option — grants, assistance programs, and loan types they may not know exist.
Multiple
Zero/low-down options
100%
Free — no obligation
Personalized
For your situation
You Do NOT Need 20% Down
Many buyers qualify with far less than they expect. Based on a $400,000 home:
$80,000
What most think they need
$40,000
Conventional minimum
$20,000
Common conventional
$12,000
Conventional 97 / HomeReady
$0
VA / USDA loans & Grant Programs
Example based on a $400,000 purchase. Actual amounts vary. This is educational — not a loan commitment.
5 Ways People Buy With Little Money Down
There are more paths to homeownership than most buyers realize.
VA Loans
0% downAvailable to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses. No mortgage insurance required.
Learn MoreUSDA Rural Housing
0% downFor homes in eligible rural and suburban areas. Income limits apply, but many Utah communities qualify.
Learn MoreUtah Housing
Down payment assistanceState-backed programs offering competitive rates plus down payment and closing cost assistance for qualified buyers.
Learn MoreLender Grant Programs
Down payment assistanceForgivable grants from lenders that cover part or all of your down payment — no repayment required if conditions are met.
Learn MoreGift Funds + Seller Credits
Reduce cash neededFamily gifts and negotiated seller credits can dramatically reduce the cash you need at closing.
Learn MoreWhat's The Difference?
Grants, assistance, gifts, and credits — here's how they actually work.
Grant
Forgivable assistance — often no repayment required if you stay in the home for a set period (typically 3-5 years).
Down Payment Assistance
Often structured as a second mortgage — may be repaid when you sell, refinance, or pay off your first loan. Some are forgivable.
Gift Funds
Money from family members — typically parents, grandparents, or siblings. Most loan types allow gifts toward your down payment.
Seller Credits
Negotiated during the purchase — the seller agrees to cover some of your closing costs or prepaid items, reducing your cash needed.
How Much Cash Do I Really Need?
Plug in your numbers and see how grants, gifts, and credits change the picture.
Estimated Cash Needed
$12,000
Loan Amount
$388,000
Est. Monthly Payment
$2,922/mo
Rough estimate for educational purposes only. Actual numbers vary by program, rate, taxes, and insurance.
Zero-Down Eligibility Check
Answer a few questions to see which paths may be available. This is educational — not a loan decision.
Are you a veteran or active-duty service member?
Are you considering homes in a rural or suburban area?
Are you a first-time homebuyer?
What is your approximate household income?
What best describes your credit score?
Answer all 5 questions to see your result.
Common Reasons Buyers Think They Can't Buy
Tap each card to see what's actually possible.
They think:
I don't have enough saved.
Reality:
Many buyers close with $3,000 or less. Grants, assistance programs, gift funds, and seller credits all reduce cash needed — often dramatically.
They think:
My credit isn't perfect.
Reality:
FHA loans accept scores as low as 580. USDA and VA have flexible guidelines. Many assistance programs work with credit scores in the 600s.
They think:
I don't make enough.
Reality:
Income limits for assistance programs are often higher than people expect. USDA has income caps, but many Utah households qualify. It's worth checking.
They think:
I have student loans.
Reality:
Lenders have flexible rules for student loan payments. Income-driven repayment plans now count. Student loans rarely disqualify you.
They think:
I thought I needed 20% down.
Reality:
Less than 20% of first-time buyers put 20% down. The median first-time buyer down payment is under 10%. You have more options than you think.
Real Buyer Stories
Hear from buyers who discovered they were closer to homeownership than they thought.
Buying Smart in Utah: Dan Hodson on Affordability and Long-Term Strategy
Realtor Dan Hodson discusses navigating Utah's high-priced market by focusing on starter homes, equity building, and leveraging first-time buyer grants.
Grants, Co-Signing & Credit Tips for First-Time Homebuyers
A candid roundtable exploring how family support and strategic financial planning are reshaping the path from renting to owning in today's market.
Building Generational Wealth Through Homeownership
Demba Camara shares his inspiring journey from The Gambia to the US, detailing how he used cultural saving circles and grit to build a multi-home legacy.
Ask Mia About Down Payments
Get honest answers about programs and options you may not know exist.
Why Work Hard Mortgage
We help buyers compare every option — and determine which one actually creates the strongest long-term outcome.
Let's Find Out What's Possible
You may be closer to homeownership than you think.
No credit check. No obligation. Free.
Your Homeownership Plan
Takes about 2 minutes. Discover programs and options you may not know exist.