By Reuben Ryan, Veteran & Realtor | The BX5 GroupIn real estate, details matter—and as a Veteran, I’ve built my career on discipline, preparation, and execution. Those same
How to Buy a Home With No Money Down
Dated: December 9 2025
Views: 1
By Nichol Boman, The BX5 Group
If you’ve been dreaming about homeownership but feel like the down payment is the one thing standing in your way… take a deep breath. You’re not alone—and you may be a lot closer to owning a home than you think.
One of the biggest myths I hear from buyers is that you must have a large down payment saved up before you can buy. The truth? There are several programs—some you may not even know you qualify for—that can help you purchase a home with little to no money out of pocket. Let’s break them down.
1. VA Loans (0% Down)
If you’re an active-duty service member, veteran, or qualifying surviving spouse, the VA loan is hands-down one of the best tools available.
0% down payment
No mortgage insurance
Flexible credit and debt-to-income guidelines
I work with VA buyers all the time, and I love watching that moment when they realize, “Wait… I can buy with ZERO down?” Yes, you absolutely can.
2. USDA Loans (0% Down in Eligible Rural Areas)
USDA loans are designed for buyers looking outside big metro areas. Many people are surprised to learn they cover a LOT more than farmland—they include many small towns and suburban pockets.
0% down payment
Lower monthly payments due to reduced mortgage insurance
Income-based qualifications
If you’ve been browsing homes in smaller communities, this option is definitely worth looking into.
3. Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Programs
Not everyone fits VA or USDA criteria, and that’s okay—there are still powerful options available.
Many states and lenders offer programs that provide:
Grant money (that doesn’t have to be repaid)
Forgivable second liens
Low-interest down payment loans
These programs can cover down payment, closing costs, or both. Some require you to be a first-time buyer, while others don’t. The key is having a lender who knows how to pair the right DPA with the right loan program. (And yes… we work with those lenders every day.)
4. Builder Incentives & Lender Credits
New construction is another path to buying with little to no money out of pocket. Builders often offer:
Paid closing costs
Interest-rate buydowns
Move-in packages
When you combine builder incentives with special financing programs, some of my clients have walked into their brand-new home with almost no money due at closing.
5. Gift Funds From Family
This is more common than people think. FHA, Conventional, and even some portfolio loans allow all or part of the down payment to come from a:
Parent
Sibling
Grandparent
Domestic partner
Close relative
The important part: the lender must verify it as a gift, not a loan. I help my clients navigate that paperwork so everything stays smooth.
6. Negotiating Seller Credits
Depending on the market, you may be able to negotiate the seller to contribute toward:
Closing costs
Rate buydowns
Prepaids (like taxes and insurance)
These credits can dramatically reduce how much you need to bring to the table.
So… Can You Really Buy a Home With No Money?
Yes—you can.
The key is having the right team, the right loan program, and a strategy that fits your financial situation.
Whether you’re tired of renting or you’re just starting to explore your options, I’m here to walk you through every step of the process. Buying a home doesn’t have to feel impossible. With the right tools, it can feel empowering.
Ready to explore 0% down options?
Send me a message anytime. I’d love to help you get into your new home—with zero down and all the confidence in the world.
— Nichol Boman
The BX5 Group | Your Guide to Homeownership
Nichol Boman
I combine my professional expertise with a genuine passion for helping clients find their perfect homes. Originally from North Carolina, my family and I relocated to New Braunfels, Texas, where we qu....
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All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. The data relating
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. The data relating
All information deemed reliable but not guaranteed. All properties are subject to prior sale, change or withdrawal. Neither listing broker(s) or information provider(s) shall be responsible for any typographical errors, misinformation, misprints and shall be held totally harmless. Listing(s) information is provided for consumer's personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. The data relating
