First-Time Home Buyer Loans in Ohio

 Buying your first home comes with plenty of questions: 

• How much money will I need?
• Is my credit good enough?
• Which mortgage program should I use?
• And what exactly is an escrow, anyway? 

  Here’s the good news: many first-time homebuyers qualify sooner—and with less money down—than they expect. 

 Concorde Mortgage helps buyers throughout Zanesville, Coshocton, Cambridge and Eastern Ohio compare FHA, USDA, VA, conventional and down payment assistance options. 

You’ll get real numbers, clear explanations and a home-buying plan built around your situation. 

No call centers. No canned speeches. No pressure. 

Just experienced local mortgage professionals who will answer your questions, compare your options and help you take the next step with confidence. 

You do not need 20% down to buy your first home.  Depending on your qualifications and the property, loan options may be available with down payments starting between 0% and 5%—and assistance may be available for eligible buyers. 

FHA Home Loans - Starting at 3.50% down payment

FHA loans are a popular starting point for first-time homebuyers because they offer:

• Flexible credit guidelines
• Down payments starting at 3.5%
• The ability to use eligible gift funds
• Down payment assistance options for qualified buyers

A strong option when savings or credit are still a work in progress.

USDA Home Loans — 0% Down 

USDA loans can provide 100% financing for eligible buyers purchasing qualifying homes in rural and suburban communities.

• No down payment for qualified borrowers
• Competitive fixed-rate financing
• Available throughout many areas of Eastern Ohio
• Closing costs may sometimes be financed or paid through other eligible sources

One of the best-kept home-buying secrets in Eastern Ohio—and no, you do not need to be a farmer.

 VA Home Loans - 0% Down Payment and No Monthly Mortgage Insurance

Eligible veterans, active-duty service members and surviving spouses may qualify for powerful VA loan benefits:

• 0% down for qualified borrowers
• No monthly mortgage insurance
• Competitive fixed-rate options
• Flexible qualification guidelines

If you have VA eligibility, this is usually the first option we examine. You earned the benefit; you might as well use it.

 Conventional Home Loans - Starting at 3% Down Payment

A conventional mortgage may offer excellent long-term value for buyers with stronger credit.

• Down payments starting at 3% for qualified first-time buyers
• Competitive rates and flexible loan terms
• Mortgage insurance may be removed after sufficient equity is reached
• Available for a wide range of qualifying properties

A strong option for buyers who want flexibility and lower long-term costs.

Down Payment Assistance May Help Cover 

• Down payment
• Closing costs
• Prepaid taxes and insurance
• Other allowable mortgage expenses

Concorde Mortgage will compare the available programs and show you the numbers side by side. The goal is not to squeeze you into a particular loan—it is to find the option that fits your finances and gets you into the right home. 

 What First-Time Home Buyer Programs Are Available in Zanesville, Coshocton and Cambridge, Ohio 

 Qualified first-time homebuyers in Zanesville, Coshocton, Cambridge and surrounding Eastern and Southeastern Ohio communities may have several low- and no-down-payment mortgage options.

Available programs may include:

• USDA home loans: 0% down for qualified buyers purchasing eligible rural or suburban properties.
• VA home loans: 0% down and no monthly mortgage insurance for eligible veterans, service members and surviving spouses.
• FHA home loans: Down payments starting at 3.5% with flexible qualification guidelines.
• Conventional home loans: Down payments starting at 3% for certain qualified first-time buyers.
• Down payment assistance: Help with eligible down payment, closing costs and prepaid-expenses.

The best program depends on your credit, income, monthly debts, available funds, military eligibility and the location and condition of the property.

Concorde Mortgage is a local Ohio mortgage broker established in 1985. Our team helps first-time buyers compare multiple loan programs, understand the true costs and choose the financing option that fits their situation.

No call centers. No canned answers. Just experienced local guidance and real numbers before you start shopping.

 First-Time Buyer FAQ 

Do I need 20% down to buy my first home?
No. Qualified buyers may have options starting at 0% down with USDA or VA financing, 3% with certain conventional loans, or 3.5% with FHA financing. The right option depends on your qualifications and the property. 

What credit score do I need?
There is no single score required for every mortgage. Credit requirements vary by loan program, lender and overall financial profile. We will review your credit, income and monthly debts and explain which options may be available.  Perfect credit is lovely. It is also not a requirement for asking questions. 

How much money will I need besides the down payment?
Your total cash requirement may include:

• Down payment
• Closing costs
• Prepaid property taxes and homeowners insurance
• Home inspection
• Appraisal
• Earnest-money deposit
• Eligible gift funds, seller-paid costs and down payment assistance may help reduce what you need to provide personally. 

 Can I qualify for down payment assistance? 

 Possibly. Assistance programs have their own requirements involving credit, income, occupancy and the selected mortgage program. Concorde Mortgage can determine whether assistance may be available and explain how it affects your loan. 

Should I get pre-approved before looking at homes? 

Absolutely. A pre-approval shows what price range may fit your budget and helps you make a stronger offer when you find the right home. 

Will checking my options hurt my credit? 

Concorde Mortgage can begin by reviewing your situation and available programs. We use a soft-pull credit review which generally does not affect your credit score. 

 Do I have to be a first-time buyer to use a low-down-payment loan? 

Not necessarily. FHA, USDA, VA and many conventional programs may also be available to repeat buyers. Certain first-time buyer and assistance programs have additional eligibility requirements.  

How long does it take to get started?  

Once we have your basic application information, we can often provide an initial review quickly, usually the same day. You will receive real numbers, an explanation of your options and a clear list of anything else needed.  

Do you work with buyers throughout Eastern Ohio?  

Yes. Concorde Mortgage helps first-time homebuyers throughout Zanesville, Coshocton, Cambridge and surrounding Eastern Ohio communities.