Creative Ways to Buy a Home with Little to No Money Down


In spite of widespread belief, buying a home is rather easy these days. It’s no longer necessary to save up tens of thousands of dollars to buy a property. In today’s market, a 20% down payment is no longer required. And even better, mortgages that need no initial payment are now also on the market. You can jump to creative ways to buy a home nowadays. So if you want to find out how to do just that, read on!

Getting a VA Loan 

There are a lot of things you have to know when buying a house. So it’s no wonder that with all that information, people often forget about VA loans. Veterans can get mortgages under specific guidelines set by the Veterans Administration (VA). The VA does not directly issue loans but rather authorizes private lenders like banks and mortgage companies to provide VA home loans.

A VA home loan might be a terrific option to buy a house for eligible veterans. The maximum loan amount is the same as the home’s appraised worth. The seller may also pay up to 6% of the purchase price as part of the closing fees. Third, the VA has more lenient credit requirements than private mortgage lenders. And fourth, there is just one ratio test in the VA home loan standards to see if the veteran can afford the house, the debt, and the monthly expenses.

Veteran loans are creative ways to buy a home for those who protected the country.


Rent to own is one of the most creative ways to buy a home

Consumers have had the opportunity to rent-to-own items like automobiles and refrigerators for quite some time. It’s become commonplace for products like appliances and vehicles, which may cost anywhere from several hundred to several thousand dollars. However, what about residences, some of which may cost hundreds of thousands of dollars?

Now, more than ever, people have one of the most creative ways to buy a home at their disposal- rent to own. However, before you delve into it, you need to understand how rent-to-own works. There is no waiting period between signing a lease and moving into your new home under a rent-to-own arrangement. You’ll have to pay rent to your landlord for at least the first several years. Your monthly rent helps pay for a down payment on a house. The next step is to save for a certain period of time, at the end of which you will apply for a mortgage loan and start the home-buying process. Your down payment will include the funds you’ve been setting up for the house during that period.

Secondly, you should consider if this is something you should be doing. You may want to look into this if you’re close to being ready to purchase a home but you still lack the necessary funds or credit to qualify for a mortgage. You may move in right away with the help of movers. Experts in the field, allseasonmovers.com, say that while you’re paying the somewhat higher-than-market-rate rent (keep in mind that some of your rent will go toward your future mortgage), you can improve your credit rating in preparation for the day when you’re ready to buy the house.

Overall, if you really fall in love with a home but aren’t ready to purchase it yet, rent-to-own can be your best option.

An FHA mortgage could be the key to your new home

FHA loans have been the go-to for homebuyers with little or nonexistent savings for a significant amount of time. Similar to the VA, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) provides services to those in need of a place to live. Although FHA does not directly provide mortgage loans, it does authorize participating lenders to do so under specific conditions.

Like VA and USDA loans, the FHA mortgage has more forgiving credit requirements and allows the seller to cover some of the closing expenses. FHA loans are unique in that a 3.5% down payment is required. However, the borrower is not required to provide this money themselves. A parent or other close family may provide financial aid in the form of a gift. This approach has been especially trendy with millennials recently. Borrowers who live in municipalities and counties that administer such grants may also qualify for funding from these sources.

Co-ownership is among the most creative ways to buy a home

Finding roommates has been a tried and true method for renters to split the cost of living expenses. Many married couples who own their house use both partners’ wages to cover the monthly payments. Certain companies have taken these two concepts and blended them to make mortgage co-signing as simple as splitting the check at a restaurant.

This is one of the most fun and creative ways to buy a home! You and your partners can have an easier time negotiating ownership shares with the help of these companies. These partners can be friends, relatives, co-workers, or, really, anyone. You and your partners can apply for a mortgage together as if you were a married couple.

Doing so can improve your mortgage application’s chances of success. Many people view this as a necessary first step in securing a mortgage of one’s own and helping to save money during the buying process. And if you already love your mortgage partners, then it’s a fun roommate party every day!

A co-owned house with your favorite people? What could be better?

Using the money from retirement accounts

Many companies out there provide 401(k) plans or similar retirement savings systems, where employees may put away money from each paycheck and have a certain portion of it matched by the business. Individuals who have been employed for a considerable period of time may have amassed a sizeable savings account. If your company allows withdrawals, you may be able to use the money toward a down payment on a house. Keep in mind, though, that if the worker resigns, the company will certainly want the money back.


Over time, significant amounts of money will stack in your retirement account.

Final words

The home-buying process may be intimidating, and as a result, many potential buyers remain on the sidelines. And let’s be honest, it’s not cheap. You may have been on the fence about it in the past due to concerns about saving enough for the necessary down payment. We hope our guide to creative ways to buy a home with little money down has helped you find the perfect solution for you. Put your assumptions to the side and try something new! It takes bravery, but it will all pay off in the end.

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Published by buildingwealthwhilesippinwine

This blog is run by Lauren Lucas and Jennifer Kessel-White, owners of the LKW Home Team with Keller Williams Classic Properties. Our team is located in Columbus, OH and this blog will give you insight into buying, selling, investing, renting, and flipping.... everything to do with real estate. I intend to educate, advocate, and answer all of your real estate questions through these posts. Oh, and let's have a little fun, too!

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