What programs are available for first time home buyers today?

This depends on a few factors such as your credit score, income and assets. We usually recommend the following first time buyer programs, most notably the FHA program and the USDA program. These programs have very flexible credit qualifying guidelines by allowing less than perfect credit scenarios as well as flexible down payment options. For example the FHA loan you only need a down payment of 3.5% and the USDA mortgage loan you only need, money for an appraisal, Heston home inspection so call it $1500, $500 for each report. You need no other down payment. Unfortunately, down payment assistance programs are no longer available. You can get a gift from mom and dad, brother or sister or even another family member like a grandparent for a down payment. The monies will have to be sourced in a paper trail would have to be created on those monies, but otherwise those monies are good to go.