Homeownership remains a vital part of the American dream. Maybe that's why there are a host of incentives designed to make it easier for first-time homebuyers to afford a place. These incentives include federal and state grants, tax credits, and other options. Even if you've owned a home in the past, you may qualify for these programs if you meet specific guidelines.

First-Time Homebuyer: Definition

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), a first-time homebuyer is someone who meets any of the following conditions:1

• An individual who has not owned a principal residence during the three-year period ending on the date of purchase of the property (and the spouse of such an individual)
• A single parent who has only owned a home with a former spouse while married
• A displaced homemaker who has only owned with a spouse
• An individual who has only owned a principal residence not permanently affixed to a permanent foundation in accordance with applicable regulations
• An individual who has only owned a property that was not in compliance with state, local, or model building codes—and which cannot be brought into compliance for less than the cost of constructing a permanent structure

As long as you qualify as a first-time homebuyer as delineated above, the options discussed in this article can help make your dream of buying a new home a reality. Do not be afraid to apply just because no one in your family ever owned a home before or you were unfairly rejected in the past.

First-Timer Benefits

Home in on HUD

The first place to look for grant assistance is HUD. Although the agency itself does not make grants to individuals, it does grant funds earmarked for first-time homebuyers to organizations with IRS tax-exempt status. The HUD website has details.3

Look to Your IRA

Every first-time homebuyer is eligible to take up to $10,000 of portfolio earnings out of a traditional IRA or Roth IRA without paying the 10% penalty for early withdrawal.4

The IRS's definition of a first-time homebuyer is someone who hasn't owned a personal residence in two years.5 (Note that this is different from HUD, which considers a first-time homebuyer to be someone who hasn't owned a personal residence in three years.)1

This means that even if you owned a home in the past, you're eligible to tap these funds for a down payment, closing costs, or other related expenses if you meet the federal criteria, noted Dean Ferraro, an agent authorized to represent taxpayers before the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Because that penalty-free $10,000-lifetime withdrawal is per individual, a couple could withdraw a maximum of $20,000 (from their separate IRAs) combined to pay for their first home. Just be sure to use the money within 120 days, or it does become subject to the 10% penalty.5

Size up State Programs

Many states—for example, Illinois, Ohio, and Washington—offer down payment assistance for first-time homebuyers who qualify.789 Typically, eligibility in these programs is based on income and may also limit the price of the property purchased. Those who are eligible may be able to receive financial assistance with down payments and closing fees as well as costs to rehab or improve a property.

Know About Native American Options

Native American first-time homebuyers can apply for a Section 184 loan (in fact, all Native Americans can). "Next to the no-money-down VA loan, this is the best federal-subsidized loan offered," says Ferraro. This loan requires a 1.5% loan upfront guarantee fee and only a 2.25% down payment on loans over $50,000 (for loans below that amount, it's 1.25%).10

Unlike a traditional loan's interest rate, which is often based on the borrower's credit score, this loan's rate is based on the prevailing market rate. Section 184 loans can only be used for single-family homes (one to four units) and primary residences.10

Feel out the Feds

If you're game for a fixer-upper, the Federal National Mortgage Association's (FNMA) HomePath ReadyBuyer program is geared toward first-time buyers. After completing a mandatory online homebuying education course, participants can receive up to 3% in closing cost assistance. The assistance goes toward purchasing a foreclosed property owned by Fannie Mae, as FNMA is affectionately known.11

Other federal or government-sponsored enterprises offer programs and assistance that, although not exclusively for first-time buyers, favor those with less money available for down payments, or limited credit history. Best-known among these are Federal Housing Administration loans (FHA loans) and Department of Veterans Affairs loans (VA loans).1213

Tax Benefits for All Homebuyers

Buying a first home also makes you eligible for the tax benefits afforded to every homebuyer, whether they're on their first or fifth residence.

Home Mortgage Interest Deduction

Home mortgage interest used to be one of the largest deductions for those who itemize. However, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) has limited this deduction to the interest paid on $750,000 or less ($375,000 or less for those married filing separately).14

However, following the passage of the Consolidated Appropriations Act the standard deduction for a single or married couple in 2022 is $12,950 and $25,900, respectively (rising in 2023 to $13,850 and $27,700), making it less likely that people will have enough deductions to itemize them.1516

Still, mortgage interest is deductible. You should be advised of interest paid to your lender on a 1098 form sent out annually in January or early February.

Points or Loan Origination Fees Deduction

The fees and points you pay to obtain a home mortgage may be applied as a deduction, according to Lisa Greene-Lewis, certified public accountant. “Points will also be reported on Form 1098 from your lender or your settlement statement at the end of the year,” she says, adding that the rules for how you deduct points are different for a first purchase or a refinancing.

Property Tax Deduction

Property tax deductions are available for state and local property taxes based on the value of your home. The amount that's deducted is the amount paid by the property owner, including any payments made through an escrow account at settlement or closing. However, the TCJA has put a $10,000 cap on the deduction.17

“You may find property taxes paid on your 1098 form from your mortgage company if your property taxes are paid through your mortgage company,” says Greene-Lewis. “Otherwise, you should report the amount of property taxes you paid for the year indicated on your property tax bill.”

Residential Energy Credit

Homeowners who installed solar panels, geothermal heat systems, and wind turbines in 2020 and 2021 may receive a tax credit worth up to 26% of the cost.18 In August 2022, Congress increased this credit to 30% for installations carried out between 2022-2032. There is no maximum amount that can be claimed.19

Energy-efficient windows and heating or air-conditioning systems may also be eligible for a tax credit. Check the IRS’s energy incentive list to see if you qualify.

Bear in mind the difference between a tax deduction and a tax credit, says Greene-Lewis. "A tax deduction reduces your taxable income, but your actual tax reduction is based on your tax bracket. A tax credit is a dollar-for-dollar reduction in the taxes you owe."

That means credit saves you a lot more. “A tax credit of $100 would reduce your tax obligation by $100, while a tax deduction of $100 would reduce your taxes by $25 if you are in the 25% tax bracket,” says Greene-Lewis.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Bottom Line

Homeownership costs extend beyond down payments and monthly mortgage payments. Be sure to consider how much home you can actually afford before you begin to hunt—not just for the home, but for a mortgage lender.

“Make sure you factor in closing costs, moving costs, the home inspection, escrow fees, home insurance, property taxes, costs of repairs and maintenance, possible homeowner's association fees, and more," says J.D. Crowe, president of Southeast Mortgage and the former president of the Mortgage Bankers Association of Georgia.

Knowing you can afford the home you choose gives you the best chance of being able to live there for years to come.