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PurchaseFirst-Time Homebuyers

Homeownership For All: Our 1% Down Payment Program

In this guide, we’ll share how you can qualify for our 1% down payment program, the benefits homebuyers get with 1% down, and why many first-time buyers choose this program to start their homebuying journey.

Interested in seeing if you qualify?

Let's Find Out!
Young family holding keys in front of house.
Townhome facade.

How to Buy a Home with 1% Down

With our Homeownership for All program, eligible buyers can purchase a home with just 1% down, and we’ll cover the rest, up to 2% or $7,000 in assistance.With our 1% Down Program, you’ll get:
  • Up to $7,000 in down payment assistance
  • A low-cost conventional loan with cancellable private mortgage insurance (PMI) once you reach 20% equity
  • Financial flexibility with the option to use gift funds or a local first-time homebuyer grant program to cover your 1% down payment
  • No additional second lien or repayment terms on the 2% or $7,000 down payment contribution
See the full guide below to learn how our 1% down payment program works and helps you decide if it's the right path to homeownership for you.

Quick Answer

UMortgage’s 1% down payment program provides 2% or up to $7,000 in down payment assistance to help homebuyers achieve their dreams of homeownership while saving money that can be used for furniture, move-in costs, or other expenses.

Why Consider UMortgage's 1% Down Payment Program?

Here's why qualified buyers choose to use our 1% down payment program.

Low Down Payment

Coming up with the cash for a down payment is the biggest barrier to entry for many homebuyers. This program significantly reduces the cash homebuyers need to provide at closing.

Low-Cost Conventional Loan

This program gives borrowers the benefits of a conventional loan (like cancellable mortgage insurance) without needing to break the bank.

Save Money for Furniture, Moving Costs, and More

With less needed for a down payment, buyers can save money for the other expenses that come with buying a home, like furniture, moving costs, fresh paint, and more!

Gift Fund Flexibility

Gift funds can be used to cover the borrower’s entire down payment contribution and/or closing costs, further reducing the required savings that act as the most common obstacle to homeownership.

Pro Tip

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, you may be able to combine a local grant program for first-time buyers with this program to achieve your dreams of homeownership without breaking the bank.

Who Qualifies for our 1% Down Payment Program?

Income

Income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI)

Credit Score

620 FICO

Down Payment

1% (or the remaining amount if the 2% of down payment assistance exceeds $7,000)

Debt-to-Income (DTI)

Less than 50%

Property Types Allowed

Primary home

Compare Our 1% Down Program vs. Conventional & FHA Loans

1% Down

Down Payment Needed
1%
Mortgage Insurance (PMI or MIP)
Yes, until 80% loan-to-value
Credit Score Minimum
620 FICO
Ideal if...
First-time homebuyer with higher credit who wants a lower down payment

30-Year Fixed Conventional

Down Payment Needed
3% to 5% (20% to avoid PMI)
Mortgage Insurance (PMI or MIP)
Yes, until 80% loan-to-value
Credit Score Minimum
620 FICO
Ideal if...
Homebuyer with higher credit and down payment flexibility

FHA Loan

Down Payment Needed
3.5%
Mortgage Insurance (PMI or MIP)
Yes (MIP)
Credit Score Minimum
580 FICO (or 500 with at least 10% down)
Ideal if...
Homebuyer with lower credit or limited cash savings

What's your budget?

Curious about how much you can afford to spend on a home? Use our calculator to get an estimate on your maximum budget.

/year
/year
/month
/year
Your Desired Debt-to-Income Ratio
28%

Maxiumum Home Price

$0

Maxiumum Monthly Payment

$0 /mo

The UMortgage mortgage calculators are for estimation purposes only. This is not a commitment to lend. For an exact quote based on your individual financial circumstances, please contact us.

How to Apply for our 1% Down Payment Program

Pre-Qualification

Answer a few questions online or with a UMortgage Loan Originator.

Get Custom Loan Options

We’ll check your eligibility, show you rates, and explain how much assistance you qualify for.

Lock In Your Rate

Once you're happy with your rate, you can lock it in and start gathering documents for underwriting.

Underwriting & Closing

We'll guide you every step of the way and help you close on your new home quickly and clearly.

Frequently Asked Questions About 1% Down

Here are answers to the most common questions we get about our 1% Down Payment program.

Here's Why UMortgage is Your Best Choice

Relationships, Not Transactions

Relationships, Not Transactions

We’re here for more than just your mortgage. We’ll stick with you beyond closing to help you gain financial freedom through homeownership.

Local & Nationwide Expertise

Local & Nationwide Expertise

With licensed loan officers across the country and deep knowledge of your local market, we’ll help you buy with confidence anywhere you call home.

Fast, Transparent Closings

Fast, Transparent Closings

We communicate with you every step of the homebuying or refinance process so you can close quickly without any hidden fees or surprises.

Get approved in just minutes!

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