Many state and local Down Payment Assistance (DPA) programs offer grants (free money) or deferred-payment second mortgages that are forgiven if you stay in the home for a set period (often 5–10 years).
Buying with zero equity means you are "underwater" the moment you sign, as selling costs (agent commissions) would exceed your home's value. FHA Down Payment Grants for 2026 buying a house with no savings
Buying a house without savings is a high-wire act of financial engineering—entirely possible, but requiring a shift from the traditional "save then buy" mindset to one focused on leveraging specific programs and understanding long-term trade-offs. 1. The "True" Zero-Down Pathways Many state and local Down Payment Assistance (DPA)