Government-insured financing with the most forgiving underwriting on the market: 3.5% down, credit down to 580, and gift funds from family allowed for the entire down payment. It is built for first-time buyers with limited savings or a thin credit file. The trade-off is mortgage insurance — required up front and monthly, and it typically stays for the life of the loan unless you refinance out of it.

Best for · First-time buyers with limited savings or a shorter credit history.