Dawn Griffin July 6, 2026
Many first-time homebuyer programs in St. Louis make it possible to purchase a home without a traditional 20% down payment — a myth that keeps far too many buyers on the sidelines. The truth is, there are a variety of loan programs, grants, and financing options designed to make buying a home more affordable.
Whether you’re just starting your home search or think homeownership is still years away, you may have more options than you realize. Here are seven of the most popular St. Louis first-time homebuyer programs available right now.
A zero-down-payment mortgage allows qualified buyers to purchase a home without making a traditional down payment.
Benefits:
Ideal for:
Buyers with stable income and good credit who haven’t had time to save for a large down payment.
Recently I talked with KSDK reporter Mercedes MacKay about first-time homebuyer programs that can help St. Louis home buyers get into a home with less money down. Watch here.
Saving for upfront costs is often the biggest hurdle for first-time buyers, and the St. Louis area has several local programs designed to help. Beyond Housing, the region’s largest HUD-approved housing counseling agency, administers down payment and closing cost assistance for St. Louis County and City. City of St. Louis buyers also have access to HomeSTL, a forgivable loan through the St. Louis Development Corporation with 0% interest and no monthly payments for qualifying first-time buyers.
Benefits:
Ideal for:
Buyers who qualify based on income and need help covering upfront costs.
Program funding and availability change — always confirm current terms with a local lender before relying on specific dollar amounts.
The Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) offers programs that help eligible Missouri homebuyers — including those buying in the St. Louis area — with down payment and closing costs while providing competitive mortgage financing.
Benefits:
Ideal for:
First-time homebuyers purchasing a home in Missouri who meet program guidelines.
FHA loans remain one of the most popular financing options for first-time buyers because they offer flexible qualification standards.
Benefits:
Ideal for:
Buyers with moderate credit or limited savings.
If you’re an eligible veteran, active-duty service member, or qualifying surviving spouse, a VA loan offers one of the best mortgage options available.
Benefits:
Ideal for:
Eligible military members and veterans.
Certain professionals — including physicians, dentists, veterinarians, pharmacists, attorneys, and other licensed professionals — may qualify for specialized financing.
Benefits:
Ideal for:
Medical professionals and other qualifying licensed professionals beginning or advancing their careers.
Conventional financing isn’t just for buyers with large down payments. Many conventional loan programs allow qualified buyers to purchase a home with as little as 3% down.
Benefits:
Ideal for:
Buyers with strong credit looking for long-term flexibility.
The right financing option can change what’s possible for your home search — but figuring out which one fits takes a real conversation, not a checklist. Reach out to the Dawn Griffin Group and we’ll walk you through your options and connect you with a trusted local lender who can pinpoint what you qualify for.
No. Many first-time homebuyer programs in St. Louis allow for down payments as low as 3%, and some — like VA loans and 100% financing options — require no down payment at all.
Beyond Housing, the region’s largest HUD-approved housing counseling agency, administers down payment and closing cost assistance for St. Louis County and City buyers. City of St. Louis buyers can also look into HomeSTL, a forgivable loan program through the St. Louis Development Corporation. Program terms and funding availability change, so it’s best to confirm current details with a local lender.
FHA loans are known for flexible qualification standards, including more lenient credit requirements than many conventional loan programs, making them a popular choice for first-time buyers.
Yes. Eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and qualifying surviving spouses can use VA loans, which require no down payment, no monthly mortgage insurance, and offer flexible underwriting guidelines.
Yes. Physicians, dentists, veterinarians, pharmacists, attorneys, and other licensed professionals may qualify for specialized loans with low or no down payment and no PMI requirement.
Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.
September 2026 housing numbers and what home buyers and sellers need to know.
Many local butcher shops are longtime neighborhood institutions that still offer something increasingly difficult to find at a supermarket: personal service, specialty… Read more
Recognition
The Dawn Griffin Group is named St. Louis Magazine's Best Real Estate Agent for the third year in a row.
Halfway into the first full season, here are some things I've learned about pool ownership.
Save Big By Finding Dates, Eligible Items and Shopping Limits
New shops and restaurants in downtown Kirkwood and beyond
3329 Vista Avenue sits in a neighborhood that has been rewritten, quite literally, more times than almost any other pocket of the city.
We regularly use these same resources to help our clients before, during, and long after closing.
Here are seven of the most popular St. Louis first-time homebuyer programs available.
Partner with a team that values honest advice, strategic guidance, and exceptional service. With decades of experience and over 1,000 successful transactions, we're committed to helping you achieve your real estate goals with confidence.
Planning a move? Thinking about selling? Want to talk real estate?
Dawn Griffin Group
3636 S Geyer Rd Ste #100 St. Louis, MO 63127
