Top Mortgage Lenders for First-Time Homebuyers in 2026
Margaret Hills
Published Dec 17, 2025
There’s some good news and some not-so-good news for home buyers: Mortgage rates are expected to go down a bit in the new year, but probably won’t drop much below 6%.
Here are some lenders that may help you buy your first home in 2026:
1. Better – Best for Low Rates
Better is an online-only mortgage lender. Since it doesn’t have physical branches, it can often offer lower rates. You can get preapproved in as little as three minutes and get help any time of day.
However, Better doesn’t offer USDA loans and you can’t visit in person.
- Types of loans: Conventional, FHA, Jumbo, ARM
- Credit score needed: 620
- Minimum down payment: 3.5% (for FHA loans)
2. Chase Bank – Best for In-Person Experience
Chase Bank has over 4,000 branches across the country, making it a good choice if you want face-to-face service.
Chase offers special loans for first-time buyers, like the DreaMaker mortgage, which lets some people put as little as 3% down. Some customers in certain cities can also get up to $10,000 to help with their down payment or closing costs.
- Types of loans: Conventional, FHA, VA, DreaMaker, Jumbo
- Credit score needed: 620
- Minimum down payment: 3% (for DreaMaker loans)
3. Rocket Mortgage – Best Online Experience
Rocket Mortgage is known for great customer service and helpful online tools.
With its ONE+ program, buyers with lower incomes can get a grant to cover 2% of their down payment (up to $7,000), if they can put down at least 1%. All services are online—there are no physical locations.
- Types of loans: Conventional, FHA, VA, Jumbo, low-down-payment mortgages
- Credit score needed: 620 for conventional loans
- Minimum down payment: As low as 1% (for certain programs)
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Need help with your down payment? Find resources and assistance here!
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