How much down payment do I actually need?

Often far less than people expect — as little as $0 (VA/USDA) or 3–3.5% (conventional/FHA), and down payment assistance can reduce that further.

What credit score do I need to buy a house?

There's a program for a wide range of scores. Let's look at where you are today and build a simple plan to get you approved.

First-Time Home Buyer Loans in Mountain Home, ID

You can do this — and there's more help than you think.

Work directly with Jodie Barber, a mortgage broker with 30 years of experience serving Mountain Home and all of Elmore County.

Apply Now Get a Quote (425) 830-2240

5.0 · 37 reviews·30 years' experience·NMLS #76185

Mountain Home at a glance

Median home price (Mountain Home)

$346,124 · +2.4% YoY

Conforming limit (Elmore County)

$832,750

FHA limit (Elmore County)

$541,287

Property tax (effective)

~0.49%

The signature VA play in Idaho: home of Mountain Home AFB (366th Fighter Wing). Affordable (~$346K, well under VA/FHA limits) with constant PCS-driven purchase, refi, and relocation demand. Outlying Elmore County is USDA-eligible. Anchor of the /military/mountain-home-afb base page.

Serving Mountain Home neighborhoods including Downtown Mountain Home, Mountain Home AFB housing, Cedar Ridge.

Why a first-time buyer program in Mountain Home?

Anyone buying their first home (and many repeat buyers who qualify for the same programs).

✦Low- and no-down-payment loan options (FHA, VA, USDA, 3%-down conventional)
✦Down payment assistance programs that can cover most or all of your down payment
✦A step-by-step plan from pre-approval to keys
✦Straight answers, no pressure — 'homeownership is a partnership'

Down payment help in Idaho

Idaho Housing Down Payment & Closing Cost Assistance (Second Mortgage) — up to 8% of the sales price. Household income at or below $170,000 (some products require lower, county/household-size-based limits, e.g. Ada 1-2 person ~$108,978); typically 620+ FICO for conventional / 580+ for FHA; complete an IHFA-approved homebuyer education course ('Finally Home!'). Buyers can purchase with as little as ~$500 out of pocket.

First-Time Home Buyer Loans FAQ

How much down payment do I actually need?: Often far less than people expect — as little as $0 (VA/USDA) or 3–3.5% (conventional/FHA), and down payment assistance can reduce that further.
What credit score do I need to buy a house?: There's a program for a wide range of scores. Let's look at where you are today and build a simple plan to get you approved.

Jodie Barber

Senior Mortgage Planning Specialist · NMLS #76185

“Homeownership is a partnership.” Let's talk about your first-time buyer program in Mountain Home. No pressure — just straight answers from someone who's done this for 30 years.

Start Your Application (425) 830-2240