To secure a mortgage without personal savings, explore government-backed programs like USDA loans (no down payment required) and FHA loans (3.5% minimum down payment). Leverage down payment assistance grants from state or local housing agencies, which can cover up to 6% of the purchase price. Partnering with a co-borrower with strong credit can also qualify you for better terms. Prioritize improving your credit score (target 620+) and stable income documentation to meet lender criteria.

These methods work because government programs reduce lender risk through guarantees (e.g., USDA’s 100% down payment option) or insurance (FHA’s mortgage insurance). According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 40% of FHA loans in 2022 had a down payment of 3.5%, with 70% of borrowers using down payment assistance programs. State-level data shows programs like California’s CalHFA helped 30,000 households in 2023 with zero-down loans. Lenders also favor co-borrowers, as joint applications with a FICO score above 680 increase approval rates by 25% (Federal Housing Finance Agency, 2023). Combine these strategies with pre-approval to streamline the process and avoid delays.