You may think it’s challenging to become a homeowner for the first time, especially if you have limited funds for things like down payments and insurance. But there are actually various first-time homebuyer programs that could help you to lower the cost of purchasing a home and other benefits available, such as tax breaks.

Those perks aren’t available to people who already own homes, so being a first-time homebuyer isn’t necessarily a bad thing at all.

Here are just four perks of being a first-time homebuyer in 2023. 

1. First-time Homebuyer Programs Can Help You Lower the Costs of Purchasing a Home

Many people are wary of becoming homeowners due to the costs involved, such as the down payment and closing costs. However, first-time homebuyers can benefit from several programs to ease the financial burden, so various perks are absolutely available to people who want to get onto the property ladder.

For example, you could qualify for a lower down payment and avoid paying Private Mortgage Insurance. A conventional first-time mortgage loan isn’t the only option available. You could be eligible for a grant through a Down Payment Assistance program or a Federal First-Time Home Buyer Program, such as the Good Neighbor Next Door program or the Homepath Ready Buyer Program.

There are also nonprofit first-time homebuyer programs available, including the Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America, Habitat for Humanity, and National Homebuyers Fund programs. And there are even some employer-sponsored first-time homebuyer programs available.

By applying for one of the first-time homebuyer programs that are available, you could find it easier to qualify than you would for a conventional mortgage or another type of homebuyer loan as well as make the process more affordable. People who already have mortgages in place simply can’t receive the same perks.

2. You Could Get Tax Benefits

Another perk of being a first-time homebuyer is that tax deductions are often available via government incentives. The tax breaks you could be eligible for include deductions on property tax payments and interest.

If you qualify for tax breaks, you could save a substantial amount when buying your first home. 

3. With a Fixed-rate Mortgage, You Can Pay Predictable Amounts Each Month

If you aren’t currently a homeowner, then you’re probably renting; in which case, you’ll be aware that rent can increase at any time. The amount you pay in rent is simply down to your landlord. But if you buy a property for the first time, you can get a fixed-rate mortgage and ensure you pay the same amount each month.

Of course, your payments will go towards ownership of your home. So, it often makes sense to get a mortgage rather than rent.

4. You Will Own an Asset That Can Appreciate in Value Over Time

Following on from the last point, when you buy a home rather than rent, you get the major perk of, hopefully, seeing your property appreciate in value over time.

You then have more options for the future, such as selling to make a profit or refinancing your mortgage to suit your circumstances. 

Final Thoughts

To take advantage of the perks of buying a home for the first time, begin by looking at the various federal and non-federal programs that are available to see which you could be eligible for. Then look at the tax incentives that are available to first-time homebuyers.

As long as you research the different options available, you can reap the benefits of being a first-time property purchaser. You can then avoid paying rent and instead own a home that will appreciate in value over time.