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100% Financing Homes: How to Buy With No Money Down

6 min read • Updated August 2026

Most people are told they need 10-20% saved up before they can buy a home. On a $300,000 house, that's $30,000 to $60,000 in cash — before closing costs. For most buyers, that's the single thing standing between them and homeownership.

It doesn't have to be. On owner financed homes, there is no bank mortgage — the seller finances the purchase. And with down payment funding through our lending partners, up to 100% financing is available: the purchase price AND the down payment can both be covered, so qualified buyers close with no money out of pocket.

What Is 100% Financing on an Owner Financed Home?

It's two pieces stacked together:

  1. The seller finances the home. No bank, no mortgage approval. You make monthly payments to the seller under terms you both agree on.
  2. A lender finances the down payment. Instead of saving for years, you apply with our lending partners, get an offer based on your income, and the down payment is funded as a separate loan you repay over time.

If the funding covers the down payment and closing costs, you bring nothing to the closing table. That's 100% financing.

How Do You Qualify?

The qualification is income-based. Lenders want to see:

  • Check stubs (if you're W-2 employed), or
  • Bank statements (if you're self-employed or paid differently)
  • A soft credit check — this does NOT affect your credit score

You enter how much you make per week or per month, and multiple lenders show you how much they'll lend and on what terms. You pick the offer you want. A hard credit inquiry only happens if you accept an offer.

If your offer doesn't cover the full down payment, that's okay too — whatever you're funded reduces what you bring to the table. Some money down beats all money down.

How Much Should You Request?

Closing costs typically run about 11% of the total home price — inspection, attorney fees, and everything required to close. So if a seller is asking $15,000 down on a $250,000 home, the down payment alone won't cover your total costs.

Our rule of thumb: request about double the down payment. On a $15,000 down payment, request around $30,000. That covers the down payment, closing costs, inspection, and leaves room for moving expenses.

100% Financing vs. a Bank Mortgage

  • Bank: 620+ credit score, 2 years of tax returns, 10-20% down, 30-60 day underwriting
  • Owner financed with 100% financing: proof of income, soft credit check, up to $0 out of pocket, close in days

If a bank has already told you no — or told you to come back with $40,000 you don't have — this is the path that doesn't start with a savings account.

Browse 100% Financing Homes by State

Owner financed homes available with up to 100% financing in 49 states:

See How Much You Qualify For

Enter your income, get real offers from multiple lenders. Soft check — your credit score is not affected.

Check My Offer →