Savings and Programs · First Responders

First Responders. Real Savings on Your Path Home.

You show up for your community. OwningYourHouse.com helps you show up for your own family, with rebates and incentives where available, access to low and no down payment loan options, and vetted local agents and lenders who guide you from start to finish.

Check My Eligibility Read the FAQ

Up to $8,500

Rebates and incentives*

$0 down

Options for eligible buyers

Trusted

Local agents and lenders

What it is

A homeownership benefit built for first responders.

OwningYourHouse.com connects first responders with a trusted network of verified real estate agents, lenders, and title partners, along with rebates and incentives that may be available at closing. It is our own network benefit, not a government program, and there is never a cost to explore it.

Police officers, firefighters, paramedics and EMTs, 911 dispatchers, corrections officers, and other public safety professionals may qualify. You do not have to be a first time buyer, and you are always free to choose your own agent, lender, and title company.

How first responders can benefit

Rebates and incentives

Eligible buyers who work within the OYH network may qualify for rebates and incentives applied at closing, where programs are available. Amounts and eligibility vary.

Low and no down payment options

Access loan programs that fit public service pay, including VA loans with $0 down for eligible veterans, USDA loans with $0 down in eligible areas, and FHA loans with 3.5% down.

Vetted local professionals

Work with agents and lenders who are screened for service and experience, so you get honest guidance and clear numbers, not pressure.

Support at every step

From your first question to closing day, we help route you to the right professionals and the next best step for your goals.

Ways first responders can save

General guidelines only. Availability and eligibility vary by program, property, and buyer.
Program	What it offers	Who it helps
Buyer rebates and incentives	Savings applied at closing where available	First responders buying within the network
VA loan	$0 down and no monthly mortgage insurance	Eligible veterans and service members
USDA loan	$0 down in eligible rural and suburban areas	Buyers who meet area and income rules
FHA loan	3.5% down with flexible credit	Buyers with limited savings or credit
Down payment assistance	Help with upfront costs where available	Eligible buyers who qualify

First responders often include…

Police officers and sheriff deputies
Firefighters and fire rescue personnel
Paramedics and EMTs
911 dispatchers and emergency telecommunicators
Corrections officers and other public safety staff

Common questions

First responders FAQ

Who counts as a first responder?

Programs generally include police officers, firefighters, paramedics and EMTs, 911 dispatchers, corrections officers, and other public safety professionals. Exact eligibility depends on the specific rebate, incentive, or loan program, and we can confirm what fits your role.

Do I have to be a first time buyer?

No. Many first responders who have owned a home before still qualify for network rebates, incentives, and loan programs. Some down payment assistance options are limited to first time buyers, so it depends on the specific program.

Is this a special government program?

No. This is an OwningYourHouse.com network benefit that connects you with vetted agents and lenders, and with rebates and incentives where available. It is not a government entitlement, and you are never required to use any specific provider.

How much can I save?

Savings depend on the programs you qualify for, the price of the home, and current guidelines, so we do not quote a fixed number. A quick review shows what rebates, incentives, and loan options may apply to your situation.

How do I get started?

Share a few details and a licensed advisor will reach out to review your eligibility and options at no cost and no obligation. You stay in control of every decision.

Free, no obligation

See what you qualify for

Share a few details and a licensed advisor will review the rebates, incentives, and loan options that may fit your situation. No pressure, no obligation.

By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your mortgage options by phone, text, or email. Reviews are offered through our trusted mortgage partner, Direct Rate, LLC (NMLS #2320473). You are not required to use any lender or provider we recommend. See full disclosures below.

No spam, ever
Typical response within 24 hours
Credit support available

Disclosures

Advertising and referral disclosure (RESPA). OwningYourHouse.com is a marketing and referral network and is not a mortgage lender or mortgage broker. It does not make loans or credit decisions. We may have a business or marketing relationship with the providers featured on this site, including Direct Rate, LLC (NMLS #2320473), and may receive compensation when you choose to work with them. You are never required to use any lender, real estate agent, title company, or other settlement service provider we mention. You are free to shop and compare providers.

This page is for general educational purposes only. It is not an advertisement for a specific interest rate, a Loan Estimate, a commitment to lend, an offer of credit, or financial advice. Rebates, incentives, loan programs, rates, fees, and guidelines are set by lenders, agencies, and participating partners and are subject to change. Availability and eligibility vary by program, property, and buyer. All loans are subject to eligibility, income and property qualification, underwriting, and approval.

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