Home Loans for Nurses | Mortgage Programs 2025

What are the best mortgages for nurses?

Home loans for nurses come in all shapes—some designed just for healthcare workers, others more general but still a great fit.

Many nurse home loans offer lower rates, flexible terms, and help with down payments or closing costs. Whether you're exploring mortgage options or looking into grants for nurses buying a home, there’s more out there than you might think.Just keep in mind that not every nurse needs a nurse mortgage. The right option might be an FHA loan or first-time home buyer loan, so compare carefully before choosing.

In this article (Skip to...)

• Nurse home loans
• Grants for nurses
• Eligibility requirements
• Home buying challenges
• Choosing a loan
• FAQ

6 best home loans for nurses

When looking for the best home loan programs for nurses, it’s worth considering a mix of both specialized and standard loan options.

We recommend six mortgage programs in total—two are specialized home loans for nurses, while the other four are standard loan programs open to almost anyone. Surprisingly, you may find that a mainstream mortgage program, rather than a nurse-specific one, ends up being your best fit.

To give a quick overview, the six best home loans for nurses are:

1. Nurse Next Door program
2. Homes for Heroes
3. Conventional mortgages
4. FHA mortgages
5. VA mortgages
6. USDA mortgages

Let's dig into each home buying program in a little more detail.

1. Nurse Next Door program

The Nurse Next Door¹ program is not a "true" mortgage loan program. It does not lend money or underwrite loans. Rather, it's a home buyer assistance program that will help match you with the right property, mortgage, and aid program for your needs (if required).

Nurse Next Door provides grants for nurses of up to $8,000 (where available) and down payment assistance of up to $15,000. You may also reduce closing costs by eliminating a home appraisal and other fees.

Keep in mind that grants are generally only awarded to nurses and medical professionals who are first-time buyers purchasing a primary residence. This means that you must refrain from using the funds for an investment property or vacation home. 

Before you use this nurse home buying program, check that you can't get more generous grants or loans from your state or local down payment assistance program.

2. Homes for Heroes: Healthcare professionals

Homes for Heroes² is another nationwide homeowner assistance program that aims to make buying a new home more affordable for firefighters, law enforcement, teachers, military, and medical professionals.

The website says, "Most heroes save at least $3,000 when they buy or sell a home with us. When you add up savings from real estate agents, loan officers, title companies, home inspectors, and other everyday deals, the savings are way beyond what you’ll get from other national programs."

Note that you must use real estate professionals approved by Homes for Heroes. Again, check other local programs to ensure this is your best nurse home loan option before buying.

3. Conventional loans for nurses

Conventional mortgages are the most popular type of home loans for nurses available today. These loans are not backed by the government, like others on this list, but most conform to the rules laid down by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which are two government-sponsored enterprises. This is why they’re also referred to as "conforming loans."

Conventional loans require a credit score of 620 or better. But they offer a low down payment option of only 3% of the purchase price to qualify. Although, if your down payment is less than 20%, you’ll need to pay for private mortgage insurance (PMI), which means higher monthly payments. 

Conventional loans offer two primary types of interest rates: fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages. 

• Fixed-rate mortgages (FRM) keep the same interest rate throughout the duration of the loan, offering stability and predictability in monthly payments. 
• Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARM) start with a lower interest rate that may change periodically based on market trends. This can initially lead to lower monthly payments, but it also carries the risk of increasing rates and payments over time. 

Despite the specialized benefits of nurse home loans, conventional loans can often present the most advantageous home purchase solution for healthcare professionals. 

4. FHA loans for nurses

Nurses and medical professionals with a credit score between 580 and 620 could opt for a mortgage backed by the Federal Housing Administration, an FHA loan. This type of loan is popular with first-time home buyers because of its flexible approval guidelines.

FHA loans also have a low down payment option of 3.5%. But you will have to pay mortgage insurance premiums (MIP) for the life of the loan. Note that MIP is different from private mortgage insurance on a conventional loan. Still, many FHA buyers simply refinance out of mortgage insurance down the road when their credit scores improve. 

5. VA loans for nurses

Among the various home loans for nurses, VA loans offer unique benefits to eligible home buyers. Backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, a VA loan is an option for nurses who have served or are still serving in the military. 

Lenders set their own credit score thresholds, usually between 580 and 660. But you do not need a down payment. And you'll be in line for a below-market interest rate, no private mortgage insurance, and low closing costs.

VA buyers must pay a one-time VA funding fee that is typically between 2.3% and 3.6% of the loan amount. However, many borrowers roll this fee into their loan balance, so they don’t have to pay it upfront. 

6. USDA loans for nurses

The US Department of Agriculture backs USDA mortgages. These, too, require no down payment. But you'll likely need a score of 640 or better. Similar to the VA loan, a USDA mortgage frequently has lower interest rates than the "going" rate.

You must also meet household income limits and buy a home in a designated rural area. Some suburbs are included. Use the USDA's maps to find out whether the place where you want to buy is eligible.

Grants for nurses buying a home

You won’t find grants for nurses around every corner, but the ones that do exist can really help with upfront costs. On top of that, down payment assistance for nurses is available through a mix of local programs and first-time home buyer options.

In addition to the home-buying assistance for nurses found below, our guide to grants in every state is a useful resource. You should also look for your state’s page on the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website.

Everyday Hero Housing Assistance Fund

The Everyday Hero Housing Assistance Fund is a program designed to help various community heroes, including healthcare workers such as nurses, with their home purchase. This fund typically provides:

• Down payment assistance grants
• Closing cost assistance
• Reduced mortgage rates

Eligibility and assistance amounts can vary, so it's important to check the current terms and availability.

State and local grants for nurses

While nationwide programs specifically for nurses are limited, many states and local governments offer home buying assistance programs that nurses may qualify for:

Understanding home loans for nurses

Chasing the dream of homeownership? Learn how mortgage programs for nurses can help you buy your first home faster and with less stress!

What are home loans for nurses?

Home loans for nurses are special mortgage programs that help healthcare professionals—especially registered nurses—buy a home with less financial stress. Nursing home loans offer more flexible eligibility requirements, competitive interest rates, and often fewer upfront costs compared to traditional loans.

There are also grants for nurses to buy a home, along with local and national home-buying assistance programs. Many of these offer down payment assistance for nurses, which can make a big difference when purchasing your first home.

Why nurses get special home loan programs

Lenders offer home-buying programs for nurses because the standard mortgage process isn’t built for irregular income, inconsistent hours, and student loan debt. Nurse mortgage loans come with flexible eligibility, less paperwork, and extras like lower interest rates or down payment assistance.

Benefits of home loans for nurses

Home financing for nurses often comes with several advantages:

• Lower down payment requirements: Many nurse mortgage programs offer reduced down payment options, sometimes as low as 0% to 3% of the purchase price.
• Competitive rates: Mortgage rates for nurses are often lower than those offered through standard home loans.
• Flexible credit score requirements: Some home loans for nurses may have more lenient credit score criteria, understanding that medical professionals might have faced financial challenges due to education costs.
• Down payment assistance: Home financing for nurses often comes with grants or forgivable loans to help with the down payment and closing costs.
• Reduced or waived mortgage insurance: Some nurse loans may offer to reduce or eliminate mortgage insurance, potentially saving nurses thousands over the life of the loan.
• Special considerations for student loans: Certain mortgages for nurses may have more favorable policies for calculating debt-to-income ratio when factoring in student loan debt.

Eligibility requirements for nurse home loans

Home financing for nurses comes with various options, each with unique eligibility criteria. While requirements may differ across programs, common qualifications for nurse home loans typically include:

1. Professional status: Must be a licensed or certified nurse (RN, LPN, NP, etc.).
2. Employment: You typically need to be currently employed as a nurse.
3. Citizenship: You usually must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.
4. Primary residence: The home should be the nurse's primary residence, not an investment property.

Credit score requirements for nurses

When it comes to qualifying for nurse mortgage programs, credit score requirements can vary depending on the loan type and specific program.

• Conventional loans: Generally require a minimum score of 620.
• FHA loans: May accept scores as low as 580 with a 3.5% down payment or 500 with a 10% down payment.
• VA loans: No official minimum, but lenders typically look for at least 620.
• Nurse home buying programs: May have more flexible requirements, sometimes accepting scores as low as 600.

Remember, a higher credit score usually results in better loan terms and lower interest rates.

Income verification for nurses

Lenders will need to verify a nurse's income to ensure they can afford the mortgage payments. This typically involves:

1. Providing recent pay stubs (usually the last 30 days)
2. W-2 forms for the past two years
3. Federal tax returns for the past two years
4. Proof of any additional income sources

For nurses with irregular schedules or overtime pay, lenders may use an average of the past two years' income to determine qualifying income.

Employment verification: Full-time vs. part-time nurses

When applying for home loans for nurses, lenders place significant emphasis on employment verification. This process can differ slightly between full-time and part-time nursing positions:

Full-time nurses:

• Typically need to provide proof of steady employment for the past two years.
• May need a letter from their employer confirming their position and salary.

Part-time nurses:

• May need a longer employment history (e.g., 3-5 years) to demonstrate income stability.
• Might need to show a consistent number of hours worked per week.

Travel nurses or those with irregular schedules may face additional scrutiny. In these cases, providing detailed employment contracts and a history of consistent income can help in the nursing mortgage loan approval process.

Remember, each lender and loan program may have slightly different requirements. It's always best to speak directly with a loan officer specializing in home loans for nurses to understand the specific criteria for your situation.

How to overcome home buying challenges as a nurse 

Nurses often face unique hurdles when applying for a mortgage, but the right strategy (and lender) can make all the difference. Here are some tips to help you secure home loans for nurses.

1. Save pay stubs and paperwork

Keep two years’ worth of pay stubs, especially if you earn a lot through overtime or bonuses. Lenders want to see steady income, and those documents help prove what you actually make. Digital or printed copies are fine; just stay organized.

2. Be ready to explain irregular income

Nurses often earn extra through shift differentials, night pay, and added hours, but that income doesn’t always count unless it’s consistent over time. If your recent schedule changed, lenders might not include the higher pay in your loan amount. Ask your employer for a letter confirming it’s a long-term change, and consider writing one yourself to explain why it should count toward your eligibility.

3. Tackle student loans smartly

Student loans can weigh on your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), which lenders use to see if you can handle a mortgage payment. To improve your odds of getting a mortgage for nurses, pay down other debts, especially those with high monthly payments and low balances, like a nearly paid-off car loan.

4. Find the right lender

Whether you’re a travel nurse moving between contracts or a registered nurse with multiple part-time roles, your income might look inconsistent on paper. Some lenders see that as a red flag, even when your pay is steady. Look for home loans for nurses through lenders who understand how the profession works. If one doesn’t, keep looking for someone who does.

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How to choose the right home loan for nurses

Finding the ideal mortgage is an important step in the home-buying process, and for nurses, this choice may be affected by a number of factors.

While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, the best home loans for nurse practitioners will depend on individual circumstances such as credit score, down payment, and even military service.

Example 1: When should nurses consider a VA loan?

If you have served or are currently serving in the military, either as a nurse or in another capacity, a VA loan is likely your best option. 

VA loans come with several benefits, including no down payment and no private mortgage insurance (PMI), making them an attractive choice for those who qualify.

Example 2: When should a nurse choose a conventional loan?

For nurses who have never served in the military but have a good credit score and a decent down payment, a conventional loan is often the next best option. 

These loans typically offer competitive interest rates and may require a lower down payment compared to other loan types.

Example 3: When should nurses use an FHA loan?

If your credit score falls within the 580–619 range, an FHA loan might be your best bet. The Federal Housing Administration is backing these loans, which are more forgiving of lower credit scores. 

However, they do require an upfront mortgage insurance premium and ongoing monthly premiums.

Example 4: When should a nurse choose a USDA loan?

Lastly, for nurses and eligible healthcare workers with limited savings who are looking to buy in a rural area, a USDA loan could be the perfect fit, provided your household income meets the eligibility criteria. 

These loans offer 100% financing, meaning no down payment is required, and they also have lower mortgage insurance costs.

FAQ: Home loans for nurses

Find the best home loans for nurses

Nurse home loans are a great start, but real savings come when you compare offers. One mortgage lender might offer a better rate, another could slash your closing costs.

The only way to know? Check your options side-by-side and see who’s offering the best loans for nurses to buy a home. No pressure, just smart home buying.

Resources

¹Nurse Next Door program

²Homes for Heroes program