Can I really buy my first home with a small down payment?

Several loan programs let a first-time buyer put down far less than the amount many people assume is required, with FHA, VA and certain conventional programs each setting their own minimum. The exact minimum a specific buyer qualifies for depends on the loan program, credit profile and lender, so the accurate number comes from a lender rather than a general rule. Joel Boss connects first-time buyers with lenders who lay out real options before the search starts.