First-Time Homebuyer
Someone who has never owned a primary residence, or hasn't owned one in the last three years.
In plain English
A first-time homebuyer is generally defined as someone who hasn't owned a home in the past three years — not just someone literally buying their very first house. This looser definition matters because many state and federal assistance programs use it to decide who qualifies.
Qualifying as a "first-time" buyer under this definition can unlock down payment assistance, special loan programs, and tax benefits — even if you owned a home a decade ago.
Where you'll run into it
Guides and tools on TheBuyingPath that cover first-time homebuyer in context.
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