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Buying a home

Data from November 2026

Buying a home in Nebraska

A typical home in Nebraska is worth $238,600 (Average 2020–2024). The FHA limit for one unit is $541,287–$603,750 depending on the county. Here is the minimum down payment each loan type asks at that price, every county’s limit, and the state’s assistance programs.

Minimum down payment Limits by county
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Typical home
$238,600
median value, Average 2020–2024
28% less than the U.S.
FHA limit
$541,287–$603,750
one unit, by county
In 2 of the 93 counties, the limit is above the national floor ($541,287).
Conforming limit
$832,750
one unit, 2026 data
Above this amount, the loan is a “jumbo” loan.
Minimum FHA down payment
$8,351
3.5% of a $238,600 home
VA and USDA ask for no down payment if you qualify.

Source: American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Average 2020–2024 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Source: Conforming loan limits (FHFA) Data from 2026 data Conforming loan limits (FHFA)

Down payment

How much each loan asks up front

For a $238,600 home, the typical value in Nebraska. The minimum down payment is each program’s rule. The monthly figure is an example of principal and interest over 30 years at the 7.18% average rate (November 5, 2026): no taxes, insurance or mortgage insurance.

Your price, rate and down payment will differ: run the calculator with your numbers. Closing costs are extra.

Minimum down payment and monthly payment for a $238,600 home in Nebraska

  1. FHA Program rule

    Minimum down3.5%

    In dollars$8,351

    Per month$1,560

    With a credit score of 580 or more. Carries mortgage insurance (MIP) up front and every month.

    HUD Handbook 4000.1 (Update 18), II.A.2.a.iv — Minimum Required Investment · In effect since September 14, 2016

  2. Conventional Program rule

    Minimum down3%

    In dollars$7,158

    Per month$1,568

    3% is the lowest standard option. With less than 20% down you pay private mortgage insurance (PMI) until you have more equity.

    Fannie Mae Selling Guide B5-6-01 — HomeReady Mortgage Loan and Borrower Eligibility · In effect since January 1, 2024

  3. VA Program rule

    Minimum down0%

    In dollars$0

    Per month$1,616

    For veterans, service members and some spouses. No down payment as long as the price is not above the appraisal; charges a one-time funding fee.

    VA: Purchase loan — benefits · In effect since January 1, 2020

  4. USDA Program rule

    Minimum down0%

    In dollars$0

    Per month$1,616

    Only homes in eligible rural areas and households within USDA’s income limit. Finances the full price.

    7 CFR §3555.103 — Maximum loan amount (Guaranteed Rural Housing Program) · In effect since December 9, 2013

  5. ITIN or other Example, not a rule

    Minimum down15%

    In dollars$35,790

    Per month$1,374

    ITIN loans follow no federal rule: each lender sets its own down payment and rate, and usually asks for more. 15% is an example.

Loan limits

FHA and conforming limit in every county

FHA sets the limit by area: 2 of the 93 counties in Nebraska are high-cost and sit above the national floor ($541,287). The conforming limit is the most Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will buy; above it, the loan is a “jumbo”.

One unit. For 2- to 4-unit homes, each county page has the full table. Source: FHA mortgage limits (HUD) Data from 2026 data FHA mortgage limits (HUD)

Down payment help

Nebraska programs for buyers

1 verified program that put money toward the down payment or closing costs, or give a tax credit. With the source wording and the date we checked it.

Some help is a grant you never repay; other help is a second loan that is forgiven over the years or repaid when you sell. Each program’s tag says which kind it is.

See all programs

  • Homebuyer Assistance (HBA) Program

    Verified November 5, 2026

    Nebraska state authority program for first-time buyers: a NIFA mortgage plus a second mortgage of up to 5% of the price at 1%, over 10 years, for the down payment and closing costs

    • Repayable
    See details

What the state publishes

Nebraska rules that change the math

Exemptions that lower property tax and taxes paid when the deed is recorded, summarized from the official page each one cites.

Property tax in Nebraska

Exemptions and caps

  • Homestead exemption for seniors, people with disabilities and veterans

    Nebraska's homestead exemption lowers property tax by exempting all or part of the taxable value of your residence. For 2026 it is available to people 65 or older before January 1, 2026, qualified disabled individuals, and qualified disabled veterans and their surviving spouses. Some categories have household income and home value limits; the income limit is a sliding scale based on filing status and category. The state reimburses counties and other local governments for the property taxes lost to these exemptions.

    Nebraska Department of Revenue, Property Assessment Division · Verified October 24, 2026

When the sale is recorded

  • Documentary stamp tax on real estate transfers

    The law imposes this tax on the grantor who signs the deed (in a sale, the seller): $3.32 per $1,000 of value (or fraction) for transfers before January 1, 2032, and $2.32 per $1,000 from that date on. In a sale, value is the full price paid or to be paid, including any liens assumed. Payment is shown by stamps attached to the deed.

    Neb. Rev. Stat. §76-901 · Nebraska Legislature (Nebraska Revised Statutes) · Verified October 24, 2026

Your next steps

Where to go next in Nebraska

What you can do today, free and without giving personal information. Go in order: your numbers first, then the help.

  1. Run the numbers with your figures

    The Nebraska calculator already has the typical value, the average rate and the state’s property tax.

  2. Check whether you qualify for help

    Each program says what it gives, who qualifies and when we checked it.

  3. Talk to a counselor for free

    8 HUD-approved agencies help you prepare to buy; 4 say they serve in Spanish.

  4. Follow the steps to buy a home

    From the budget to the keys, in order.

Frequently asked questions

How much down payment do I need for a typical home in Nebraska?

For a $238,600 home (typical value, Average 2020–2024), the FHA minimum (3.5%) is $8,351 and the conventional minimum (3%) is $7,158. VA and USDA ask no down payment if you qualify. State programs can cover part of it.

Are there high-cost counties in Nebraska?

Yes. In 2026 data, 2 of the 93 counties in Nebraska have an FHA limit above the national floor ($541,287); the highest is Gosper County ($603,750).

What is the conforming loan limit in Nebraska?

In 2026 data, the conforming limit for one unit is $832,750 in every county in Nebraska: the most Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will buy. Above it, the loan is a “jumbo” and each lender sets its own terms.

What would the monthly payment be on a typical home in Nebraska?

With $238,600, the FHA minimum down payment ($8,351) and the 7.18% average rate (November 5, 2026), principal and interest over 30 years comes to about $1,560 a month. Tax, insurance and mortgage insurance are missing: the calculator adds them.

What down payment help is there in Nebraska?

We have verified 1 state program in Nebraska that put money toward the down payment or closing costs, or give a tax credit. Each shows the source wording, who qualifies and the date we checked it.