Current mortgage rates · week of July 9, 2026
| Week | 30-yr / 15-yr fixed |
| July 9, 2026 | 6.49% / 5.82% |
| July 2, 2026 | 6.43% / 5.79% |
| June 25, 2026 | 6.49% / 5.84% |
| June 18, 2026 | 6.47% / 5.81% |
| June 11, 2026 | 6.52% / 5.84% |
| June 4, 2026 | 6.48% / 5.79% |
| May 28, 2026 | 6.53% / 5.87% |
| May 21, 2026 | 6.51% / 5.85% |
U.S. weekly averages — Freddie Mac Primary Mortgage Market Survey via FRED.
Nebraska Mortgage Overview
Nebraska has a median population of 1.9 million people and has plenty of opportunities for employment in major industries. It's a great place to live if you love friendly people, beautiful scenery, and winter weather.
If you're thinking about buying a home in Nebraska, here are your loan options:
Nebraska conventional loans
Traditional financing is conventional financing. You don't need 20 percent down. First-time homebuyers need 3 percent and subsequent buyers 5 percent for this financing. You need good credit - usually around 660 and low debt ratios around 36 percent. If you put down less than 20 percent, you'll pay PMI but only until you have 20 percent equity in the home.
Nebraska FHA loans
FHA loans are a conventional loan alternative. They allow lower credit scores of 580 with a 3.5 percent down payment or 500 - 579 with a 10 percent down payment. FHA loans have flexible underwriting guidelines, and in exchange charge mortgage insurance for the life of the loan. Borrowers may use gift funds or down payment assistance to cover the down payment.
Nebraska VA loans
Veterans of the military or National Guard may be eligible for 100 percent financing from the VA. To qualify, you need a 620 credit score and average debt ratio. You must prove you have enough funds for the daily cost of living and have anything but a dishonorable discharge. VA loans don't charge mortgage insurance but there is an upfront funding fee.
Nebraska USDA loans
If living in rural parts of Nebraska is on your bucket list, use USDA financing to make it happen. The program is for low to moderate-income families with at least a 640 credit score. You don't need a down payment and have flexible guidelines along with low mortgage insurance rates for the life of the loan.
First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Nebraska
First-time Homebuyer Loan
The Nebraska Investment Finance Authority provides low interest loans for eligible first-time buyers. You must make less than the program income limits and have a 640 or higher credit score. The NIFA has other underwriting guidelines including the need to take a homebuyer education course before you get financing.
Homebuyer Assistance Program
If you have at least $1,000 to invest in a home the Homebuyer Assistance Program may help you buy a home sooner. It's a first and second loan program. The first loan has a below-market interest rate and the second covers the closing costs and down payment. The second loan is a maximum of 5% of the purchase price or $10,000, whichever is less. The second loan has a 1% interest rate and a 10-year term.
First Home Grant Program
If your household income is 50% or less of the area's average income, the First Home Grant Program provides a first mortgage with below-market rates and a grant for the down payment and closing costs. The grant is a maximum of $5,000 and isn't repayable.
Nebraska mortgage FAQ
- What mortgage options are available in Nebraska?
- Nebraska buyers can choose conventional loans with 3 percent down for first-time buyers and 5 percent for repeat buyers, typically requiring a 660 credit score. FHA loans accept scores of 580 with 3.5 percent down, or 500 to 579 with 10 percent down. VA loans offer 100 percent financing for eligible veterans, and USDA loans finance rural homes with no down payment.
- What first-time homebuyer programs does Nebraska offer?
- The Nebraska Investment Finance Authority offers low interest first mortgages to eligible first-time buyers with a 640 or higher credit score who complete homebuyer education. The Homebuyer Assistance Program pairs a below-market first loan with a second loan covering the down payment and closing costs, and the First Home Grant Program adds a non-repayable grant for lower-income households.
- What credit score do you need to buy a home in Nebraska?
- It depends on the loan. Conventional lenders usually want around 660 with debt ratios near 36 percent. FHA loans accept 580 with 3.5 percent down, or as low as 500 with 10 percent down. VA loans typically require 620, while USDA loans and NIFA first-time buyer programs look for 640 or higher.