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First-time home buyer programs in Van Buren, AR

Quick answer

First-time buyers in Van Buren, AR can use 3%-down conventional loans (up to the $832,750 Crawford County conforming limit), 3.5%-down FHA, or VA and USDA where eligible, plus 1 verified city, county or statewide assistance program. On the $178,000 median home, 3% down is about $5,340 and the estimated payment is $1,482/month at 7.18%.

By Purchase Mortgage Loan Editorial Team Checked against official sources per our editorial standardsData last updated

Median household income: $59,420; value-to-income ratio 3.00. Van Buren ranks 19 by home value and 21 by population among 39 places in our AR dataset.

What does a first-time buyer loan cost on a typical Van Buren home?

ItemVan Buren
Median home value (Census ACS)$178,000
Arkansas median home value$175,300
Down payment (3%)$5,340
Loan amount$172,660
Estimated monthly payment (PITI + MI)$1,482
Income needed (28% / 36%)$64,000 / $50,000
Crawford County 2026 conforming limit (1 unit)$832,750
Max purchase price at the limit$858,000

Rate assumption: 7.18% (Freddie Mac PMMS 30-year fixed average, week of November 5, 2026). Change it in the payment calculator.

Payment includes Arkansas's 0.57% effective property tax rate (Census ACS), $1,870/yr homeowners insurance (NAIC state average) and an estimated 0.5% PMI.

What is the 2026 conforming loan limit in Van Buren?

Van Buren is in Crawford County. Conventional 3%-down loans go up to the $832,750 conforming limit (price ≈ $858,000); FHA loans go up to $541,287.

The Van Buren median home value of $178,000 is 2% above the Arkansas median, and within what the county limit supports.

Which down payment assistance programs can Van Buren buyers use?

First-time buyer loans in nearby cities

Fort SmithFayettevilleSiloam SpringsSpringdaleLowellRogers

First-time buyer loan FAQs for Van Buren

On the $178,000 median: 3% conventional ≈ $5,340, 3.5% FHA ≈ $6,230, and 0% for eligible VA or USDA buyers. Conventional loans above $832,750 in Crawford County become jumbo loans.

At the $178,000 median value (close to the Arkansas median of $175,300), the estimated payment of $1,482/month at 7.18% needs about $64,000 a year under the 28% housing guideline, or $50,000 if your total debts stay under 36%.

0 city-level, 0 county-level and 1 statewide programs are verified for this city (1 total). Check each official administrator's eligibility rules and available funds.

Sources

Data last updated October 23, 2026.

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Figures on this page are estimates for educational purposes only and are not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Rates, loan limits, fees and assistance programs change frequently and vary by lender, location and borrower profile. Confirm current terms with a licensed loan officer.