 TITLE: What Is Seller Financing on a Home? CONTENT: Other Homebuying Options\n------------------------\nBefore you commit to a seller-financing agreement, do your research. Having little money for a down payment or a credit score that could use some work doesn't mean a mortgage is out of the question. In fact, certain programs help buyers who need a little extra assistance to purchase a home. Here are four alternatives to seller financing:\n1.  Conventional mortgage: These mortgages are private loans, not government-backed loans. To qualify for a conventional mortgage, you typically must have a credit score of at least 620.\n2.  FHA loan: An FHA loan, backed by the Federal Housing Administration, features lower credit score and down payment requirements than conventional mortgages do.\n3.  VA loan: Guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, VA loans are available to military veterans, servicemembers and some military spouses. Benefits of VA loans include no down payment requirement (for qualified buyers) and no PMI.\n4.  USDA loan: A USDA loan, guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is designed to make homebuying more affordable for low- to moderate-income consumers in rural and suburban areas. END