Financing a New DR Horton Home in Polk County: FHA, VA, USDA, and Builder Incentives

Start with a pre-approval and a clear budget

The first step to financing new construction is knowing what you can comfortably borrow. A pre-approval gives you a realistic price range and makes your offer stronger with the builder. Keep in mind your budget should cover not just the home price but closing costs and, for most buyers, a down payment, so it helps to see the full picture before you start touring communities.

FHA loans: a lower down payment path

An FHA loan lets eligible buyers put down as little as 3.5 percent, typically with a credit score of 580 or higher, and borrowers with lower scores may qualify with a larger down payment. FHA also offers a One-Time Close construction loan, which rolls the lot, construction, and permanent mortgage into a single closing so you qualify once instead of twice. Keep in mind FHA mortgage insurance is required for the life of the loan, so it pays to compare the total monthly cost against other options.

VA loans: zero down for those who served

For eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and qualifying spouses, a VA loan offers a path to new construction with no down payment and no monthly mortgage insurance. You will need a Certificate of Eligibility, and a VA funding fee usually applies unless you are exempt. Because The MC Collective is a 100 percent veteran-owned team, helping fellow veterans put the benefit they earned to work is close to home for us.

USDA loans: zero down in eligible rural areas

The USDA Rural Development loan offers a 0 percent down payment for low-to-moderate-income households buying a primary residence in an eligible area, with an upfront guarantee fee and a modest annual fee in place of private mortgage insurance. Eligibility depends on both your household income and the exact location of the home, so it is important to check the USDA eligibility map for the specific community and lot you are considering.

How DR Horton incentives can lower your cost

DR Horton runs financing incentives through its preferred lender, DHI Mortgage, and these have remained elevated through fiscal 2026. Offers can include mortgage-rate buydowns that lower your monthly payment, closing-cost credits, and combined incentive packages on select inventory homes. Exact offers vary by community, inventory, and season, and they are often at their best when you finance through DHI Mortgage, so it pays to have your specialist run the numbers before you commit.

For many Polk County buyers, DR Horton's Main Street Stars program can add closing-cost or flex-cash assistance for veterans, healthcare professionals, educators, first responders, and others. It is one more way the numbers can work in your favor, especially if you are buying in one of the region's growing communities.

Work with a specialist who knows the numbers

The right financing structure depends on your goals, your credit, and the specific community you choose. A Polk County DR Horton specialist who works with DHI Mortgage and local lenders can help you see how incentives, loan programs, and closing costs fit together. With The MC Collective | Future Home Realty, we compare communities across the region and help you build a financing plan you can count on from model home to closing.