Fha grants for first time home buyers

What is down payment assistance?

Down payment assistance (DPA) programs offer loans and grants that can cover part or all of a home buyer’s down payment and closing costs.

There are more than 2,000 of these programs nationwide. State, county, and city governments run many of them.

DPA programs vary by location, but many home buyers could be in line for thousands of dollars in down payment assistance if they qualify.

In this article (Skip to...)

• Who qualifies?
• How DPA works
• Types of DPA
• How to find programs
• How much can I get?
• Closing cost grants
• Loan types
• Programs by state

>Related: How to buy a house with $0 down: First-time home buyer

Who qualifies for down payment assistance?

Down payment assistance programs are typically meant for first-time home buyers. However, a repeat home buyer often counts as a “first-time buyer” if they haven’t owned a home in the past three years.

Typical requirements to qualify for down payment assistance:

• First-time home buyer
• Low- to moderate-income
• Buying a primary residence
• Buying within local purchase price limits
• Using an approved mortgage program
• Working with an approved mortgage lender

Keep in mind that every down payment assistance program is a little different. The exact criteria to qualify will depend on where you live and which programs are available. In addition, you could get more money and qualify more easily if you’re buying in a so-called “target area.” Your lender can help determine if your property is eligible.

How down payment assistance works

Down payment assistance (DPA) helps homebuyers with grants or low-interest loans, reducing the amount they need to save for a down payment. Provided you qualify, you could receive a forgivable loan or an outright cash gift that never has to be repaid. Some loans must be repaid but with low or no interest. Many DPAs can be used for closing costs, too.

Most DPA programs are offered at the local level. And eligibility requirements vary from one program to the next.

Many DPAs require that you be a first-time home buyer (meaning you haven’t owned a home in three years) with a decent credit score and a low or moderate income. But not all programs have these same rules. Also, note that many DPA programs have a list of “participating lenders” they work with. So you may have to choose a lender that’s approved by your assistance program.

Types of down payment assistance programs

There are four main types of down payment assistance:

1. Grants: Gifted money that never has to be repaid
2. Loans: Second mortgages that are paid monthly along with your primary mortgage
3. Deferred loans: Second mortgages with deferred payments that only have to be paid when you move, sell, or refinance
4. Forgivable loans: Second mortgages that are forgiven over a set number of years (often five, but maybe up to 15 or 20). These only need to be repaid if you move, sell, or refinance too early

Some DPA loans are interest-free, some have lower rates than your first mortgage, and others require the same or a higher rate than that. A quick count of the programs listed below suggests all four types of DPA are widespread. Grants are the most common, but not by much.

How to find down payment assistance programs

Down payment assistance programs are usually very localized. There are a few national DPAs and many statewide ones, but the majority are run at a city or county level.

The best way to find down payment assistance programs for which you qualify is to speak with your loan officer or broker. They should know about local grants and loan programs that can help you out. They’ll also know which programs the lender can accept (not all lenders work with all DPAs).

If you want to do some research on your own, you can also Google “down payment assistance grants in [state, county, or city].” This will help you find current programs specific to your area that you might be able to apply for.

How big of a down payment grant can I get?

Down payment assistance programs are something of a ZIP code lottery. Depending on where you want to buy, you could be in line for a few thousand dollars or tens of thousands. And your program will dictate whether the money is a grant or a loan that needs to be repaid.

For example:

• In Seattle, you could get up to $55,000 as an interest-free loan that you don’t have to pay until you move, sell, transfer, or refinance your home. And that could be decades later
• In New York City, you could qualify for a forgivable loan or up to $100,000 which, if you stay in the home 10-15 years (depending on loan amount), does not have to be repaid
• In Iowa, you could get a grant of up to $2,500 toward your down payment and closing costs

Of course, some homeowners will qualify for more and some less. The only way to know how much help you’re in line for is to find local down payment assistance programs in your area and apply.

Are there closing cost grants, too?

Some homebuyer programs explicitly state that you can use their funds for closing costs as well as your down payment. Others may or may not have rules about that. Check your local down payment assistance programs to see if closing cost grants are included.

What mortgages can be used with down payment assistance?

Almost all DPA programs require you to borrow from an approved lender and use an approved mortgage program. You may have to sign up for a particular mortgage product.

However, DPA-approved mortgages often include the most popular loan programs, like:

• Conforming loans from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac
• FHA loans (backed by the Federal Housing Administration)
• VA loans (backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs)
• USDA loans (backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture)

In other words, the mortgage products allowed by your DPA program may be very flexible.

Down payment assistance programs by state

Depending on whose math you trust, there are between 2,000 and 2,500 DPA programs in the U.S. These are typically run by state and local governments as well as nonprofits at the community level. We list some of the biggest programs in each state below.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) also lists many homeownership assistance programs including DPA on its State Pages.

While we have made reasonable efforts to make sure the information below is correct at the time of posting, it is subject to change without notice. Please check relevant websites for more information.

Alabama Down Payment Assistance Programs

The Alabama Housing Finance Authority’s Step Up program offers to lend you your down payment in a 10-year second mortgage. That deal comes with conditions:

• Your household income can’t exceed $130,600
• You need a credit score of 640 or higher (680 or higher if you make more than 80% of your area’s median income)
• Your new first (main) mortgage must be a Housing Finance Authority Advantage conventional loan, FHA, VA, or USDA loan from the Step Up program

Get more details from the Step Up homepage. And take a look at HUD’s list of alternative programs for Alabama.

Alaska Down Payment Assistance Programs

The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) can provide a grant toward your closing costs and down payment.

• You must have a score of 640 or above to be eligible
• You can get up to 4% of the purchase price of the home you’re buying. However, you may get only 3% if your credit score is particularly low
• You must be buying (not refinancing) a single-family home that you’re going to occupy yourself
• You must be financing that with a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), or U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Discover more at the AHFC’s Closing Cost Assistance Program webpage. And take a look at HUD’s list of alternative programs for Alaska.

Arizona Down Payment Assistance Programs

The Arizona Department of Housing’s Home Plus program provides up to 5% of the initial balance on your new mortgage. The amount you might get will depend on the type of mortgage you choose.

• Funds can be applied to both down payment and closing costs
• You’ll need a minimum credit score of 640 to qualify for the program
• To be eligible, your annual income must not exceed $122,100

Find out more at the Home Plus homepage. And take a look at HUD’s list of alternative programs for Arizona.

Arkansas Down Payment Assistance Programs

The Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA) has a couple of helpful programs.

ADFA’s home loan program, “ADFA Move-UP,” offers home buyers an “affordable” mortgage and can be used in conjunction with a conventional, FHA, VA, or USDA mortgage loan.

Those taking advantage of the Move-Up loan might also be able to access down payment assistance through the ADFA. The organization offers a few assistance programs:

• The Arkansas Dream Down Payment Initiative (ADDI): Up to $25,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance for low-income buyers, forgiven over 5-10 years depending on loan amount
• The ADFA down payment assistance program (DPA): Between $1,000 and $15,000 as a second mortgage paid off over 10 years
• ADFA mortgage credit certificate (MCC): A dollar-for-dollar tax credit worth up to $2,000 per year

Visit the web pages of the ADFA Move-Up Choice and AFDA Down Payment Assistance programs to discover more, including income limits for your county. And take a look at HUD’s list of alternative programs for Arkansas.

California Down Payment Assistance Programs

The California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) MyHome Assistance Program provides down payment help for eligible buyers. This takes the form of a second mortgage of 3-3.5% of the home’s purchase price or $11,000 — whichever is less.

• The program provides 3% (up to $11,000) for homes financed with conventional or USDA loans
• It provides 3.5% (up to $11,000) for homes financed with FHA loans

This is a first-time home buyer down payment assistance program. So it won’t help if you already own an existing home.

However, CalHFA defines a first-time home buyer as “someone who has not owned and occupied their own home in the last three years.” So many who’ve previously owned homes may qualify.

Check out the MyHome Assistance Program webpage for more information. You’ll find some income limits there. If you’re a teacher or fire department employee, certain program limits may not apply.

Also take a look at HUD’s list of alternative programs for California.

Colorado Down Payment Assistance Programs

The Colorado Housing Assistance Corporation’s (CHAC’s) Down Payment Assistance Program is intended for first-time buyers. To qualify, you’ll need to have a low or moderate income compared to others in the area in which you buy.

• You need to save up at least $1,000 of your own money (not a gift) toward your down payment to be eligible. If you’re part of the state’s disability program, that $1,000 is reduced to $750
• This down payment assistance comes in the form of a second mortgage loan that must be repaid via monthly payments. Borrowers must also take a homebuyer education course

For more, visit CHAC’s website. And consult HUD’s list of alternative programs for Colorado.

Connecticut Down Payment Assistance Programs

The Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) offers up to $20,000 in down payment assistance (DPA) in the form of a second mortgage at 1% interest. However, some borrowers may be entitled to lower DPA rates.

• The minimum DPA loan amount is $3,000
• You can normally borrow between 3% and 3.5% of the purchase price of the home (no more than the minimum required down payment)
• Borrowers are required to attend a free home buyer education course

To apply for this program, you’ll first need to be approved for a mortgage by a participating lender.

The CHFA Down Payment Assistance Program webpage includes a list of participating lenders. And check out this HUD webpage for other programs in Connecticut.

Delaware Down Payment Assistance Programs

The Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) has several ways to help make home buying easier, including a down payment assistance program.

• DSHA Preferred Plus Program offers a second mortgage loan of up to 5% of your home’s purchase price. You can put the money toward your down payment or closing costs. You’d need to repay the money when you sell the home, refinance, or stop using it as your primary residence
• A Preferred Plus loan can be used along with the DSHA First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit, which could reduce your federal taxes owed by up to $2,000 a year

You’d have to use a participating lender and meet maximum income limits which vary by county.

Find details on the DSHA’s website. And find other DPA programs for Delaware on HUD’s website.

Washington, D.C. Down Payment Assistance Programs

The District of Columbia’s Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) helps low- or moderate-income borrowers.

• Qualified low-income applicants: Get an interest-free loan of up to $4,000. There are no monthly payments. The loan falls due when the home is resold or refinanced and must typically be repaid only then. Borrowers who make less than 80% of their area’s median income may qualify
• Qualified moderate-income borrowers: Can also get $4,000 as an interest-free loan. However, they have to start repaying that after five years. Borrowers who make 80% to 110% of their area’s median income may qualify

Read more at the HPAP home page. And see other programs on HUD’s website.

Florida Down Payment Assistance Programs

The Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) has four DPA programs:

• Florida Assist: Up to $10,000 toward down payment and closing costs. Takes the form of a deferred second mortgage that’s repaid when you sell, transfer, or pay off the home, or refinance your mortgage
• Florida Homeownership Loan Program: Offers $10,000 as a repayable second mortgage that is paid off over 15 years at a 3% interest rate
• HFA Preferred and HFA Advantage PLUS Second Mortgage: Offers 3%, 4%, or 5% of the purchase price which is forgiven over 5 years. Only borrowers using a conventional mortgage are eligible

Discover more at the FHFC’s website. And check HUD’s list of alternative programs for Florida.

Georgia Down Payment Assistance Programs

The Georgia Dream Homeownership Program (GDHP) helps provide affordable financing for low- and moderate-income first-time home buyers.

The program includes down payment assistance loans of:

• $7,500 for most buyers
• $10,000 for public protectors, educators, healthcare providers, active military, and buyers living with a disability or a disabled family member

To qualify, borrowers will need to be within local household income limits and have liquid assets of no more than $20,000 or 20% of the home purchase price (whichever is greater).

You can get all the details from the GDHP website. And check out HUD’s list of other DPA programs in Georgia.

Hawaii Down Payment Assistance Programs

There isn’t an official statewide down payment assistance program for Hawaii. But help is still available for Hawaii first-time home buyers.

The Hawaii Home Ownership Center is a non-profit mortgage brokerage offering both down payment assistance and a 15-year deferred closing cost loan.

• DPAL: This program features a low 3% down payment requirement with no mortgage insurance and no prepayment penalty
• Deferred Closing Cost Loan: Buyers may qualify for this 15-year term deferred loan with no interest and no monthly payments. The funds can be applied to both down payment and closing costs. Eligible borrowers must have low to moderate income (120% AMI or below), attend a first-time home buyer education course, and use the property as their primary residence

Take a look at HUD’s list of other homeownership assistance programs in Hawaii.

Idaho Down Payment Assistance Programs

The Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA) runs a down payment assistance program offering up to 10% of the home sale price toward buyers’ down payment and/or closing costs.

To qualify, borrowers will need to contribute at least 0.5% of the purchase price from their own funds. For instance, someone buying a $200,000 home would need to pay at least $1,000 out of pocket.

IHFA also requires a household income at or below $150,000, and buyers must take a homebuyer education course to receive down payment assistance.

Visit the IHFA website for complete details which include income limits in some cases. And check HUD’s list of alternative programs for Idaho.

Illinois Down Payment Assistance Programs

The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) has three down payment assistance loan options:

• Access Forgivable offers up to $6,000: Unless you sell or refinance your home within the first 10 years, this DPA assistance loan’s balance would be forgiven. You could get 4% of the home’s purchase price up to $6,000
• Access Deferred offers up to $7,500: This 0% loan would need to be repaid when you sell or refinance the home. You could borrow 5% of the home’s price up to $7,500
• Access Repayable offers up to $10,000: You’d make monthly payments on this DPA loan for 10 years. You could borrow 10% of the home’s purchase price up to $10,000

To get any of these loans, you’ll have to put up $1,000 or 1% of the purchase price (whichever is greater) yourself. And you must be buying an existing home; new builds are excluded.

Learn more at the Illinois Housing Development Authority’s website. And consult HUD’s list of alternative programs in Illinois.

Indiana Down Payment Assistance Programs

The Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) has two programs that offer down payment assistance.

• First Place Program: Offers up to 6% of the purchase price for first-time home buyers. Must be used with an FHA loan and requires a credit score of 640 or higher depending on debt-to-income ratio (DTI)
• Next Home Program: First-time home buyers can get up to 3.5% of the home’s purchase price. Must be used with an FHA loan and requires a credit score of 640 or higher depending on debt-to-income ratio (DTI). This program can also be combined with IHCDA’s Mortgage Credit Certificate

The IHCDA also offers a mortgage credit certificate that can help first-time home buyers and veterans qualify for a better mortgage loan.

For more information on these, visit IHCDA’s website. And check HUD’s list of other programs in Indiana.

Iowa Down Payment Assistance Programs

The Iowa Finance Authority offers grants and loans as down payment or closing cost assistance.

• FirstHome Loan: The loan could provide 5% of the home’s purchase price, up to $5,000, with no monthly payments. The loan would come due when you sell or refinance the home
• FirstHome Grant: The grant could pay $2,500 toward closing costs or a down payment

First-time home buyers and veterans may qualify for either type of assistance. Others can also qualify if they’re home buying in a low-income census tract. And the Iowa Finance Authority runs a similar program for repeat home buyers.

All programs have income limits and price caps on eligible homes. You’d also need a credit score of 640 to qualify.

Learn more at the IFA’s website. And take a look at HUD’s list of alternative programs in Iowa.

Kansas Down Payment Assistance Programs

The Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) has a first-time home buyer down payment assistance program. However, purchases within the city limits of Topeka, Wichita, Lawrence, and Kansas City, and in Johnson County, are not eligible for help.

• If you qualify, you could get a loan of 15-20% of your home’s purchase price, depending on your income. And that loan should be progressively forgiven over time, meaning it could end up costing you nothing
• You must make a minimum investment of 2% of the purchase price. For a $200,000 home, 2% equals $4,000

Get more details at KHRC’s website. And find alternative programs for Kansas on HUD’s website.

Kentucky Down Payment Assistance Programs

The Kentucky Housing Corporation offers two down payment assistance programs:

• Regular DPA: Borrow up to $7,500 repaid over 10 years with an interest rate of 3.75%
• Affordable DPA: Borrow up to $7,500. The loan is repayable over 10 years with interest of 1%. But you must be within certain income limits to qualify. Income limits vary by county and household size

For either program, your home’s purchase price can’t exceed $346,644. Check the KHC’s website for more details, including income limits for the Affordable DPA program.

Meanwhile, consult HUD’s list of alternative homeownership assistance programs in Kentucky.

Louisiana Down Payment Assistance Programs

Louisiana has one of the most generous down payment assistance programs. The Resilience Soft Second Loan offers:

• A “soft loan” of 20% of the home purchase price, up to $55,000
• Up to $5,000 in closing cost assistance for a total of up to $60,000

Better yet, the loan is forgiven after ten years. So as long as you remain in your home at least that long, you won’t have to repay anything.

This program is operated by the Louisiana Housing Corporation, and you’d need to meet income limits. You can’t earn more than 80% of your area’s median income.

And, only first-time homebuyers can participate. Louisiana includes single parents who owned a home while married as first-time buyers.

Only homes in the following parishes qualify: Acadia, Allen, Ascension, Avoyelles, Beauregard, Bienville, Bossier, Caddo, Calcasieu, Caldwell, Catahoula, Claiborne, De Soto, East Carroll, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Evangeline, Franklin, Grant, Iberia, Iberville, Jackson, Jefferson Davis, Lafayette, LaSalle, Lincoln, Livingston, Madison, Morehouse, Natchitoches, Ouachita, Pointe Coupee, Rapides, Red River, Richland, Sabine, St. Helena, St. James, St. Landry, St. Martin, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa, Union, Vermilion, Vernon, Washington, Webster, West Baton Rouge, West Carroll, West Feliciana, and Winn Parish.

For more information on this program, visit LHC’s website. And look at HUD’s list of alternative homeownership assistance programs in Louisiana.

Maine Down Payment Assistance Programs

The Maine State Housing Authority’s (MSNA’s) First Home Loan Program is aimed at first-time buyers and those who’ve not owned a home within the last three years.

• Advantage down payment and closing cost assistance: You get up to $5,000 toward your down payment and closing costs as a non-repayable grant

Eligibility criteria include an unspecified minimum credit score and caps on your household income and home purchase price. You’ll also need to put 1% of your own cash toward your home purchase. (The cost of your required home buyer education course goes toward this 1%).

Discover more at MSNA’s website. And check HUD’s list of other homeownership assistance programs in Maine.

Maryland Down Payment Assistance Programs

The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (MDHCD) can offer home buyer assistance through its Maryland Mortgage Program. Borrowers using the 1st Time Advantage home loan may have access to one of the following DPA options:

• 1st Time Advantage 6000: A $6,000 loan for down payment and closing costs which must be repaid when the home is sold, refinanced, or transferred
• 1st Time Advantage Loans: Worth 3%, 4%, or 5% of the home’s purchase price, these are deferred second mortgages with zero interest
• HomeStart: Up to 6% of the home purchase price as a 30-year deferred loan with 0% interest. Only available to borrowers with income at or below 50% of the area median income (AMI)

Additional options, including MMP Flex Loans and the Partner Match program, can provide down payment assistance to borrowers who aren’t using a 1st Time Advantage loan.

Learn more at MDHCD’s website. And look for other homeownership assistance programs in Maryland on HUD’s website.

Massachusetts Down Payment Assistance Programs

MassHousing, an independent housing agency in Massachusetts, can offer up to $50,000 in down payment assistance, depending on where you plan to buy a home.

• Up to $50,000 in 28 cities, including: Attleboro, Barnstable, Brockton, Chelsea, Chicopee, Everett, Fall River, Fitchburg, Framingham, Haverhill, Holyoke, Lawrence, Leominster, Lowell, Lynn, Malden, Methuen, New Bedford, Peabody, Pittsfield, Quincy, Randolph, Revere, Salem, Springfield, Taunton, Westfield, and Worcester
• Up to $30,000 in all Massachusetts communities

To find out whether you’d be eligible for this program, you’d need to speak with a loan officer. MassHousing doesn’t publish program details on its website.

For a list of other local programs in Massachusetts, visit HUD’s website.

Michigan Down Payment Assistance Programs

The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) offers a few different home buyer assistance programs.

• MI DPA Loan: Offers up to $7,500 in down payment assistance statewide
• MI 10K DPA Loan: Offers up to $10,000 in down payment assistance in select ZIP codes. See a list of eligible ZIP codes here

In addition to these DPA loans, MSHDA offers a homeownership education program and a mortgage credit certificate which lowers your federal tax bill.

Find out more at the MSHDA website. And find a list of other homeownership assistance programs in Michigan on HUD’s website.

Minnesota Down Payment Assistance Programs

The Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (MHFA) provides two types of down payment assistance loans to eligible borrowers:

• Monthly Payment Loan: Borrow up to $17,000 at the same rate you pay on your first mortgage. Pay that down each month over 10 years
• Deferred Payment Loan: First-time buyers can borrow up to $11,000 free of interest. You make no payments, but the balance will come due when you finish paying off the mortgage, refinance, or sell the home

Discover more at the MHFA’s website. And check HUD’s list of other homeownership assistance programs in Minnesota.

Mississippi Down Payment Assistance Programs

The Mississippi Home Corporation (MHC) offers two different mortgage programs that each come with their own brand of down payment assistance.

• Smart6: A 30-year fixed mortgage with a $6,000 down payment loan that carries 0% interest and comes due when you sell the home
• MRB7: A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with $7,000 in down payment assistance that is forgiven after 10 years

MRB7 is for first-time home buyers only (including home buyers who haven’t owned a home in the last 3 years), while Smart6 can be used by first-time and repeat home buyers alike.

Find out more at the MHC’s website. And consult HUD’s list of other homeownership assistance programs operating in Mississippi.

Missouri Down Payment Assistance Programs

The Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) provides down payment assistance for both first-time and repeat buyers. This comes in the form of a second mortgage loan of up to 4% of the home’s purchase price.

• This loan will be forgiven after 10 years, provided you don’t move, sell, refinance, or pay off your first mortgage during that time
• To qualify, your income must be below certain limits, which vary by location

Get more information from the MHDC’s website. And check out HUD’s list of other homeownership assistance programs in Missouri, including one operated by the Delta Area Economic Opportunity Corporation.

Montana Down Payment Assistance Programs

NeighborWorks Montana offers three down payment assistance programs:

• 20+ Community Second: This second mortgage loan would require a monthly payment, and the interest rate would be 2 percentage points higher than your first mortgage loan. You’d have to borrow at least $10,000, and you can use this program if you make up to 125% of your area’s median income (or 115% AMI for FHA fist mortgages)
• State Home Deferred: First-time homebuyers who earn less than 80% of their area’s median income can borrow up to $50,000 with no payments required. (Up to $65,000 in cases of disability, manufactured home purchase, or homes in designated high-cost areas.) The balance would come due if you sold the home, refinanced, or paid off your primary mortgage loan
• Statewide Low Mod: Low- and moderate-income borrowers (up to 125% of area median income) can get up to $20,000 which must be repaid through monthly payments

NeighborWorks also offers closing cost assistance if you’re getting a USDA Direct Loan which does not require a down payment.

The program has lots of options and rules, so read up on the details at NeighborWorks Montana’s website. And check HUD’s list of other homeownership assistance programs in the state.

Nebraska Down Payment Assistance Programs

The Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA) offers DPA of up to $10,000 or 5% of the sale price (whichever is less) via its Homebuyer Assistance Program. To qualify, borrowers must contribute at least $1,000 out of pocket. The assistance takes the form of a 10-year loan with a 1% interest rate.

Check the NIFA’s webpage for more information. And take a look at HUD’s list of other homeownership assistance programs in the state.

Nevada Down Payment Assistance Programs

The State of Nevada’s Home Is Possible Down Payment Assistance Program can provide up to 4% of your loan amount toward the down payment and closing costs. This takes the form of an interest-free loan that’s forgiven after three years.

To be eligible for Nevada’s DPA program:

• You must be a first-time home buyer, meaning you haven’t owned a home in at least three years
• You must have a minimum credit score of 660 (or 680 for manufactured homes)
• The home must be your primary residence
• You must pay a one-time fee of $755 at closing

In addition, you’ll need to meet your lender’s financial requirements to qualify for the mortgage.

For more details, visit the Home is Possible Down Payment Assistance Program’s webpage. And check out HUD’s list of other homeownership assistance programs in Nevada.

New Hampshire Down Payment Assistance Programs

New Hampshire Housing has two programs to help first-time home buyers. Home Flex Plus and Home Preferred Plus each provide up to 4% of the sale price in down payment assistance, which is forgiven after four years as long as you don’t sell the home, refinance, or file for bankruptcy within that time.

Household income limits apply. In most cases, you can’t make more than 80% of your area’s median income (AMI) or up to $151,200 to qualify for aid.

Get more information from the authority’s website. And take a look at HUD’s list of other homeownership assistance programs in New Hampshire.

New Jersey Down Payment Assistance Programs

First-time buyers in New Jersey can get up to $10,000 in down payment assistance through a five-year, forgivable loan with no interest or monthly payments required.

The loan must be paired with a first mortgage from the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency which can be a 30-year FHA, USDA, or VA loan.

For more information, visit the agency’s website. And consult HUD’s list of other homeownership assistance programs operating in the state.

New Mexico Down Payment Assistance Programs

The New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority’s FIRSTDown DPA program offers help with closing costs and down payments to first-time buyers. It provides up to $8,000 as a 30-year second mortgage at a relatively low interest rate.

• This program must be used in conjunction with New Mexico’s FIRSTHome mortgage financing program
• There are caps on household incomes and home purchase prices. But those may be higher if you’re buying in a target area

An alternative program, called HomeNow, also offers up to $8,000 in down payment assistance. The difference is that this loan can be forgiven after 10 years and is only available to borrowers with an income below 80% of the area median income (AMI).

You can find full details on the authority’s website. And read HUD’s list of other homeowner assistance programs in New Mexico.

New York Down Payment Assistance Programs

The State of New York Mortgage Association (SONYMA) offers a variety of home loans and down payment assistance programs for first-time buyers.

• Down Payment Assistance Loan (DPAL): Can offer up to 3% of the purchase price or up to $15,000 as a second mortgage with 0% interest. This is forgiven after 10 years as long as you don’t sell or refinance within that time
• DPAL Plus: Can offer up to $30,000 for lower-income home buyers who make less than 60% of their area median income (AMI)

In addition, New York City has its own HomeFirst Down Payment Assistance Program that could offer up to $100,000 for eligible buyers. To qualify, borrowers must have a household income below 80% of their area median income (AMI) and pay at least 1% of the purchase price out of pocket.

For links to other statewide and local programs in New York, check HUD’s list.

North Carolina Down Payment Assistance Programs

First-time and repeat home buyers may be eligible for a down payment loan of up to 3% of their mortgage balance with the NC Home Advantage Mortgage.

• This assistance loan starts to be forgiven in year 11 of your mortgage and will be fully forgiven by year 15. If you sell, transfer or refinance before year 11, you’ll have to pay back the whole amount
• NC Home Advantage also has a similar program offering $8,000 in down payment assistance to veterans and first-time homebuyers

Use the link above to get more information from the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency’s website. And review HUD’s list of other homeownership assistance programs in the state.

North Dakota Down Payment Assistance Programs

The North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) has two programs, called “Start” and “DCA,” that are intended to help with upfront home buying closing costs. Both programs can offer up to 3% of the mortgage amount toward your down payment, closing costs, and/or prepaid items.

To qualify, you’ll have to have a household income below certain caps. And the value of the home you’re buying may also be limited.

You can find details here. And take a look at HUD’s list of other homeownership assistance programs in North Dakota.

Ohio Down Payment Assistance Programs

The Ohio Housing Finance Agency has a down payment assistance program through its MyOhioHome.org resource. It provides either 2.5% or 5% of the home’s purchase price.

• This DPA comes in the form of a loan, which is forgiven after seven years. Sell, transfer, or refinance before then, and you’ll have to repay the loan
• You’ll need a credit score of 640 or better with a conventional, USDA, or VA loan. Buyers with FHA loans will need a FICO of 650 or more
• Limits apply to incomes and purchase prices

Get more information from MyOhioHome’s website. And consult HUD’s list of other homeownership assistance programs in Ohio.

Oklahoma Down Payment Assistance Programs

The Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency offers its OHFA Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance program. This provides down payment assistance loans to eligible borrowers using a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. Those secondary loans are 3.5% of the primary mortgage amount.

To qualify, you’ll likely need a credit score of 640 or better. And your household income will be capped according to family size and the county of purchase.

Learn more at OHFA’s website. And take a look at HUD’s list of other homeownership assistance programs operating in Oklahoma.

Oregon Down Payment Assistance Programs

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) offers down payment assistance programs for first-time buyers. They’re intended for “low-and very low-income families and individuals, with particular focus on underserved populations.” The state agency sends money to various local agencies which provide direct assistance to home buyers.

There’s a list of those agencies on the OHCS website, together with the county or counties each serves. Links are provided there to every agency. Also check out HUD’s list of other homeownership assistance programs in the state.

Pennsylvania Down Payment Assistance Programs

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) offers a variety of down payment assistance programs.

• PHFA Grant: Provides a $500 grant that can be used in conjunction with an HFA Preferred loan
• Keystone Advantage Assistance Loan Program: Provides a second mortgage up to $6,000 or 4% f the purchase price, whichever is less. Paid off over 10 years at zero percent interest
• Keystone Forgivable In Ten Years Loan Program (K-FIT): Offers up to 5% of the purchase price or appraised value (whichever is less). Forgiven over ten years at a rate of 10% per year

Each program has its own eligibility criteria and a list of acceptable mortgage loan programs. You can get details from the agency’s website. And consult HUD’s list of other homeownership assistance programs in Pennsylvania.

Puerto Rico Down Payment Assistance Programs

Puerto Rico provides grants of up to 5% of the purchase price on new homes and those refurbished by private developers. That purchase price must be in the range of $94,000 to $143,000. Learn more at PRHFA Programs.

It’s not clear whether the U.S. Virgin Islands has a down payment assistance program as such. But its William’s Delight Home Ownership Program is intended to “empower our residents to achieve their housing dreams.” For more information, call (340) 772-1505.

Rhode Island Down Payment Assistance Programs

The Rhode Island Housing department offers a down payment assistance program for first-time buyers who use an RIHousing mortgage to buy their home.

If you’re eligible, you could get 6% of your loan size or $15,000 (whichever is lower) in down payment assistance. The agency says that in most cases, “the interset rate on an Extra Assistance Loan will be the same as the interest rate on your RIHousing first mortgage.”

Discover more at Rhode Island Housing’s website. And explore HUD’s list of other homeownership assistance programs in the state.

South Carolina Down Payment Assistance Programs

The South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority offers both mortgage loans and down payment assistance. This is intended to help low-to-moderate income families and individuals who are purchasing a home for the first time.

The Palmetto Home Advantage mortgage can be used with a conventional, FHA, VA, or USDA loan. And it may come with down payment assistance worth up to 4% of the loan amount “with a $0.00 monthly payment.”

For more details, you must contact one of the lenders that participate in the program. Also check out HUD’s list of other homeownership assistance programs operating in South Carolina.

South Dakota Down Payment Assistance Programs

The South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA) offers down payment assistance via the Fixed Rate Plus loan. This can provide 3% or 5% of the purchase price to help with your down payment and closing costs.

Fixed Rate Plus takes the form of a second mortgage with 0% interest and no monthly payments. The loan amount comes due when you sell the home or refinance.

For more information, visit SDHDA’s website. And check HUD’s list of other homeownership assistance programs in the state.

Tennessee Down Payment Assistance Programs

The Tennessee Housing Development Agency’s Great Choice Home Loan offers up to $6,000 or 6% in down payment assistance in the form of a second mortgage loan.

• Deferred option: Receive $6,000 as a forgivable second mortgage. This loan has zero interest and payments are deferred until the end of the 30-year loan term when the loan is forgiven. Repayment will be due in full if the home is sold or refinanced
• Payment option: Receive 6% of the home’s sale price as a second mortgage that must be repaid over 15 years at the same mortgage rate as your primary home loan

You can use the funds from both loans towards closing costs and down payment. All borrowers must first register for the state’s homebuyer education course.

For more details, go to the agency’s website. And read HUD’s list of other homeownership assistance programs in Tennessee.

Texas Down Payment Assistance Programs

The Texas Homebuyer Program can help with all steps of the home buying process, including coming up with the cash for a down payment.

Via My First Texas Home or My Choice Texas Home, buyers can receive down payment assistance of up to 5 percent. This takes the form of a low- or no-interest second mortgage that might be forgiven, depending on which program you qualify for.

The Texas Home Buyer Program also offers mortgage credit certificates (MCCs) to veterans and first-time home buyers. These can provide a dollar-for-dollar reduction in your federal taxes.

Find more details about the program here, or see HUD’s list of other homeownership assistance programs in Texas.

Utah Down Payment Assistance Programs

The Utah Housing Corporation (UHC) offers down payment assistance loans for repeat buyers as well as those purchasing for the first time. This PDF from UHC’s website lays out the details.

• You could get up to 4% or 6% of your primary loan amount depending on which down payment assistance loan you qualify for
• The loan is a 30-year second mortgage charging a fixed interest rate that’s 2 percentage points higher than your primary mortgage rate. To qualify, you’d first have to get approved for an FHA or VA loan through UHC

Learn more about these loans at UHC’s website. And explore HUD’s list of other homeownership assistance programs in Utah.

Vermont Down Payment Assistance Programs

The Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) ASSIST Second Mortgage is open only to first-time buyers. This can provide a loan of $10,000 or $15,000, depending on your income, with 0% interest and no monthly payments. The loan comes due when you sell the home. This down payment assistance must be paired with one of the VHFA’s home loan programs.

You can learn more at the VHFA’s website. And check out HUD’s list of other homeownership assistance programs in the state.

Virginia Down Payment Assistance Programs

The Virginia Housing Development Authority has both a down payment grant and a closing cost assistance grant. The down payment grant can be used with FHA or conventional loans, while the closing cost grant can be used with USDA and VA loans. And both programs can be paired with a mortgage credit certificate (MCC) which reduces your federal tax bill.

Find out more about these down payment assistance grants on the VHDA website. And read HUD’s list of other homeownership assistance programs in the state.

Washington Down Payment Assistance Programs

The Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC) has nine different down payment assistance programs. Help ranges from $10,000 or 4% of your mortgage balance, right to up to $55,000 for eligible buyers in Seattle.

All these come in the form of a second mortgage. But you don’t have to repay that right away. It becomes due only “upon sale, transfer, non-occupancy or refinance” of the property.

View the list of DPAs on WSHFC’s website and click through for details of each program. And consult HUD’s list of other homeownership assistance programs in the state.

West Virginia Down Payment Assistance Programs

The West Virginia Housing Development Fund offers help with down payments and closing costs.

• The amount you can get ranges from up to $5,000 to up to $10,000, depending on the mortgage you choose and the size of the down payment you’re going to make
• This assistance comes in the form of a 15-year second mortgage. At the time of writing, that loan has a very low interest rate of 2%

Discover more on the development fund’s website. And read HUD’s list of other homeownership assistance programs available in West Virginia.

Wisconsin Down Payment Assistance Programs

The Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) has a program called Capital Access that provides up to $3,050 toward your down payment and closing costs.

This comes in the form of an interest-free second mortgage that falls due only when you finish paying your first mortgage, refinance, or move to a new home. So there are no monthly payments.

Learn more at the WHEDA website. You should also check out the Easy Close down payment assistance program which can provide up to 6% of your primary loan amount as a 10-year fixed-rate loan that requires repayment.

And you can check out HUD’s list of other programs in Wisconsin.

Wyoming Down Payment Assistance Programs

The Wyoming Community Development Authority (WCDA) has two down payment assistance (DPA) programs. Both provide a loan of up to $10,000.

You’ll need a FICO score of 620 or better, and must contribute at least $1,500 toward your purchase, though that may be a gift.

The programs are:

• Home$tretch DPA: 0% interest rate (0.080% APR) with no monthly payments, due only “upon sale of the home, refinance or 30-year maturity”
• Amortizing DPA: Paid down in full with low monthly payments over 10 years

Both programs work only in conjunction with specific primary mortgage loans from the WCDA.

Find out more at WCDA’s website. And check out HUD’s list of other homeownership assistance programs in Wyoming.