Down Payment Assistance Programs
Access thousands of programs offering grants, forgivable loans, and assistance up to $20,000
2,000+ Programs
Nationwide access to state, local, and national DPA options
Up to $20,000
Grants and forgivable loans that may never need repayment
$0 Down Options
Programs offering 100% financing with no down payment
40+ States
Licensed nationwide to help you access local programs
What is Down Payment Assistance?
Down payment assistance (DPA) programs provide financial help to cover part or all of a home buyer's down payment and often closing costs. These programs offer grants or low-interest loans, reducing the upfront cash needed to buy a home.
With over 2,000 programs nationwide, many run by state, county, and city governments, DPAs can provide thousands of dollars to eligible buyers. Some DPAs offer forgivable loans or cash gifts that don't need to be repaid, while others may require low or no-interest repayment.
Types of Down Payment Assistance
Gifted money that never has to be repaid. The most desirable form of DPA, grants provide free money toward your down payment and closing costs.
Example: Arizona's Pathway To Purchase offers up to $20,000 as a grant.
Second mortgages forgiven over time. Typically forgiven after 5-15 years. Only need to be repaid if you move, sell, or refinance too early.
Example: Chenoa Fund offers forgivable 3.5-5% FHA assistance.
Second mortgages with no monthly payments. Deferred payments only due when you move, sell, or refinance. Often interest-free.
Example: Arizona Home Plus offers 3-year deferred assistance up to 4%.
Second mortgages paid monthly. Paid along with your primary mortgage. May have low or no interest rates.
Example: Alabama AHFA Step Up offers 10-year second mortgage up to $10,000.
Calculate Your DPA Savings
See how down payment assistance can reduce your upfront costs and monthly mortgage payments
See how down payment assistance reduces your upfront costs and monthly payments
$70,000 required
Without DPA
With DPA
Your Savings
Note: This calculator provides estimates only. Actual payments may vary based on property taxes, insurance, HOA fees, and other factors. DPA programs may have income limits, property restrictions, and repayment terms. Contact us for personalized assistance.
National Programs We Offer
As licensed mortgage brokers in 40+ states, we can help you access these nationwide DPA programs
CBC Mortgage Agency • Available in 49 states
Program Details
- 3.5% or 5% of purchase price assistance
- FHA loans only
- Minimum 600 credit score
- No income limits
- Not just for first-time buyers
Key Benefits
- Always funded (not a bond program)
- Forgivable or repayable options
- Over 50,000 homebuyers helped
- Same guidelines in all states
Not available in: New York
Fannie Mae Program • Nationwide
Program Details
- Secondary financing from approved sources
- Conventional loans (Fannie Mae)
- Nonprofits, employers, government agencies
- Down payment and closing cost help
Funding Sources
- Local nonprofit organizations
- Employer-assisted housing programs
- State and local government agencies
- Community development organizations
Nonprofit Organization • Through Participating Lenders
The National Homebuyers Fund is a nonprofit organization that partners with approved lenders nationwide to provide down payment assistance. Program details and availability vary by location and lender partnership.
Key Features
- Available through participating lenders
- Nationwide coverage
- Multiple DPA options
Eligibility
- Varies by program and location
- Contact us for current options
Featured State Programs
Detailed guides for our top markets with comprehensive program information
Arizona
Home Plus: 4% deferred loan
Pathway: $20,000 grant
California
MyHome: 3-3.5% assistance
CalHFA: Silent second mortgage
Texas
My First Texas Home: Up to 5%
MCC: Tax credit available
Florida
Florida Assist: Up to $35,000
Hometown Heroes: For service workers
Colorado
CHFA: Grants & forgivable loans
Amount: Up to 4% ($25K max)
Nevada
Home First: $15,000 forgivable
Home Is Possible: Up to 4%
Complete 50-State DPA Directory
Every state offers down payment assistance through their Housing Finance Agency. Find your state below to explore available programs.
| State | Housing Finance Agency | Primary Programs | Typical Amount | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA) | Step Up, Mortgage Credit Certificate | Up to 4% or $10,000 | Visit Site |
| Alaska | Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) | First-Time Homebuyer Program | Up to $10,000 | Visit Site |
| Arizona | Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH) | Home Plus, Pathway To Purchase | Up to 4% or $20,000 | Visit Site |
| Arkansas | Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA) | DPA Loan, MCC Program | Up to 3.5% | Visit Site |
| California | California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) | MyHome Assistance Program | 3-3.5% deferred loan | Visit Site |
| Colorado | Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) | Grant & Forgivable Loan Programs | Up to 4% ($25,000 max) | Visit Site |
| Connecticut | Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) | Down Payment Assistance Loan | Up to $15,000 | Visit Site |
| Delaware | Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) | Preferred Plus, First-Time Homebuyer | Up to $15,000 | Visit Site |
| Florida | Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) | Florida Assist, HFA Preferred, Hometown Heroes | Up to $35,000 | Visit Site |
| Georgia | Georgia Department of Community Affairs | Down Payment Assistance Program | Up to $7,500 | Visit Site |
| Hawaii | Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation | Hula Mae Down Payment Assistance | Up to $25,000 | Visit Site |
| Idaho | Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA) | IdahoHome Advantage | Up to 3.5% | Visit Site |
| Illinois | Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) | 1stHomeIllinois, Opening Doors | Up to $10,000 | Visit Site |
| Indiana | Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority | Next Home, Mortgage Credit Certificate | Up to 3.5% | Visit Site |
| Iowa | Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) | FirstHome Plus, Homes for Iowans | Up to $2,500 | Visit Site |
| Kansas | Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) | First-Time Homebuyer Program | Up to 3.5% | Visit Site |
| Kentucky | Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) | Down Payment Assistance, MCC | Up to $6,000 | Visit Site |
| Louisiana | Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) | MRB DPA, Opening Doors | Up to 3.5% | Visit Site |
| Maine | Maine State Housing Authority (MaineHousing) | First Home Loan, Advantage Program | Up to 3.5% | Visit Site |
| Maryland | Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development | Maryland Mortgage Program | Up to $15,000 | Visit Site |
| Massachusetts | Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) | ONE Mortgage, SoftSecond | Up to $50,000 | Visit Site |
| Michigan | Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) | MI Home Loan, Down Payment Assistance | Up to $10,000 | Visit Site |
| Minnesota | Minnesota Housing Finance Agency | Start Up, Step Up | Up to $15,000 | Visit Site |
| Mississippi | Mississippi Home Corporation (MHC) | SmartSolution, Dream Solution | Up to 4% | Visit Site |
| Missouri | Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) | Down Payment Assistance, MCC | Up to 3% | Visit Site |
| Montana | Montana Board of Housing | HOUSE Program, TSEP | Up to 4% | Visit Site |
| Nebraska | Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA) | First Home Program | Up to 5% | Visit Site |
| Nevada | Nevada Housing Division (NHD) | Home Is Possible, Home First | Up to $15,000 | Visit Site |
| New Hampshire | New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority | Affordable Homeownership Program | Up to 3.5% | Visit Site |
| New Jersey | New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) | DPA Homebuyer Program | Up to $10,000 | Visit Site |
| New Mexico | New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) | FirstHome Program, MCC | Up to 4% | Visit Site |
| New York | New York State Homes and Community Renewal | Achieving the Dream | Up to $15,000 | Visit Site |
| North Carolina | North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) | NC Home Advantage, MCC | Up to 5% | Visit Site |
| North Dakota | North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) | FirstHome Program, Start Program | Up to $10,000 | Visit Site |
| Ohio | Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) | Grants for Grads, Your Choice! | Up to $7,500 | Visit Site |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) | Down Payment Assistance | Up to 3.5% | Visit Site |
| Oregon | Oregon Housing and Community Services | Down Payment Assistance Loan | Up to 3% | Visit Site |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) | HOMEstead, Keystone Advantage | Up to $10,000 | Visit Site |
| Rhode Island | Rhode Island Housing | FirstHomes Program | Up to $15,000 | Visit Site |
| South Carolina | South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority | Palmetto Heroes, ForgivableEquity | Up to 5% | Visit Site |
| South Dakota | South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA) | First-Time Homebuyer Program | Up to 4% | Visit Site |
| Tennessee | Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) | Great Choice, Great Start | Up to 4% | Visit Site |
| Texas | Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) | My First Texas Home, My Choice Texas Home | Up to 5% | Visit Site |
| Utah | Utah Housing Corporation | FirstHome, HomeAgain | Up to 4% | Visit Site |
| Vermont | Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) | VHFA Advantage, ASSIST | Up to $10,000 | Visit Site |
| Virginia | Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA) | Down Payment Assistance Grant | Up to 2.5% | Visit Site |
| Washington | Washington State Housing Finance Commission | House Key, Home Advantage | Up to 5% | Visit Site |
| West Virginia | West Virginia Housing Development Fund (WVHDF) | Down Payment & Closing Cost Assistance | Up to 5% | Visit Site |
| Wisconsin | Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) | Easy Close, Advantage | Up to $10,000 | Visit Site |
| Wyoming | Wyoming Community Development Authority (WCDA) | Down Payment Assistance | Up to 4% | Visit Site |
Need Help Finding Your State's Programs?
We're licensed in 40+ states and can guide you through your state's specific DPA programs, eligibility requirements, and application process.
Who Qualifies for Down Payment Assistance?
First-Time Home Buyers
Most DPA programs are designed for first-time buyers. However, you may still qualify as a "first-time buyer" if you haven't owned a home in the past 3 years.
Income Requirements
Many programs have income limits based on your area's median income (AMI). However, some programs like Chenoa Fund have no income limits. Requirements vary by program.
Credit Score
Minimum credit scores typically range from 600-680 depending on the program. Some programs are more flexible than others.
Property Requirements
Must be purchasing a primary residence within local purchase price limits. Property must be located in an eligible area.
Additional Requirements
- •Using an approved mortgage program (FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional)
- •Working with an approved mortgage lender
- •Completing homebuyer education course (often required)
Not Sure If You Qualify?
Every program has different requirements. Let us help you find the right DPA program for your situation.
Ready to Access Down Payment Assistance?
Get pre-qualified in minutes and discover which DPA programs you're eligible for
Licensed in 40+ states • NMLS #1767357 • Free consultation