🎁 Types of Down Payment Assistance
💵 Grants (FREE Money!)
BESTGrants are FREE money that never needs to be repaid. This is the best type of assistance available!
- ✓ No repayment required - ever!
- ✓ Typically $5,000-$25,000
- ✓ Can cover down payment AND closing costs
- ✓ Available in most states
🔄 Forgivable Loans
POPULARSecond mortgages that are forgiven after 5-10 years if you stay in the home.
- ✓ Forgiven if you stay 5-10 years
- ✓ No monthly payments during forgiveness period
- ✓ Typically $10,000-$50,000
- ✓ Prorated if you sell early
⏸️ Deferred Loans
FLEXIBLESecond mortgages with no payments until you sell, refinance, or pay off your first mortgage.
- ✓ No monthly payments
- ✓ 0% or low interest
- ✓ Due when you sell or refinance
- ✓ Larger amounts available
💰 Matched Savings (IDA)
MULTIPLYSave money and get it matched 2:1, 3:1, or even 4:1!
- ✓ Save $1, get $2-$4 matched
- ✓ Requires 6-24 months of saving
- ✓ Financial education included
- ✓ Great for building savings habits
🗺️ Top DPA Programs by State (2026)
| State | Program | Amount | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | CalHFA MyHome | Up to $25,000 | Deferred Loan |
| Texas | My First Texas Home | Up to 5% | Grant |
| Florida | Hometown Heroes | Up to $35,000 | Forgivable Loan |
| New York | SONYMA | Up to $15,000 | Grant |
| Illinois | IHDA Access | Up to $10,000 | Forgivable |
| Pennsylvania | PHFA K-FIT | Up to $15,000 | Forgivable |
| Georgia | Georgia Dream | Up to $10,000 | Deferred |
| North Carolina | NC Home Advantage | Up to $15,000 | Forgivable |
| Arizona | Home Plus | Up to 5% | Grant |
| Colorado | CHFA DPA | Up to $25,000 | Grant/Loan |
🔍 Find Programs in YOUR State
Every state has multiple DPA programs. Work with a lender who specializes in down payment assistance to find ALL the programs you qualify for.
Find Programs in My State →✅ Who Qualifies for Down Payment Assistance?
You might be surprised—DPA isn't just for low-income buyers! Many programs have generous income limits and flexible requirements.
📋 Common Requirements
- • First-time buyer (or haven't owned in 3 years)
- • Income below area limits (often 80-150% AMI)
- • Credit score 620+ (some accept lower)
- • Complete homebuyer education course
- • Use home as primary residence
- • Purchase price below program limits
🎯 Special Programs For
- • Teachers & educators
- • Healthcare workers
- • First responders (police, fire, EMS)
- • Veterans & military
- • Government employees
- • Essential workers
💡 "First-Time Buyer" Definition is Flexible!
You're considered a "first-time buyer" if you haven't owned a home in the past 3 years. So even if you owned before, you may still qualify!
📝 How to Get Down Payment Assistance
Research Programs in Your Area
Check state housing finance agency, city/county programs, and nonprofit organizations. Many areas have multiple overlapping programs!
Find a DPA-Approved Lender
Not all lenders participate in DPA programs. Work with one who specializes in assistance programs.Find DPA lenders
Complete Homebuyer Education
Most programs require a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. Many are free and available online. Takes 4-8 hours.
Get Pre-Approved
Your lender will determine which programs you qualify for and how much assistance you can receive.Get pre-approved
Apply and Close!
DPA is applied at closing. The funds go directly toward your down payment and/or closing costs.
🔗 Combine DPA with These Loan Types
FHA Loans + DPA
FHA requires only 3.5% down. DPA can cover this entirely, making it a true $0 out-of-pocket purchase!
Learn about FHA loans →Conventional 97 + DPA
Conventional loans with 3% down. DPA can cover the down payment, and you avoid FHA's lifetime MIP.
First-time buyer guide →VA Loans + DPA
VA already offers $0 down, but DPA can cover closing costs and the funding fee!
VA loan benefits →USDA Loans + DPA
USDA offers $0 down in rural areas. DPA can cover closing costs for a true zero-cost purchase!
Zero-down options →❓ Down Payment Assistance FAQ
Do I have to pay back down payment assistance?
It depends on the program. Grants never need to be repaid. Forgivable loans are forgiven after 5-10 years. Deferred loans are due when you sell or refinance.
What income do I need to qualify?
Most programs require income below 80-150% of Area Median Income (AMI). In many areas, households earning $80,000-$150,000+ can qualify!
Can I use DPA for closing costs too?
Yes! Many programs allow you to use assistance for both down payment AND closing costs. Some even cover moving expenses.
How long does it take to get DPA?
DPA is applied at closing, so there's no separate timeline. However, you should apply early as some programs have limited funding.
🎁 Don't Leave FREE Money on the Table!
Over $2.5 BILLION in down payment assistance goes unclaimed every year. Find out what programs YOU qualify for and buy your home with little to no money out of pocket!