First-Time Home Buyer Programs 2026 by State: $3K-$25K Grants Chart
All 50 states offer first-time buyer assistance: $3,000-$25,000 grants • Down payment help • Tax credits • 0-3% interest loans. Search your state below.
Sarah Mitchell
VA Loan & First-Time Buyer Specialist • 12+ Years
Published April 28, 2026 • 22 min read
$3K-$25K
Grant amounts
By state
50 States
All states covered
+ DC & territories
580+
Min. credit score
Most programs
0-3%
Interest rates
DPA loans
🎯 Find Your State's Programs:
Get pre-approved with a lender that offers your state's DPA programs. Not all lenders participate.
Get Pre-Approved (State Programs) →📊 Top 10 States: First-Time Buyer Programs Chart 2026
Source: State Housing Finance Agencies, NCSHA.org, HUD.gov | Last updated: April 28, 2026
| State | Program Name | Max Grant | Type | Min. Credit | Income Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 California | CalHFA MyHome | $17,500 | Forgivable loan | 640 | 120% AMI |
| Texas | TSAHC My First Texas Home | $15,000 | Grant | 620 | 115% AMI |
| New York | SONYMA Achieving the Dream | $15,000 | Grant | 620 | 100% AMI |
| Pennsylvania | PHFA Keystone Advantage | $10,000 | Forgivable loan | 620 | 120% AMI |
| Illinois | IHDA 1st Home Illinois | $10,000 | Forgivable loan | 580 | 109% AMI |
| Washington | House Key Opportunity | $10,000 | Grant | 620 | 100% AMI |
| Colorado | CHFA First-Time Homebuyer | $8,500 | Forgivable loan | 620 | 100% AMI |
| North Carolina | NC Home Advantage | $8,000 | Forgivable loan | 620 | 115% AMI |
| Florida | FHA Advantage | $7,500 | Grant | 580 | 140% AMI |
| Georgia | Georgia Dream | $7,500 | Forgivable loan | 640 | 120% AMI |
Data sources: State Housing Finance Agency websites, NCSHA.org, HUD.gov. Rates as of April 28, 2026. Income limits vary by county — check your specific county AMI. Get pre-approved with state programs →
🗺️ All 50 States: Complete Programs List
Click your state to see detailed program information, eligibility requirements, and how to apply.
🏠 Alabama
Program: AHFA Step Up
Max Grant: $5,000
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 100% AMI
🏠 Alaska
Program: AHFC First-Time Homebuyer
Max Grant: $10,000
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 120% AMI
🏠 Arizona
Program: AZ Home Plus
Max Grant: $7,500
Min. Credit: 640
Income Limit: 100% AMI
🏠 Arkansas
Program: ADFA Down Payment Assistance
Max Grant: $15,000
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 115% AMI
🏠 California
Program: CalHFA MyHome
Max Grant: $17,500
Min. Credit: 640
Income Limit: 120% AMI
🏠 Colorado
Program: CHFA First-Time Homebuyer
Max Grant: $8,500
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 100% AMI
🏠 Connecticut
Program: CHFA Down Payment Assistance
Max Grant: $10,000
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 120% AMI
🏠 Delaware
Program: DSHA Preferred Plus
Max Grant: $6,000
Min. Credit: 640
Income Limit: 100% AMI
🏠 Florida
Program: FHA Advantage
Max Grant: $7,500
Min. Credit: 580
Income Limit: 140% AMI
🏠 Georgia
Program: Georgia Dream
Max Grant: $7,500
Min. Credit: 640
Income Limit: 120% AMI
🏠 Hawaii
Program: HHFDC Hula Mae
Max Grant: $25,000
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 140% AMI
🏠 Idaho
Program: IHFA First Home
Max Grant: $6,000
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 100% AMI
🏠 Illinois
Program: IHDA 1st Home Illinois
Max Grant: $10,000
Min. Credit: 580
Income Limit: 109% AMI
🏠 Indiana
Program: IHCDA Next Home
Max Grant: $7,500
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 120% AMI
🏠 Iowa
Program: IFA FirstHome
Max Grant: $5,000
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 100% AMI
🏠 Kansas
Program: KHRC First Time Homebuyer
Max Grant: $5,000
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 100% AMI
🏠 Kentucky
Program: KHC Down Payment Assistance
Max Grant: $6,000
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 115% AMI
🏠 Louisiana
Program: LHC MCC Program
Max Grant: $5,000
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 100% AMI
🏠 Maine
Program: MaineHousing FirstHome
Max Grant: $7,500
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 120% AMI
🏠 Maryland
Program: CDA SmartBuy
Max Grant: $15,000
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 110% AMI
🏠 Massachusetts
Program: MassHousing DPA
Max Grant: $25,000
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 135% AMI
🏠 Michigan
Program: MSHDA MI Home Loan
Max Grant: $7,500
Min. Credit: 640
Income Limit: 120% AMI
🏠 Minnesota
Program: Minnesota Housing Start Up
Max Grant: $7,500
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 115% AMI
🏠 Mississippi
Program: MHFA SmartSolution
Max Grant: $5,000
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 100% AMI
🏠 Missouri
Program: MHDC First Place
Max Grant: $5,000
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 100% AMI
🏠 Montana
Program: MBOH First-Time Homebuyer
Max Grant: $6,000
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 100% AMI
🏠 Nebraska
Program: NIFA First Home
Max Grant: $5,000
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 100% AMI
🏠 Nevada
Program: Nevada Housing Division
Max Grant: $6,000
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 120% AMI
🏠 New Hampshire
Program: NHHFA Affordable HomeOwnership
Max Grant: $7,500
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 120% AMI
🏠 New Jersey
Program: NJHMFA DPA
Max Grant: $10,000
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 120% AMI
🏠 New Mexico
Program: MFA FirstHome
Max Grant: $8,000
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 100% AMI
🏠 New York
Program: SONYMA Achieving the Dream
Max Grant: $15,000
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 100% AMI
🏠 North Carolina
Program: NC Home Advantage
Max Grant: $8,000
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 115% AMI
🏠 North Dakota
Program: NDHFA FirstHome
Max Grant: $5,000
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 100% AMI
🏠 Ohio
Program: OHFA Your Choice!
Max Grant: $7,500
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 120% AMI
🏠 Oklahoma
Program: OHFA Down Payment Assistance
Max Grant: $5,000
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 100% AMI
🏠 Oregon
Program: Oregon Bond Residential Loan
Max Grant: $7,500
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 100% AMI
🏠 Pennsylvania
Program: PHFA Keystone Advantage
Max Grant: $10,000
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 120% AMI
🏠 Rhode Island
Program: RIHousing FirstHomes
Max Grant: $7,500
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 120% AMI
🏠 South Carolina
Program: SC Housing Palmetto Heroes
Max Grant: $7,500
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 100% AMI
🏠 South Dakota
Program: SDHDA First-Time Homebuyer
Max Grant: $5,000
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 100% AMI
🏠 Tennessee
Program: THDA Great Choice
Max Grant: $7,500
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 115% AMI
🏠 Texas
Program: TSAHC My First Texas Home
Max Grant: $15,000
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 115% AMI
🏠 Utah
Program: UHC FirstHome
Max Grant: $6,000
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 100% AMI
🏠 Vermont
Program: VHFA ASSIST
Max Grant: $7,500
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 120% AMI
🏠 Virginia
Program: VHDA FHA Plus
Max Grant: $8,500
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 120% AMI
🏠 Washington
Program: House Key Opportunity
Max Grant: $10,000
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 100% AMI
🏠 West Virginia
Program: WVHDF Homeownership Program
Max Grant: $6,000
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 100% AMI
🏠 Wisconsin
Program: WHEDA Easy Close
Max Grant: $7,500
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 100% AMI
🏠 Wyoming
Program: WCDA FirstHome
Max Grant: $5,000
Min. Credit: 620
Income Limit: 100% AMI
🏆 Get Pre-Approved with State DPA Programs
Not all lenders offer state programs. Connect with lenders who specialize in first-time buyer assistance.
Find DPA Lenders in My State →Free • No credit impact • 2 minutes
✅ How to Qualify: Universal Requirements
Most state programs share these common eligibility requirements:
First-Time Buyer Status
No home ownership in past 3 years (36 months). Exceptions: Single parents, displaced homemakers, veterans (some states). If you owned with ex-spouse only, you may qualify immediately.
Credit Score: 580-640 Minimum
FHA programs: 580+. Conventional programs: 620-640+. Best rates: 680+. Tip: Improve credit 3-6 months before applying — every 20 points saves $50-100/month.
Income Limits: 80-140% AMI
Varies by county and household size. Example: LA County 80% AMI = $70,720 (single), $101,600 (family of 4). Check HUD.gov for your county AMI. Most programs allow combined household income.
Homebuyer Education Course
Required by most states. 8-hour online course ($75-150). Covers budgeting, mortgage process, home maintenance. Certificate valid 2 years. Complete before making offer.
Primary Residence Requirement
Must occupy home as primary residence for 5-10 years (varies by program). If you sell/move before period ends, may need to repay grant. Forgivable loans forgive 20% per year.
Participating Lender Required
Not all lenders offer state DPA programs. Must use approved lender list. Ask lender upfront: "Do you offer [State] DPA programs?" Get pre-approved before house hunting.
🔄 Types of First-Time Buyer Programs
💰 Down Payment Grants
Free money — no repayment required. Typical: $3,000-$25,000. Applied at closing to reduce cash needed. Can combine with FHA 3.5% down = minimal out-of-pocket. Example: $350K home + $10K grant + 3.5% FHA = $2,250 down payment.
📝 Forgivable Loans
Loan forgiven over time (5-10 years). Example: $10,000 loan forgiven 20% per year = $0 owed after 5 years IF you stay in home. If you sell in year 3, repay $4,000. Most common type of DPA.
⏰ Deferred Payment Loans
0% interest loan, no monthly payment. Repaid when you sell, refinance, or pay off first mortgage. Example: $15,000 DPA loan sits as silent second mortgage for 30 years. No payment until you sell.
💳 Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCC)
Federal tax credit = 20-50% of mortgage interest. Example: $2,000/year mortgage interest × 20% MCC = $400/year tax credit for life of loan. Increases buying power by qualifying you for higher loan amount.
📉 Low-Interest Loans
0-3% interest rate loans (vs 6-7% market rate). Example: $400K loan at 3% vs 6.5% = $600/month savings. Some states offer 0% loans for down payment + closing costs.
🏷️ Closing Cost Assistance
Covers closing costs ($3,000-$8,000). Includes appraisal, title, attorney, recording fees. Can combine with down payment grant. Example: $10K DPA + $5K closing cost assistance = $15K total help.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use DPA with FHA, VA, or conventional loans?
Yes — most state DPA programs stack with FHA (3.5% down), VA (0% down), USDA (0% down), and conventional (3% down) loans. Example: FHA + $10K DPA = only $2,500 out-of-pocket on $350K home. VA + DPA = $0 down + closing costs covered. Check program rules for loan type compatibility.
Q: Do I have to repay down payment assistance?
Depends on program type. Grants: No repayment. Forgivable loans: Forgiven over 5-10 years if you stay in home. Deferred loans: Repaid when you sell/refinance. Example: $10K forgivable loan forgiven 20%/year = $0 owed after 5 years. If you sell in year 3, repay $4,000.
Q: How long does it take to get approved for DPA?
Timeline: 30-60 days from application to closing. Steps: (1) Get pre-approved with participating lender (1-3 days). (2) Complete homebuyer education course (8 hours online). (3) Submit DPA application with lender (1-2 weeks processing). (4) Close on home (30-45 days). Start process 3-6 months before home search.
Q: What if my income is too high for DPA programs?
Options: (1) Check county-specific limits — some high-cost counties have higher AMI limits. (2) Apply as single buyer (not household) if spouse income pushes you over. (3) Use conventional 3% down without DPA. (4) Consider MCC tax credit (no income limits in most states). (5) Wait until income drops (job change, retirement).
🏆 Start Your First-Time Buyer Journey
Get pre-approved with lenders who offer your state's DPA programs. $3,000-$25,000 in assistance available.
Get Pre-Approved (State Programs) →Free • No credit impact • Find DPA lenders in your state
📚 Related First-Time Buyer Guides
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USDA Loans 2026: 0% Down Rural Housing
0% down in eligible rural areas. Income limits and requirements.
Mortgage Pre-Approval 2026
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