Last updated: July 27, 2026 · Verified against MHDC, HUD, FHA official data
Missouri First-Time Home Buyer Programs 2026: MHDC First Place DPA
The Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) offers the First Place program — up to $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance, at 0% interest with no monthly payments, fully forgiven after 10 years. Combined with an FHA loan, you can buy a home in St. Louis or Kansas City with $0 out of pocket.
Max DPA
$10,000
Min Credit
640
Interest
0%
Forgiveness
10 Years
⚠️ ATTENTION: NOT ALL LENDERS ARE APPROVED FOR MHDC PROGRAMS
Don't Waste Time with the Wrong Lender — Most Are Not MHDC-Approved
The MHDC First Place $10,000 DPA requires you to work with an MHDC-approved participating lender. Using a lender that isn't certified means your DPA grant disappears — even if you qualify. Don't waste weeks in underwriting only to find out at closing. Match with a verified MO-approved lender right now:
| # | Lender | Rate | Fees | Min Credit | Close | Best For | Apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Rocket Mortgage 🏆 BEST OVERALL | 6.50% | 0.5% | 640 | 21-30d | Best overall + fastest close | Apply → |
| #2 | Great Southern Bank 🏦 MO LOCAL | 6.45% | 0.5% | 640 | 30-45d | Best MO-local MHDC expert (Springfield) | Apply → |
| #3 | Guild Mortgage 📋 DPA EXPERT | 6.55% | 0.5% | 640 | 30-40d | Best for First Place $10K DPA | Apply → |
| #4 | Fairway Independent ⭐ TOP RATED | 6.50% | 0.5% | 640 | 25-35d | Highest customer rating 4.7/5 | Apply → |
| #5 | Cross Country Mortgage 🏙️ RELOCATION | 6.55% | 0.5% | 640 | 30-40d | Best for STL/KC relocators | Apply → |
Rates shown are estimates for MHDC first mortgage + DPA. Your actual rate depends on credit score, DTI, and loan type. Compare personalized rates →
How MHDC First Place DPA Works in 2026
MHDC offers two main programs for first-time and repeat buyers. Both include below-market first mortgage rates plus DPA:
For first-time home buyers (no homeownership in past 3 years).
- ✓Up to $10,000 in DPA (down payment + closing costs)
- ✓0% interest — no interest ever, no monthly payments
- ✓Forgiven after 10 years of occupying the home
- ✓Below-market 30-year fixed rate
- ✓Available with FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional
- ✓Min 640 credit score
For repeat buyers who have owned a home before. Smaller DPA but no first-time buyer requirement.
- ★Up to $3,000 in DPA
- ★0% interest — no interest ever
- ★Forgiven after 10 years
- ★Below-market 30-year fixed rate
- ★Available with FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional
- ★No first-time buyer requirement
Real Example: Buying a $250,000 Home in St. Louis with MHDC
With First Place + FHA
- Home price: $250,000
- FHA down payment (3.5%): $8,750
- MHDC First Place DPA: -$10,000
- Your out-of-pocket: $0 (DPA covers all!)
- Plus $1,250 left for closing costs!
Monthly Payment Estimate
- First mortgage (MHDC FHA, 6.25%): $1,228/mo
- FHA MIP: $104/mo
- Property taxes (MO avg 0.93%): $194/mo
- Homeowners insurance: $95/mo
- DPA payment: $0/mo (forgiven after 10 yrs)
- Total: ~$1,621/month
MHDC Income Limits & Purchase Price Limits 2026 by County
| County / Region | 1-2 Person | 3+ Person | Max Purchase Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| St. Louis County | $85,000 | $97,750 | $481,350 |
| Jackson County (Kansas City) | $85,000 | $97,750 | $481,350 |
| St. Louis City | $78,000 | $89,700 | $481,350 |
| St. Charles County | $85,000 | $97,750 | $481,350 |
| Greene County (Springfield) | $78,000 | $89,700 | $425,000 |
| Boone County (Columbia) | $78,000 | $89,700 | $425,000 |
| Jefferson County | $78,000 | $89,700 | $425,000 |
| Most Rural MO Counties | $72,000 | $82,800 | $384,000 |
Income limits based on MHDC 2026 guidelines. Check approved lenders for your exact county limits.
Compare MHDC-Approved Lenders in 60 Seconds
Get quotes from 5+ MHDC-approved lenders. Soft pull, no credit impact, no obligation.
Compare MO Lenders →5 Steps to Buy a House in Missouri with MHDC DPA
Complete Homebuyer Education
Take a HUD-approved 8-hour homebuyer education course. Available online through MHDC's approved providers (~$75-99). You receive a certificate valid for 1 year.
Get Pre-Approved with an MHDC-Approved Lender
MHDC must be processed through an approved lender. There are 60+ approved lenders statewide. They will determine your eligibility and the maximum DPA you qualify for.
→ Find MHDC-approved lenders near you →Choose Your Loan Type
Work with your lender to select FHA (3.5% down, 640 score), VA (0% down, veterans), USDA (0% down, rural areas), or Conventional (3% down, 640+ score). FHA + MHDC $10K DPA is the most popular combination — covers the entire 3.5% down plus closing costs on homes up to $285,000.
Find Your Home & Make an Offer
Shop within the purchase price limits for your county. The home must be your primary residence. Single-family homes, condos, and townhomes qualify. No investment properties.
Close on Your New Home
MHDC adds about 1 week to the typical closing timeline. Budget 35-50 days total. Your lender handles all MHDC paperwork. The DPA is recorded as a second lien at closing — live in the home for 10 years and it's fully forgiven. Free money.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the MHDC First Place program?
Does MHDC down payment assistance have to be repaid?
What is the maximum income for MHDC First Place 2026?
What credit score do I need for MHDC programs?
Can I use MHDC First Place with FHA, VA, or USDA loans?
Related Guides
Get Pre-Approved for MHDC DPA
Check your eligibility and get matched with an MHDC-approved lender near you.
Check Eligibility Free →Free · No SSN required · See if you qualify for $10K