Down payment assistance programs & options

by Kristen Costa 08/14/2024

Affording a down payment on a home can be a major hurdle in the homebuying process, but luckily, there are down payment assistance options to help. With a down payment assistance program, first time homebuyers can get better mortgage terms and afford the house of their dreams.

Here is the most important info about these assistance programs for buyers to know:

How do down payment assistance programs work?

Down payment assistance programs are provided by a variety of institutions, including local government agencies and nonprofits. If you're eligible - decided based on household income, credit history and other factors depending on state - you can either receive a grant or special type of loan to pay for your down payment.

What are the different types of down payment assistance?

There are several types of assistance programs to help new buyers with a down payment:

  • Grants
  • Forgivable loans
  • Deferred-payment loans
  • Low-interest loans
  • Matched saving accounts

Grant programs offer monetary assistance without expectation of repayment. Other programs like forgivable loans or low-interest loans can serve as affordable second mortgages to cover the cost.

Who is eligible for assistance?

Eligibility requirements for down payment assistance programs depend on the individual program. Generally, you need a good credit score and a stable debt to income ratio. Some other requirements include:

  • The home must be in a specific location or county.
  • You must live in the home for a minimum amount of time (usually 3 to 10 years).
  • You have to be a first-time homebuyer.
  • You have to take a homebuyer education class.

How to apply for down payment assistance

The availability of down payment assistance is different in every area of the country. Check online or with a loan officer for eligibility requirements, applications and details.

Should you consider applying for a down payment grant or other assistance program? Remember these key points when factoring the option into your financial decisions. 

About the Author
Author

Kristen Costa

I've been listing and selling in Wilmington and surrounding areas since 1987 and have been affiliated with Fudge Properties since 2007. I have a strong reputation for outstanding quality of both work and interpersonal relationships, knowing what needs to be done and how to elicit cooperation for getting it done. I'm also proficient and knowledgeable about the Mass Housing program guidelines, successfully completing numerous housing lotteries for first time home buyers, over 55 buyers and renters. Whether you're buying or selling, I can help you get the best deal. Just looking? That's OK. Use my website all you like, but you'll have to create a free account to unlock all the best search features. Once you sign up, you'll be able to save listings, save your search criteria, get automated email updates for new homes matching your saved search criteria, and more. Good luck on your house hunt! I hope to hear from you soon.