What Is Down Payment Assistance?
Down Payment Assistance (DPA) programs help qualified buyers cover part of the down payment and closing costs through grants, forgivable second liens, or low-interest assistance programs.
Grants
Funds that usually do not require repayment when eligibility conditions are met.
Forgivable Loans
Assistance that can be forgiven after occupancy requirements are satisfied.
Low-Interest Seconds
Lower-rate subordinate financing to bridge your cash gap at closing.
First-Time Buyer Programs
Targeted options for buyers entering homeownership for the first time.
Who Commonly Qualifies?
- Income within program thresholds (often based on area median income)
- First-time buyer status, or no ownership in the last 3 years for some programs
- Minimum credit score and debt-to-income guidelines
- Completion of required homebuyer education (if applicable)
- Primary residence occupancy requirement
- Property price limits by county/market
Featured Programs
Hometown Heroes
Support for eligible frontline, education, and healthcare professionals with rate and assistance benefits.
Chenoa Fund
National DPA option with multiple structures, including repayable and forgivable models based on eligibility.
State Housing Initiatives
Location-based programs that help close the gap between savings and required cash-to-close.