First Time Buyer Programs Finder

Most buyers leave significant money on the table because they don't know what programs exist. This tool shows every down payment grant, forgivable loan, and assistance program available in your state - with real amounts, real eligibility requirements, and direct links to official sources.

Saved planning info: HomeCostClarity can remember planning assumptions on this device so you do not have to retype them in other calculators.

Stored only in your browser. No names, addresses, email, phone numbers, account data, or server sync.

What these programs actually are

State housing finance agencies are government entities that issue bonds to fund below-market mortgages and down payment assistance. Their programs are not charity - they are specifically designed to help working adults who earn too much for traditional low-income programs but not enough to easily afford homeownership in today's market. Millions of buyers qualify and never use them.

Your Situation

State you plan to buy in

ZIP codeoptional - shows city and county programs

Is this your first home purchase?most programs require no home ownership in the past 3 years

Are you a veteran or active duty military?

Are you a first-generation buyer?

Teacher, nurse, first responder, or public employee?

Countyoptional - for program conversations

Area type

Your Financial Profile

Annual household incomeused to check income limits for each program

Household sizeused for AMI-style fit estimate

Area Median Income for your county (optional)Find at huduser.gov - determines program eligibility

Use the official Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac AMI lookup, then enter the AMI here.

Credit score range

Estimated purchase priceoptional - helps the AI tailor your analysis

Available cash for purchase

Desired down payment

Related tools and guides

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Am I Ready to Buy?

Check your full financial readiness to see if you qualify for these programs.

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Mortgage Rate Impact

See how below-market program rates affect your payment.

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First Time Home Buyer Programs by State - What Is Actually Available

Most states offer down payment assistance, forgivable loans, and below-market mortgages that many first-time buyers never use.

About this calculator

Last updated: 2026-07-07. Last reviewed: 2026-07-08. This calculator is educational only and estimates outcomes from the inputs, assumptions, and source data shown on the page. It does not provide financial, legal, mortgage, tax, insurance, real estate, or professional advice.

Assumptions

Uses entered state, income, household size, veteran status, first-time buyer status, and property context. It does not determine official program eligibility.

Sources

Uses state housing finance agency records, HUD, VA, USDA, and public program links included in the program output.

Data freshness

Program amounts, income limits, funding levels, and participating-lender rules can change. The result labels program data as educational and date-scoped.

What first-time home buyer programs are available?

Every state operates a housing finance agency that may offer below-market mortgages, down payment assistance grants, and forgivable loans. Federal programs include FHA, VA, USDA, and Conventional 97.

What is down payment assistance?

Down payment assistance provides funds to help cover a down payment and sometimes closing costs through grants, forgivable loans, or deferred loans.

Who qualifies as a first-time home buyer for assistance programs?

Many programs define a first-time buyer as someone who has not owned a primary residence in the past three years. Income limits and credit rules vary by program.