First-time buyer programs

First-time home buyer programs by state

Every state runs a housing finance agency with first-time-buyer help: down-payment assistance, below-market first mortgages, and mortgage tax credits. Pick your state for the agency, what it offers, and how to qualify.

What these programs offer

The product set is close to universal across agencies. What differs by state is which agency runs it, and how much cash you actually need to close — that's what each state page works out.

First-mortgage programs. Competitively-priced 30-year fixed loans, often layered on FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional financing, offered through a network of approved lenders.

Down-payment & closing-cost assistance. Help with your upfront cash, delivered as a grant or as a second/deferred loan that is low-interest or forgivable if you stay in the home for a set number of years.

Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC). A federal tax credit on a portion of the mortgage interest you pay each year, offered by many (not all) agencies.

Homebuyer education. A HUD- or agency-approved homebuyer course, usually required before closing when you use an assistance program.

Who typically qualifies

“First-time buyer” usually means you haven’t owned a primary residence in the last 3 years (veterans and buyers in targeted areas are often exempt).
Income limits apply and are set by the agency — updated periodically, usually each year.
Purchase-price or loan limits apply and are also updated periodically.
You’ll typically need to use a lender approved by the agency.
A homebuyer-education course is often required before closing.

Amounts, rates, and income/price limits change.Assistance amounts, interest rates, and the income and purchase-price limits are set by each agency and updated periodically — so we don't list dollar figures. Check your state's official agency for current programs and numbers, or start from an authoritative directory: