First-Time Home Buyer Programs by State
Down payment and closing cost assistance, special loans with reduced interest rates, and much more are available to first-timers. Learn about the resources and participating lenders in your area.
Exploring local and national first-time home buyer assistance programs is an important step in the journey to homeownership.
Many state housing authorities combine closing cost and down payment assistance programs with mortgages that have favorable interest rates. Some states even offer tax credits you can use on your federal tax return. These first-time home buyer assistance programs boost buyers’ chances of owning homes in particular geographic areas, or help borrowers in certain professions, such as educators, first responders, or active-duty military and veterans.
» FIND: Best mortgage lenders for first-time home buyers
Buying a first home is a big deal, so it’s natural to feel a bit overwhelmed. See our tips for first-time home buyers to get an overview of what to do, mistakes to avoid and links to more resources.
NOTE: Due to the coronavirus outbreak, obtaining a mortgage may be a bit of a challenge. Lenders are dealing with demand and staffing issues. For the latest information on how to cope with financial stress during this emergency, see NerdWallet’s financial guide to COVID-19.
Find first-time home buyer programs and lenders in your state
Northeast
First-time home buyer programs | Participating lenders |
---|---|
Connecticut | CHFA lenders |
Maine | MaineHousing lenders |
Massachusetts | MassHousing lenders |
New Hampshire | New Hampshire Housing lenders |
New Jersey | NJHMFA lenders |
New York | SONYMA lenders |
Pennsylvania | PHFA lenders |
Rhode Island | Rhode Island Housing lenders |
Vermont | VHFA lenders |
Midwest
First-time home buyer programs | Participating lenders |
---|---|
Illinois | IHDA lenders |
Indiana | IHCDA lenders |
Iowa | Iowa Finance Authority lenders |
Kansas | KHRC lenders |
Michigan | MSHDA lenders |
Minnesota | MHFA lenders |
Missouri | MHDC lenders |
Nebraska | NIFA lenders |
North Dakota | NDHFA lenders |
Ohio | Ohio Housing Finance Agency lenders |
South Dakota | South Dakota Housing lenders |
Wisconsin | WHEDA lenders |
South
West
Other first-time home buyer resources
In addition to exploring local and national first-time home buyer programs, you’ll also want to calculate how much home you can afford, prepare your credit and get to know the mortgage lending landscape, where hundreds of banks, credit unions and mortgage companies compete.
Lenders vary by loan offerings, customer service, credit requirements and fees. Understanding the options will help you get a foothold. See our 5 tips for finding the best mortgage lenders to learn more.
More from NerdWallet:
- How much down payment is required
- 12 first-time home buyer mistakes and how to avoid them
- Best lenders for FHA loans