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values | income_limit_description stringlengths 16 73 | max_purchase_price null 375k 375k ⌀ | loan_types listlengths 1 4 | requirements listlengths 3 5 | coverage stringlengths 22 61 | highlights listlengths 4 4 | expert_insight stringlengths 178 243 ⌀ | expert_id stringclasses 2
values | is_active bool 1
class | last_updated timestamp[us]date 2026-03-08 00:00:00 2026-03-08 00:00:00 | source stringclasses 1
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
TN-THDA-GREAT-CHOICE-PLUS | Great Choice Plus | Tennessee | TN | Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) | https://thda.org/homebuyers/great-choice-home-loan-program | forgivable | 6,000 | null | 15,000 | $6,000 (below 680 credit) or up to $15,000 (680+ credit) | Forgiven over 15 years (1/15th annually). Due in full if you sell, refinance, or move out before 15 years. | 640 | required | Varies by county — typically $98,760 to $117,400 | null | [
"fha",
"va",
"usda",
"conventional"
] | [
"Complete homebuyer education course",
"Primary residence only",
"Must use THDA Great Choice first mortgage",
"Purchase price within county limits"
] | All 95 Tennessee counties | [
"Up to $15,000 in assistance",
"Forgiven over 15 years — no monthly payments",
"Works with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans",
"640 minimum credit score"
] | The Great Choice Plus is Tennessee's flagship DPA program. If your credit is 680+, you qualify for the $15,000 tier — that can cover your entire down payment and closing costs on a median-priced TN home. | beau | true | 2026-03-08T00:00:00 | Good News Lending | https://goodnewslending.com/down-payment-assistance |
TN-THDA-HOMEOWNERSHIP-BRAVE | Homeownership for the Brave | Tennessee | TN | Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) | https://thda.org/homebuyers/homeownership-for-the-brave | forgivable | 25,000 | null | null | Up to $25,000 for veterans and service members | Forgiven after remaining in the home for the required period. Due if sold or refinanced early. | 640 | not_required | Higher income limits than Great Choice — varies by county | null | [
"fha",
"va",
"usda",
"conventional"
] | [
"Active-duty military, veteran, or reservist/Guard member",
"OR law enforcement, firefighter, EMT, or paramedic",
"Primary residence only",
"Homebuyer education course"
] | All 95 Tennessee counties | [
"Up to $25,000 — the highest THDA assistance",
"Not limited to first-time buyers",
"For military, veterans, and first responders",
"No monthly payments on the assistance"
] | If you're active duty at Fort Campbell or a veteran anywhere in Tennessee, this program gives you maximum THDA assistance regardless of whether you've owned before. Combine it with VA $0 down for truly zero out-of-pocket. | beau | true | 2026-03-08T00:00:00 | Good News Lending | https://goodnewslending.com/down-payment-assistance |
TN-THDA-GREAT-CHOICE-PLUS-SECOND | Great Choice Plus (Second Mortgage Option) | Tennessee | TN | Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) | https://thda.org/homebuyers/great-choice-home-loan-program | repayable | null | 6 | null | Up to 6% of the purchase price as a second mortgage | Amortizing 15-year second mortgage at the THDA first mortgage rate plus 1%. Monthly payments required. | 640 | required | Same county-based limits as Great Choice Plus | null | [
"fha",
"va",
"usda",
"conventional"
] | [
"Homebuyer education course",
"Primary residence only",
"Must use THDA Great Choice first mortgage"
] | All 95 Tennessee counties | [
"Up to 6% of purchase price — higher than forgivable option",
"Good for higher-priced homes needing more assistance",
"Monthly payments on second mortgage",
"Works with all loan types"
] | null | tate | true | 2026-03-08T00:00:00 | Good News Lending | https://goodnewslending.com/down-payment-assistance |
MS-MHC-DPA14 | DPA 14 | Mississippi | MS | Mississippi Home Corporation (MHC) | https://www.mshomecorp.com/homebuyers/dpa14 | grant | 14,000 | null | null | $14,000 total: $7,000 grant + $7,000 forgivable second mortgage | The $7,000 grant requires no repayment. The $7,000 forgivable second mortgage is forgiven after 10 years of continuous occupancy. | 640 | required | Varies by county — typically around $98,760 | null | [
"fha",
"va",
"usda",
"conventional"
] | [
"Homebuyer education course",
"Primary residence only",
"Must use MHC first mortgage",
"Income within county limits"
] | All 82 Mississippi counties | [
"$14,000 total assistance — highest MHC program",
"$7,000 is a true grant (never repaid)",
"Remaining $7,000 forgiven after 10 years",
"Works with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional"
] | The DPA 14 is Mississippi's best program — half is a true grant you never pay back, and the other half is forgiven after 10 years. For a $180,000 home in Brandon or Tupelo, this covers your entire FHA down payment plus closing costs. | beau | true | 2026-03-08T00:00:00 | Good News Lending | https://goodnewslending.com/down-payment-assistance |
MS-MHC-SMART6 | Smart6 | Mississippi | MS | Mississippi Home Corporation (MHC) | https://www.mshomecorp.com/homebuyers/smart6 | forgivable | 6,000 | null | null | $6,000 forgivable second mortgage | Forgiven after 10 years of continuous occupancy. Due in full if you sell, refinance, or move out before 10 years. | 640 | required | Higher income limits than DPA 14 — up to 110% AMI | null | [
"fha",
"va",
"usda",
"conventional"
] | [
"Homebuyer education course",
"Primary residence only",
"Must use MHC first mortgage"
] | All 82 Mississippi counties | [
"$6,000 forgivable assistance",
"Higher income limits than DPA 14",
"No monthly payments on assistance",
"Forgiven after 10 years"
] | null | tate | true | 2026-03-08T00:00:00 | Good News Lending | https://goodnewslending.com/down-payment-assistance |
MS-MHC-TRUSTY10 | Trusty 10 | Mississippi | MS | Mississippi Home Corporation (MHC) | https://www.mshomecorp.com/homebuyers/trusty10 | repayable | 10,000 | null | null | $10,000 amortizing second mortgage | 10-year amortizing second mortgage at competitive rate. Monthly payments required. | 640 | required | Varies by county | null | [
"fha",
"va",
"usda",
"conventional"
] | [
"Homebuyer education course",
"Primary residence only",
"Must use MHC first mortgage"
] | All 82 Mississippi counties | [
"$10,000 assistance — higher than Smart6",
"Monthly payments on second mortgage",
"10-year repayment term",
"Good for buyers needing more than $6K"
] | null | tate | true | 2026-03-08T00:00:00 | Good News Lending | https://goodnewslending.com/down-payment-assistance |
AL-AHFA-STEP-UP | Step Up Program | Alabama | AL | Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA) | https://www.ahfa.com/homebuyers/programs-available | repayable | null | 4 | 10,000 | Up to $10,000 or 4% of purchase price (whichever is less) | 10-year second mortgage at 0% interest. Monthly payments required. Due in full if you sell, transfer, or refinance. | 640 | required | Up to $159,200 depending on county and household size | null | [
"fha",
"va",
"usda",
"conventional"
] | [
"Homebuyer education course",
"Primary residence only",
"Must use AHFA first mortgage",
"Minimum $1,000 borrower contribution"
] | All 67 Alabama counties | [
"Up to $10,000 or 4% of purchase price",
"0% interest on the second mortgage",
"Works with all major loan types",
"Income limits up to $159,200"
] | Alabama's Step Up program is solid for first-time buyers. The 0% interest second mortgage keeps your monthly payments low. Combine with USDA $0 down in rural Alabama for minimal out-of-pocket costs. | beau | true | 2026-03-08T00:00:00 | Good News Lending | https://goodnewslending.com/down-payment-assistance |
AL-AHFA-AFFORDABLE-INCOME-SUBSIDY | Affordable Income Subsidy Grant | Alabama | AL | Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA) | https://www.ahfa.com/homebuyers/programs-available | grant | null | 1 | null | 1% of the mortgage amount as a true grant | True grant — no repayment required. | 640 | required | Household income at or below 80% AMI | null | [
"fha",
"va",
"usda",
"conventional"
] | [
"Income at or below 80% AMI",
"Must combine with Step Up program",
"Homebuyer education course",
"Primary residence only"
] | All 67 Alabama counties | [
"True grant — never repaid",
"Stacks on top of Step Up program",
"For lower-income buyers (80% AMI or below)",
"Extra assistance at no cost"
] | null | tate | true | 2026-03-08T00:00:00 | Good News Lending | https://goodnewslending.com/down-payment-assistance |
AL-AHFA-MCC | Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) | Alabama | AL | Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA) | https://www.ahfa.com/homebuyers/programs-available | grant | null | 50 | 2,000 | Federal tax credit of up to 50% of mortgage interest paid (max $2,000/year) | Annual federal tax credit for the life of the loan. Reduces your tax liability dollar-for-dollar. | 640 | required | Same as Step Up income limits | null | [
"fha",
"va",
"usda",
"conventional"
] | [
"Must use AHFA first mortgage",
"Cannot combine with Step Up DPA (choose one)",
"Primary residence only",
"Must file federal taxes to claim credit"
] | All 67 Alabama counties | [
"Up to $2,000 annual federal tax credit",
"Lasts the entire life of your loan",
"Dollar-for-dollar tax reduction",
"Alternative to Step Up DPA"
] | null | tate | true | 2026-03-08T00:00:00 | Good News Lending | https://goodnewslending.com/down-payment-assistance |
GA-DCA-GEORGIA-DREAM-STANDARD | Georgia Dream Standard Down Payment Assistance | Georgia | GA | Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) | https://www.dca.ga.gov/safe-affordable-housing/homeownership/georgia-dream-homeownership-program | deferred | 10,000 | null | null | $10,000 second mortgage at 0% interest, no monthly payments | Deferred at 0% interest — no monthly payments. Due when you sell, refinance, or transfer the home. | 640 | required | Varies by county — typically $86,000 to $126,000 for 1-2 person household | null | [
"fha",
"va",
"usda",
"conventional"
] | [
"Homebuyer education course",
"Primary residence only",
"Must use Georgia Dream first mortgage",
"Minimum $1,000 borrower investment (can be gift)"
] | All 159 Georgia counties | [
"$10,000 at 0% interest — no monthly payments",
"Only repaid when you sell or refinance",
"Works with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional",
"Available in all 159 Georgia counties"
] | Georgia Dream is one of the best-structured DPA programs in the Southeast. The $10,000 deferred at 0% means zero additional monthly cost. Pair it with USDA $0 down outside Atlanta metro for truly minimal out-of-pocket. | beau | true | 2026-03-08T00:00:00 | Good News Lending | https://goodnewslending.com/down-payment-assistance |
GA-DCA-GEORGIA-DREAM-PEN | Georgia Dream PEN (Protectors, Educators, Nurses) | Georgia | GA | Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) | https://www.dca.ga.gov/safe-affordable-housing/homeownership/georgia-dream-homeownership-program | deferred | 12,500 | null | null | $12,500 — $10,000 standard + $2,500 PEN bonus | Same terms as standard Georgia Dream — 0% interest, deferred until sale or refinance. | 640 | required | Same income limits as standard Georgia Dream | null | [
"fha",
"va",
"usda",
"conventional"
] | [
"Must be a Protector (law enforcement, fire, corrections)",
"OR Educator (teacher, school staff)",
"OR Nurse (RN, LPN, healthcare worker)",
"Homebuyer education course",
"Primary residence only"
] | All 159 Georgia counties | [
"$12,500 total — $2,500 more than standard",
"For teachers, nurses, law enforcement, and first responders",
"0% interest, no monthly payments",
"Deferred until sale or refinance"
] | If you're a teacher, nurse, or first responder in Georgia, you automatically qualify for the extra $2,500. That's $12,500 at 0% with no payments — one of the best deals in the Southeast. | beau | true | 2026-03-08T00:00:00 | Good News Lending | https://goodnewslending.com/down-payment-assistance |
GA-DCA-GEORGIA-DREAM-HEROES | Georgia Dream Military/Heroes | Georgia | GA | Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) | https://www.dca.ga.gov/safe-affordable-housing/homeownership/georgia-dream-homeownership-program | deferred | 12,500 | null | null | $12,500 — $10,000 standard + $2,500 military bonus | 0% interest, deferred until sale or refinance. | 640 | required | Same as standard Georgia Dream | null | [
"fha",
"va",
"usda",
"conventional"
] | [
"Active-duty military or veteran",
"Homebuyer education course",
"Primary residence only"
] | All 159 Georgia counties | [
"$12,500 for military members and veterans",
"0% interest, no monthly payments",
"Great near Fort Moore and other GA bases",
"Combine with VA $0 down for zero out-of-pocket"
] | null | beau | true | 2026-03-08T00:00:00 | Good News Lending | https://goodnewslending.com/down-payment-assistance |
FL-FHFC-FLORIDA-ASSIST | Florida Assist (FL Assist) | Florida | FL | Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) | https://www.floridahousing.org/programs/homebuyer-overview-page/florida-assist | deferred | 10,000 | null | null | $10,000 deferred second mortgage at 0% interest | Deferred at 0% interest — no monthly payments. Due when you sell, refinance, or no longer occupy as primary residence. | 640 | required | Varies by county — typically 80-115% AMI | null | [
"fha",
"va",
"usda"
] | [
"Homebuyer education course",
"Primary residence only",
"Must use FHFC first mortgage (HLP or HFA Preferred)"
] | All 67 Florida counties | [
"$10,000 at 0% interest — no monthly payments",
"Deferred until sale or refinance",
"Works with FHA, VA, and USDA loans",
"Available statewide"
] | Florida Assist is the go-to DPA for Florida buyers. The $10,000 at 0% with no payments is straightforward and reliable. Pair with USDA in rural counties like Marion or Clay for maximum savings. | beau | true | 2026-03-08T00:00:00 | Good News Lending | https://goodnewslending.com/down-payment-assistance |
FL-FHFC-HOMETOWN-HEROES | Hometown Heroes | Florida | FL | Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) | https://www.floridahousing.org/programs/homebuyer-overview-page/hometown-heroes | forgivable | null | 5 | 35,000 | Up to 5% of first mortgage amount (max $35,000) | Forgiven after 5 years if you remain in the home. Second mortgage at 0% interest, no payments. | 640 | required | Up to 150% AMI — higher limits than most programs | null | [
"fha",
"va",
"usda",
"conventional"
] | [
"Must be employed full-time by a Florida employer",
"Homebuyer education course",
"Primary residence only",
"Must use FHFC first mortgage"
] | All 67 Florida counties | [
"Up to $35,000 — Florida's highest DPA",
"Forgiven after just 5 years",
"For ALL full-time Florida workers (not just heroes)",
"Higher income limits (150% AMI)"
] | Don't let the name fool you — Hometown Heroes is for ALL full-time Florida workers, not just first responders. At up to $35,000 forgivable in 5 years, this is one of the most generous DPA programs in the country. | tate | true | 2026-03-08T00:00:00 | Good News Lending | https://goodnewslending.com/down-payment-assistance |
FL-FHFC-HLP-3-PERCENT | HLP 3% Grant | Florida | FL | Florida Housing Finance Corporation (FHFC) | https://www.floridahousing.org/programs/homebuyer-overview-page | grant | null | 3 | null | 3% of purchase price as a true grant | True grant — no repayment required. | 640 | required | Varies by county — typically 80% AMI | null | [
"fha"
] | [
"Must use FHFC HLP first mortgage",
"Homebuyer education course",
"Primary residence only",
"FHA loans only"
] | All 67 Florida counties | [
"3% grant — never repaid",
"Covers most of FHA 3.5% down payment",
"No second mortgage to worry about",
"Simple, straightforward program"
] | null | tate | true | 2026-03-08T00:00:00 | Good News Lending | https://goodnewslending.com/down-payment-assistance |
KY-KHC-REGULAR-DAP | Regular Down Payment Assistance (DAP) | Kentucky | KY | Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) | https://www.kyhousing.org/Homebuyers/Pages/default.aspx | forgivable | 10,000 | null | null | Up to $10,000 forgivable second mortgage | Forgiven over 10 years (1/10th annually). Due in full if you sell, refinance, or move out before 10 years. | 640 | required | Varies by county — typically up to $117,400 | null | [
"fha",
"va",
"usda",
"conventional"
] | [
"Homebuyer education course",
"Primary residence only",
"Must use KHC first mortgage"
] | All 120 Kentucky counties | [
"Up to $10,000 forgivable assistance",
"Forgiven over 10 years",
"No monthly payments on assistance",
"Works with all major loan types"
] | Kentucky's Regular DAP is solid — $10,000 forgiven over 10 years with no monthly payments. Combine with USDA $0 down outside Louisville and Lexington metros for minimal out-of-pocket closing. | beau | true | 2026-03-08T00:00:00 | Good News Lending | https://goodnewslending.com/down-payment-assistance |
KY-KHC-AFFORDABLE-DAP | Affordable DAP | Kentucky | KY | Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) | https://www.kyhousing.org/Homebuyers/Pages/default.aspx | repayable | 12,500 | null | null | Up to $12,500 as a 10-year second mortgage | 10-year amortizing second mortgage at 5.5% interest. Monthly payments required. | 640 | required | Same county limits as Regular DAP | null | [
"fha",
"va",
"usda",
"conventional"
] | [
"Homebuyer education course",
"Primary residence only",
"Must use KHC first mortgage"
] | All 120 Kentucky counties | [
"$12,500 — $2,500 more than Regular DAP",
"Monthly payments on second mortgage",
"Good for buyers needing more assistance",
"Works with all loan types"
] | null | tate | true | 2026-03-08T00:00:00 | Good News Lending | https://goodnewslending.com/down-payment-assistance |
LA-LHC-RESILIENCE-SOFT-SECOND | Resilience Soft Second | Louisiana | LA | Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) | https://www.lhc.la.gov/down-payment-assistance-homebuyers | deferred | null | null | 60,000 | Up to $60,000 deferred second mortgage at 0% interest | Deferred at 0% interest — no monthly payments. Due when you sell, refinance, or transfer the property. | 640 | preferred | Up to 80% AMI for most parishes | null | [
"fha",
"va",
"usda",
"conventional"
] | [
"Homebuyer education course",
"Primary residence only",
"Property must be in eligible Louisiana parish",
"Funds for down payment, closing costs, and/or rehabilitation"
] | Select Louisiana parishes — primarily disaster-affected areas | [
"Up to $60,000 — Louisiana's largest DPA program",
"0% interest, no monthly payments",
"Can cover down payment AND closing costs",
"May also fund minor home repairs"
] | The Resilience Soft Second is extraordinary — up to $60,000 at 0% with no payments. It's targeted at disaster-recovery parishes, so check parish eligibility. If your parish qualifies, this is the best DPA in the entire Southeast. | beau | true | 2026-03-08T00:00:00 | Good News Lending | https://goodnewslending.com/down-payment-assistance |
LA-LHC-MRB-DPA | Mortgage Revenue Bond (MRB) DPA | Louisiana | LA | Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) | https://www.lhc.la.gov/down-payment-assistance-homebuyers | forgivable | 10,000 | null | null | Up to $10,000 forgivable second mortgage | Forgiven over 10 years. Due in full if you sell, refinance, or move out early. | 640 | required | Varies by parish — typically 115% AMI | null | [
"fha",
"va",
"usda",
"conventional"
] | [
"Homebuyer education course",
"Primary residence only",
"Must use LHC first mortgage"
] | All 64 Louisiana parishes | [
"$10,000 forgivable assistance",
"Available in all 64 parishes",
"No monthly payments",
"Forgiven over 10 years"
] | null | tate | true | 2026-03-08T00:00:00 | Good News Lending | https://goodnewslending.com/down-payment-assistance |
LA-LHC-MARKET-RATE-GNMA | Market Rate GNMA Program | Louisiana | LA | Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) | https://www.lhc.la.gov/down-payment-assistance-homebuyers | forgivable | null | 4 | null | Up to 4% of the loan amount as forgivable assistance | Forgiven over 10 years. No monthly payments required on assistance. | 640 | not_required | No income limits — available to all qualifying borrowers | null | [
"fha"
] | [
"FHA loans only",
"Primary residence only",
"Must use LHC-approved lender"
] | All 64 Louisiana parishes | [
"4% of loan amount as forgivable assistance",
"No income limits — wider eligibility",
"Not limited to first-time buyers",
"FHA loans only"
] | null | tate | true | 2026-03-08T00:00:00 | Good News Lending | https://goodnewslending.com/down-payment-assistance |
NC-NCHFA-1ST-HOME-ADVANTAGE | NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment | North Carolina | NC | North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) | https://www.nchfa.com/home-buyers/home-buyer-mortgage-products/nc-1st-home-advantage-down-payment | forgivable | 15,000 | null | null | $15,000 forgivable second mortgage | Forgiven over 15 years (20% forgiven in years 11-15). Due if you sell, refinance, or move out before full forgiveness. | 640 | required | Up to $134,000 for 1-2 person household (varies by county) | null | [
"fha",
"va",
"usda",
"conventional"
] | [
"Homebuyer education course",
"Primary residence only",
"Must use NCHFA first mortgage",
"First-time buyer or not owned in past 3 years"
] | All 100 North Carolina counties | [
"$15,000 forgivable — one of the highest in the Southeast",
"No monthly payments on assistance",
"Works with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional",
"Forgiven over 15 years"
] | North Carolina's $15,000 1st Home Advantage is one of the most generous forgivable DPA programs in our service area. That can cover an entire FHA down payment on a home up to $430,000. | tate | true | 2026-03-08T00:00:00 | Good News Lending | https://goodnewslending.com/down-payment-assistance |
NC-NCHFA-HOME-ADVANTAGE-MORTGAGE | NC Home Advantage Mortgage | North Carolina | NC | North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) | https://www.nchfa.com/home-buyers/home-buyer-mortgage-products/nc-home-advantage-mortgage | forgivable | null | 3 | null | 3% of the loan amount as a forgivable second mortgage | Forgiven over 15 years. No monthly payments required. | 640 | not_required | Up to $134,000 (varies by county) | null | [
"fha",
"va",
"usda",
"conventional"
] | [
"Primary residence only",
"Must use NCHFA first mortgage",
"Not limited to first-time buyers"
] | All 100 North Carolina counties | [
"3% of loan amount — no cap",
"Not limited to first-time buyers",
"Forgivable over 15 years",
"All loan types accepted"
] | This is NC's option for repeat buyers — you don't have to be a first-time buyer to qualify. The 3% forgivable assistance is a great option for move-up buyers in the Charlotte or Raleigh metro. | tate | true | 2026-03-08T00:00:00 | Good News Lending | https://goodnewslending.com/down-payment-assistance |
NC-NCHFA-COMMUNITY-PARTNERS | Community Partners Loan Pool (CPLP) | North Carolina | NC | North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) | https://www.nchfa.com/home-buyers/home-buyer-mortgage-products/community-partners-loan-pool | deferred | null | 20 | 50,000 | Up to 20% of purchase price (max $50,000) at 0% interest | Deferred at 0% interest — no monthly payments. Due when you sell, refinance, or transfer. | 640 | required | Up to 80% AMI — for lower-income buyers | null | [
"fha",
"usda",
"conventional"
] | [
"Income at or below 80% AMI",
"Homebuyer education course",
"Primary residence only",
"Must use NCHFA-approved lender"
] | All 100 North Carolina counties | [
"Up to $50,000 — NC's largest DPA program",
"0% interest, no monthly payments",
"For lower-income buyers (80% AMI or below)",
"Can cover entire down payment plus closing costs"
] | null | beau | true | 2026-03-08T00:00:00 | Good News Lending | https://goodnewslending.com/down-payment-assistance |
SC-SCHOUSING-PALMETTO-HOME | Palmetto Home Advantage | South Carolina | SC | SC State Housing Finance and Development Authority | https://www.schousing.com/Home/SCHousingHomebuyer | forgivable | null | 4 | null | Up to 4% of the loan amount as a forgivable second mortgage | Forgiven over 15 years if you remain in the home. Due if sold, refinanced, or vacated early. | 640 | not_required | Varies by county — competitive income limits | null | [
"fha",
"va",
"usda",
"conventional"
] | [
"Homebuyer education course",
"Primary residence only",
"Must use SC Housing first mortgage"
] | All 46 South Carolina counties | [
"4% of loan amount — forgivable over 15 years",
"Not limited to first-time buyers",
"No monthly payments on assistance",
"Works with all major loan types"
] | Palmetto Home Advantage is South Carolina's most flexible program — repeat buyers qualify too. The 4% forgivable assistance combined with USDA $0 down in rural SC counties is a powerful combination. | beau | true | 2026-03-08T00:00:00 | Good News Lending | https://goodnewslending.com/down-payment-assistance |
SC-SCHOUSING-PALMETTO-HEROES | Palmetto Heroes | South Carolina | SC | SC State Housing Finance and Development Authority | https://www.schousing.com/Home/SCHousingHomebuyer | forgivable | 10,000 | null | null | $10,000 forgivable second mortgage for heroes | Forgiven over 15 years. No monthly payments required. | 640 | required | Same as Palmetto Home Advantage | null | [
"fha",
"va",
"usda",
"conventional"
] | [
"Must be military, law enforcement, firefighter, EMT, teacher, or nurse",
"Homebuyer education course",
"Primary residence only",
"First-time buyer required"
] | All 46 South Carolina counties | [
"$10,000 forgivable for heroes",
"For military, teachers, nurses, first responders",
"No monthly payments",
"Great near Fort Jackson, Shaw AFB, JB Charleston"
] | If you serve South Carolina — whether in uniform, in a classroom, or in a hospital — Palmetto Heroes gives you $10,000 forgiven over 15 years. Near Fort Jackson or JB Charleston, pair this with VA $0 down. | beau | true | 2026-03-08T00:00:00 | Good News Lending | https://goodnewslending.com/down-payment-assistance |
AR-ADFA-ADDI | ADFA Down Payment Assistance (ADDI) | Arkansas | AR | Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA) | https://adfa.arkansas.gov/programs/homeloans/down-payment-assistance-program/ | forgivable | 10,000 | null | null | $10,000 forgivable second mortgage | Forgiven after 5 years of continuous occupancy. Due in full if you sell, refinance, or move out before 5 years. | 640 | required | Up to 80% AMI — for lower-income buyers | null | [
"fha",
"va",
"usda",
"conventional"
] | [
"Homebuyer education course",
"Primary residence only",
"Must use ADFA first mortgage",
"Income at or below 80% AMI"
] | All 75 Arkansas counties | [
"$10,000 forgivable after just 5 years",
"Shortest forgiveness period in the region",
"No monthly payments on assistance",
"Works with all major loan types"
] | Arkansas ADDI has the fastest forgiveness timeline — fully forgiven after just 5 years. That's half the time of most other state programs. If you plan to stay in your home 5+ years, this is effectively a $10,000 grant. | beau | true | 2026-03-08T00:00:00 | Good News Lending | https://goodnewslending.com/down-payment-assistance |
AR-ADFA-DPA | ADFA Down Payment Assistance (Standard) | Arkansas | AR | Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA) | https://adfa.arkansas.gov/programs/homeloans/down-payment-assistance-program/ | repayable | null | 3.5 | null | Up to 3.5% of purchase price as a second mortgage | 10-year second mortgage at below-market interest rate. Monthly payments required. | 640 | required | Higher income limits than ADDI — up to 115% AMI | null | [
"fha",
"va",
"usda",
"conventional"
] | [
"Homebuyer education course",
"Primary residence only",
"Must use ADFA first mortgage"
] | All 75 Arkansas counties | [
"Up to 3.5% of purchase price",
"Higher income limits than ADDI",
"Below-market interest rate",
"Good for buyers above 80% AMI"
] | null | tate | true | 2026-03-08T00:00:00 | Good News Lending | https://goodnewslending.com/down-payment-assistance |
MO-MHDC-FIRST-PLACE-CAL | First Place Loan Program (Cash Assistance Loan) | Missouri | MO | Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) | https://mhdc.com/services/homebuyer-programs/first-place/ | forgivable | null | 4 | null | Up to 4% of the loan amount as a forgivable second mortgage | Non-repayable cash assistance. Forgiven as long as you remain in the home through the term of your first mortgage. | 640 | required | Varies by county — typically up to $98,760 | null | [
"fha",
"va",
"usda",
"conventional"
] | [
"Homebuyer education course",
"Primary residence only",
"Must use MHDC first mortgage",
"First-time buyer or not owned in past 3 years"
] | All 115 Missouri counties | [
"4% of loan amount — non-repayable",
"Essentially a grant if you stay in the home",
"Works with all major loan types",
"Available in all 115 Missouri counties"
] | Missouri's First Place Cash Assistance is effectively a grant — 4% of your loan amount with no repayment required as long as you keep your first mortgage. Outside St. Louis and KC metros, combine with USDA $0 down for truly zero cash to close. | beau | true | 2026-03-08T00:00:00 | Good News Lending | https://goodnewslending.com/down-payment-assistance |
MO-MHDC-NEXT-STEP | Next Step Program | Missouri | MO | Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) | https://mhdc.com/services/homebuyer-programs/next-step/ | forgivable | null | 4 | null | Up to 4% of the loan amount as a forgivable second mortgage | Non-repayable cash assistance. Same terms as First Place. | 640 | not_required | Same county-based limits as First Place | null | [
"fha",
"va",
"usda",
"conventional"
] | [
"Not limited to first-time buyers",
"Primary residence only",
"Must use MHDC first mortgage"
] | All 115 Missouri counties | [
"4% of loan amount — non-repayable",
"Not limited to first-time buyers",
"Same great terms as First Place",
"For repeat buyers and move-up buyers"
] | The Next Step program mirrors First Place but without the first-time buyer requirement. If you've owned before and are buying again in Missouri, you still get 4% cash assistance. | tate | true | 2026-03-08T00:00:00 | Good News Lending | https://goodnewslending.com/down-payment-assistance |
TX-TSAHC-HOMES-FOR-HEROES | Homes for Texas Heroes | Texas | TX | Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) | https://www.tsahc.org/homebuyers-renters/homes-for-texas-heroes-program | grant | null | 5 | null | Up to 5% of the loan amount as a grant (or 3-year forgivable loan) | Grant option: no repayment. Forgivable loan option: forgiven after 3 years. | 620 | not_required | Up to $117,240 for 1-2 person household (varies by county) | null | [
"fha",
"va",
"usda",
"conventional"
] | [
"Teachers, police officers, firefighters, EMS, corrections officers, veterans",
"Primary residence only",
"Must use TSAHC-approved lender",
"Income within program limits"
] | All 254 Texas counties | [
"Up to 5% of loan amount as a grant",
"For teachers, first responders, and veterans",
"Not limited to first-time buyers",
"Lower credit score minimum (620)"
] | Texas Heroes gives up to 5% as a true grant with no repayment — and the credit score minimum is just 620, one of the lowest in our service area. If you're a teacher, first responder, or veteran in Texas, this is hard to beat. | beau | true | 2026-03-08T00:00:00 | Good News Lending | https://goodnewslending.com/down-payment-assistance |
TX-TSAHC-HOME-SWEET-TEXAS | Home Sweet Texas | Texas | TX | Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) | https://www.tsahc.org/homebuyers-renters/home-sweet-texas-home-loan-program | grant | null | 5 | null | Up to 5% of the loan amount as a grant (or 3-year forgivable loan) | Grant option: no repayment. Forgivable loan option: forgiven after 3 years. | 620 | not_required | Same county limits as Heroes program | null | [
"fha",
"va",
"usda",
"conventional"
] | [
"Open to ALL Texas homebuyers (not just heroes)",
"Primary residence only",
"Must use TSAHC-approved lender",
"Income within program limits"
] | All 254 Texas counties | [
"Up to 5% of loan amount as a grant",
"Open to ALL buyers — no profession requirement",
"Not limited to first-time buyers",
"620 minimum credit score"
] | Home Sweet Texas is the same 5% grant as Heroes but open to everyone — you don't need to be a teacher or veteran. Any Texas buyer within income limits can get up to 5% as a true grant. | tate | true | 2026-03-08T00:00:00 | Good News Lending | https://goodnewslending.com/down-payment-assistance |
TX-TDHCA-MY-FIRST-TEXAS-HOME | My First Texas Home | Texas | TX | Texas Department of Housing & Community Affairs (TDHCA) | https://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/homeownership/fthb/ | deferred | null | 5 | null | Up to 5% of the mortgage amount as a deferred second lien | Deferred 30-year second lien at 0% interest. No monthly payments. Due when you sell, refinance, or transfer. | 620 | required | Varies by county — TDHCA income limits | null | [
"fha",
"va",
"usda"
] | [
"First-time buyer (not owned in past 3 years)",
"Homebuyer education course",
"Primary residence only",
"Must use TDHCA-approved lender"
] | All 254 Texas counties | [
"5% of mortgage as deferred assistance",
"0% interest, no monthly payments",
"30-year term — matches your mortgage",
"Works with FHA, VA, and USDA"
] | null | tate | true | 2026-03-08T00:00:00 | Good News Lending | https://goodnewslending.com/down-payment-assistance |
VA-VHOUSING-DPA-GRANT | Virginia Housing DPA Grant | Virginia | VA | Virginia Housing | https://www.virginiahousing.com/homebuyers/down-payment-assistance | grant | null | 2.5 | null | 2% to 2.5% of the purchase price as a true grant | True grant — no repayment required. | 640 | required | Varies by region — typically up to $117,400 | null | [
"fha",
"va",
"usda",
"conventional"
] | [
"Homebuyer education course",
"Primary residence only",
"Must use Virginia Housing first mortgage",
"First-time buyer or buying in targeted area"
] | Statewide (all Virginia cities and counties) | [
"True grant — never repaid",
"2% to 2.5% of purchase price",
"No second mortgage or lien",
"Simplest DPA structure available"
] | Virginia Housing's DPA Grant is the simplest program in our service area — a true grant with no strings attached. No second mortgage, no forgiveness timeline, no repayment. Just free money toward your down payment. | beau | true | 2026-03-08T00:00:00 | Good News Lending | https://goodnewslending.com/down-payment-assistance |
VA-VHOUSING-CLOSING-COST-ASSIST | Virginia Housing Closing Cost Assistance Grant | Virginia | VA | Virginia Housing | https://www.virginiahousing.com/homebuyers/down-payment-assistance | grant | null | 2 | null | Up to 2% of the purchase price for closing costs | True grant — no repayment required. Can be combined with DPA Grant. | 640 | required | Lower income limits than DPA Grant — up to 80% AMI | null | [
"fha",
"va",
"usda",
"conventional"
] | [
"Income at or below 80% AMI",
"Must combine with Virginia Housing DPA Grant",
"Homebuyer education course",
"Primary residence only"
] | Statewide (all Virginia cities and counties) | [
"Additional 2% grant on top of DPA Grant",
"Stacks for up to 4.5% total free assistance",
"True grant — never repaid",
"For lower-income buyers (80% AMI)"
] | null | tate | true | 2026-03-08T00:00:00 | Good News Lending | https://goodnewslending.com/down-payment-assistance |
Down Payment Assistance Programs 2026
Comprehensive database of down payment assistance (DPA) programs across 13 Southeast US states, curated by Good News Lending.
Dataset Description
34 active DPA programs from state Housing Finance Agencies (HFAs), including grants, forgivable loans, deferred loans, and repayable second mortgages.
States Covered (13)
Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Arkansas, Missouri, Texas, Virginia
Program Types
| Type | Count | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Forgivable | 14 | Forgiven over 5-15 years if you stay in the home |
| Grant | 8 | Free money, never repaid |
| Deferred | 7 | No payments until sale/refi/payoff |
| Repayable | 5 | Low-interest second mortgage with payments |
Fields (25)
- uid=197609(thewe) gid=197609 groups=197609 - Unique program identifier (e.g., "TN-THDA-GREAT-CHOICE-PLUS")
- Program name
- , - State name and 2-letter code
- Administering agency
- Official program page
- grant, forgivable, deferred, or repayable
- , , - Assistance amount details
- Human-readable amount summary
- Forgiveness/repayment terms
- Minimum credit score required
- required, preferred, or not_required
- Income limit details
- Maximum home price (if applicable)
- Compatible loan types (fha, va, usda, conventional)
- Eligibility requirements list
- Geographic coverage (Statewide, MSA-specific, etc.)
- Key selling points
- Expert commentary from licensed loan officers
- Expert identifier (beau, tate, or wendy)
- Whether program is currently active
- Date of last verification
- Data source attribution
- Source URL
Data Quality
- All program data verified against official state HFA websites as of March 2026
- Income limits, credit score requirements, and assistance amounts confirmed against published guidelines
- Expert insights from NMLS-licensed loan officers
Usage
Citation
License
CC BY 4.0 - Attribution required. Data sourced from publicly available state Housing Finance Agency programs.
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