{
  "title": "First-time home buyer programs by state",
  "page": "https://payotte.com/usa/by-state/first-time-home-buyer-programs",
  "compiled": "2026-10-14",
  "license": "CC BY 4.0 — cite Payotte (https://payotte.com) with a link to the page",
  "states": {
    "alabama": {
      "name": "Alabama",
      "code": "AL",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/alabama/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "Alabama offers first-time buyer help through the Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA): First Step and Step Up give below-market rates and down payment help of 4% of the sales price, up to $10,000. The City of Birmingham's Ready to Own program adds up to $10,000 for homes inside city limits.",
      "agency": "Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA)",
      "agency_url": "https://www.ahfa.com/programs/homeownership/available-programs",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "First Step",
          "what": "below-market 30-year fixed loan with down payment assistance",
          "amount_text": "4% of the sales price, up to $10,000 (10-year second mortgage)",
          "url": "https://www.ahfa.com/programs/homeownership/available-programs/first-step-mortgage-revenue-bonds"
        },
        {
          "name": "Step Up",
          "what": "loan with down payment assistance for moderate-income buyers",
          "amount_text": "4% of the sales price, up to $10,000",
          "url": "https://www.ahfa.com/programs/homeownership/available-programs/step-up"
        },
        {
          "name": "Affordable Income Subsidy Grant",
          "what": "closing cost grant for Freddie Mac HFA Advantage loans",
          "amount_text": "1% of the loan (income at or below 50% of area median income) or 0.5% (50.01% to 80%)",
          "url": "https://www.ahfa.com/programs/homeownership/available-programs/affordable-income-subsidy-grant"
        },
        {
          "name": "Ready to Own (City of Birmingham)",
          "what": "forgivable loan for down payment, closing costs and rate buydowns",
          "amount_text": "Up to $10,000, 5-year forgivable loan at 0% interest",
          "url": "https://www.birminghamal.gov/government/city-departments/community-development/homebuyer-down-payment-assistance-program"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "First Step, Birmingham-Hoover area (effective June 24, 2026): non-target areas $104,100 for 1 to 2 people and $119,715 for 3 or more; target areas $124,920 and $145,740. Step Up: $172,800 or less, any household size or location. Ready to Own: at or below HUD limit at 80% of area median income.",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required for Step Up, the Affordable Income Subsidy Grant and Birmingham's Ready to Own.",
      "note": "In target areas First Step is open to repeat buyers; elsewhere no home owned in the previous three years. Article does not say whether Ready to Own can be combined with AHFA programs. County programs not covered.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Available Programs (Alabama Housing Finance Authority)",
          "url": "https://www.ahfa.com/programs/homeownership/available-programs"
        },
        {
          "title": "First Step Income Limits, effective June 24, 2026 (Alabama Housing Finance Authority)",
          "url": "https://www.ahfa.com/programs/homeownership/available-programs/first-step-mortgage-revenue-bonds/income-limits"
        },
        {
          "title": "Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program, Ready to Own (City of Birmingham)",
          "url": "https://www.birminghamal.gov/government/city-departments/community-development/homebuyer-down-payment-assistance-program"
        }
      ]
    },
    "alaska": {
      "name": "Alaska",
      "code": "AK",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/alaska/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) offers two first-time buyer loans, First Home Limited and First Home, with 30-year rates of 6.750% and 7.125% on October 13, 2026. In Anchorage, First Home Limited requires income of $135,100 or less for one or two people in non-targeted areas.",
      "agency": "Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC)",
      "agency_url": "https://www.ahfc.us/buy/loan-programs/first-time-loans",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "First Home Limited",
          "what": "reduced-rate first-time buyer loan with income and price limits",
          "amount_text": "30-year rate 6.750% on Oct. 13, 2026",
          "url": "https://www.ahfc.us/buy/loan-programs/first-time-loans"
        },
        {
          "name": "First Home",
          "what": "reduced-rate first-time buyer loan with no income or price limit",
          "amount_text": "30-year rate 7.125% on Oct. 13, 2026",
          "url": "https://www.ahfc.us/buy/loan-programs/first-time-loans"
        },
        {
          "name": "Affordable Housing Enhanced",
          "what": "loan option allowing down payment help from a government agency, nonprofit or regional housing authority",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.ahfc.us/buy/add-options/affordable-housing-enhanced"
        },
        {
          "name": "Interest Rate Reduction for Low-Income Borrowers",
          "what": "rate cut on the first $180,000",
          "amount_text": "0.5 point (income at or below 80% of area limits) or 1 point (60%)",
          "url": "https://www.ahfc.us/buy/add-options/low-income-borrowers"
        },
        {
          "name": "State Veterans Interest Rate Preference",
          "what": "rate cut for qualified veterans",
          "amount_text": "1 point on the first $50,000",
          "url": "https://www.ahfc.us/buy/add-options/state-veterans-interest-rate-preference"
        },
        {
          "name": "New Home Construction Rebate",
          "what": "state-funded rebate for newly built homes meeting a 5-Star Plus or higher energy standard",
          "amount_text": "$10,000",
          "url": "https://www.alaskahousingenergy.us/"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "First Home Limited, Anchorage (effective June 1, 2026): non-targeted $135,100 for 1-2 people and $155,365 for 3 or more; targeted census tracts $162,120 and $189,140. First Home: no income limit.",
      "homebuyer_education": "HomeChoice online class (about 2 hours) is optional and gives up to a $250 credit; required for the Affordable Housing Enhanced and low-income rate reduction options.",
      "note": "Article also names the 97% loan-to-value option, an energy efficiency rate reduction, the My Home loan (7.375%) and a Veterans Mortgage program, not listed above. The $10,000 rebate page refers to 2025 buyers; confirm it is still open. Anchorage has no city-run program for individual buyers per its draft 2026 Action Plan. First Home Limited may trigger federal recapture tax on sale.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "First-Time Homebuyer Loans (Alaska Housing Finance Corporation)",
          "url": "https://www.ahfc.us/buy/loan-programs/first-time-loans"
        },
        {
          "title": "First Home Limited (TEP) Program Income Limits, Non-Targeted Areas, effective 06/01/2026 (AHFC)",
          "url": "https://www.ahfc.us/pros/lenders/acquisition-cost-and-income-limits/first-home-limited-tep-program-income-limits-non-targeted-areas"
        },
        {
          "title": "Current Rates (AHFC, rates valid October 13, 2026)",
          "url": "https://www.ahfc.us/buy/resources/current-rates"
        }
      ]
    },
    "arizona": {
      "name": "Arizona",
      "code": "AZ",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/arizona/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "Arizona has no single state down payment program: the Arizona Industrial Development Authority's Home Plus offers up to 4% in down payment and closing cost help, forgiven after 5 years, for incomes up to $155,386. Maricopa County's Home in Five Advantage offers up to 6%, and the City of Phoenix offers up to 10% of the price.",
      "agency": "Arizona Industrial Development Authority (Home Plus program)",
      "agency_url": "https://homeplusaz.com/home-plus-dpa/",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "Home Plus",
          "what": "statewide down payment and closing cost help as a deferred soft second mortgage",
          "amount_text": "Up to 4%, forgiven after 5 years (60 months)",
          "url": "https://homeplusaz.com/home-plus-dpa/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Home in Five Advantage",
          "what": "Maricopa County down payment and closing cost help plus a loan at a competitive rate",
          "amount_text": "Up to 6%",
          "url": "https://homein5advantage.com/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Arizona is Home (within Home in Five Advantage)",
          "what": "7-year forgivable second loan, interest-free",
          "amount_text": "3%, 4%, 5% or 6%",
          "url": "https://homein5advantage.com/azishome/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)",
          "what": "federal tax credit on mortgage interest",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://homeplusaz.com/mccs/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Open Doors (City of Phoenix)",
          "what": "0% deferred loan, forgiven after up to 15 years",
          "amount_text": "Up to 10% of the purchase price, based on need",
          "url": "https://www.phoenix.gov/housing/homeownership"
        },
        {
          "name": "Section 18 program (City of Phoenix)",
          "what": "sale of city-listed properties as-is",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.phoenix.gov/housing/homeownership"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "Home Plus: $155,386 (as of April 6, 2026), same in every county. Home in Five Advantage: $153,440. Arizona is Home option: $131,520. Open Doors: 80% of area median income, $62,950 (1 person), $71,950 (2), $80,950 (3), $89,900 (4). MCC: county limits, not given. Section 18: no income limit.",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required: Home Plus (one borrower, before closing), Home in Five Advantage (8-hour course from an Arizona HUD-approved agency) and Open Doors (8-hour class plus counseling).",
      "note": "The Arizona Department of Housing site could not be read. Home Plus does not require first-time status; Open Doors and the Arizona is Home option do. The MCC page gives no credit rate. A Community Land Trust program is mentioned without terms. Arizona is Home outside Maricopa County is out of 2026 funds.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Home Plus DPA program (Arizona Industrial Development Authority)",
          "url": "https://homeplusaz.com/home-plus-dpa/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Home in Five Advantage program (Maricopa County IDA and Phoenix IDA)",
          "url": "https://homein5advantage.com/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Open Doors Down Payment Assistance Program fact sheet, August 25, 2026 (City of Phoenix Housing Department)",
          "url": "https://www.phoenix.gov/content/dam/phoenix/housingsite/documents/homeownership/Open_Doors_Fact_Sheet_Eng.pdf"
        }
      ]
    },
    "arkansas": {
      "name": "Arkansas",
      "code": "AR",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/arkansas/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "The Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA) offers the StartSmart first-time buyer mortgage, with a $500,000 price limit and a 640 minimum credit score, plus a down payment second mortgage of $1,000 to $15,000. The City of Little Rock adds a forgivable loan of up to $10,000 and a disaster-recovery program of up to $15,000.",
      "agency": "Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA)",
      "agency_url": "https://adfa.arkansas.gov/programs/homeloans/startsmart-first-time-home-buyer-program/",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "StartSmart First-Time Home Buyer Program",
          "what": "30-year fixed-rate first mortgage about 1% below market rate",
          "amount_text": "Price limit $500,000; minimum credit score 640",
          "url": "https://adfa.arkansas.gov/programs/homeloans/startsmart-first-time-home-buyer-program/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Move-Up Loan Program",
          "what": "first mortgage for buyers who are not first-time buyers",
          "amount_text": "Price limit equal to the conforming loan limit ($832,750 baseline in 2026)",
          "url": "https://adfa.arkansas.gov/programs/homeloans/move-up-loan-program"
        },
        {
          "name": "ADFA Down Payment Assistance Program",
          "what": "10-year second mortgage for down payment and closing costs",
          "amount_text": "$1,000 to $15,000",
          "url": "https://adfa.arkansas.gov/programs/homeloans/down-payment-assistance-program/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Down Payment Assistance (City of Little Rock)",
          "what": "forgivable loan, forgiven monthly over 60 months",
          "amount_text": "6% of price, up to $10,000",
          "url": "https://littlerock.gov/wp-content/uploads/dpa-flyer-updated-income-limits-2025.pdf"
        },
        {
          "name": "Homebuyer Assistance Program, HAP (City of Little Rock)",
          "what": "forgivable loan funded by federal disaster-recovery money",
          "amount_text": "Lesser of $15,000 or 8% of price",
          "url": "https://littlerock.gov/government/city-departments/housing-and-neighborhood/community-development-block-grant-disaster-recovery/"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "StartSmart, Pulaski County (effective June 1, 2026): $102,595 for 1 or 2 people, $117,984 for 3 or more. Move-Up: $142,000. Little Rock DPA: 80% of area median income ($51,950 for 1 person, $59,350 for 2, $66,750 for 3, $74,150 for 4, effective April 1, 2025). Little Rock HAP: 150% of area median income.",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required for both City of Little Rock programs (HAP needs a HUD-approved course). Not stated for ADFA programs in the article.",
      "note": "Pulaski County is not one of the 30 targeted counties. HAP is tied to the March 31, 2023 tornado recovery and generally cannot be combined with another program paying the same costs. ADFA page does not state the DPA interest rate. City programs require a five-year stay.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "StartSmart First-Time Home Buyer Program (Arkansas Development Finance Authority)",
          "url": "https://adfa.arkansas.gov/programs/homeloans/startsmart-first-time-home-buyer-program/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Down Payment Assistance Program (Arkansas Development Finance Authority)",
          "url": "https://adfa.arkansas.gov/programs/homeloans/down-payment-assistance-program/"
        },
        {
          "title": "CDBG-DR, Homebuyer Assistance Program (City of Little Rock)",
          "url": "https://littlerock.gov/government/city-departments/housing-and-neighborhood/community-development-block-grant-disaster-recovery/"
        }
      ]
    },
    "california": {
      "name": "California",
      "code": "CA",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/california/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In California, the California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) lends first-time buyers up to 3.5% of the price with an FHA loan or 3% with a conventional loan through MyHome. Its Dream For All loan (up to 20%, capped at $150,000) closed to new applications on March 16, 2026.",
      "agency": "California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA)",
      "agency_url": "https://www.calhfa.ca.gov/homebuyer/programs/myhome.htm",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "MyHome Assistance Program",
          "what": "deferred-payment junior loan for down payment, closing costs or both",
          "amount_text": "Up to 3.5% of price (CalHFA FHA) or 3% (CalHFA Conventional)",
          "url": "https://www.calhfa.ca.gov/homebuyer/programs/myhome.htm"
        },
        {
          "name": "Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan",
          "what": "shared appreciation loan, repaid with 20% of the gain (15% if income at or below 80% of area median income)",
          "amount_text": "Up to 20% of price, capped at $150,000; closed to new applications since March 16, 2026",
          "url": "https://www.calhfa.ca.gov/dream/index.htm"
        },
        {
          "name": "CalHFA FHA and Conventional first mortgages",
          "what": "30-year fixed-rate first mortgages",
          "amount_text": "Minimum credit score 640 (government) or 680 (conventional, 660 at or below 80% AMI)",
          "url": "https://www.calhfa.ca.gov/homebuyer/programs/fha.htm"
        },
        {
          "name": "Low Income Purchase Assistance, LIPA (City of Los Angeles)",
          "what": "0% loan with shared appreciation, due on sale, transfer, payoff or after 30 years",
          "amount_text": "Up to $161,000",
          "url": "https://housing.lacity.gov/housing/helping-low-income-first-time-homebuyers"
        },
        {
          "name": "Moderate Income Purchase Assistance, MIPA (City of Los Angeles)",
          "what": "purchase assistance for moderate-income buyers",
          "amount_text": "Up to $115,000",
          "url": "https://housing.lacity.gov/housing/help-moderate-income-first-home-buyers"
        },
        {
          "name": "Home Ownership Program, HOP80 and HOP120 (Los Angeles County)",
          "what": "0% deferred loan with a share of appreciation",
          "amount_text": "Up to $100,000 or 20% of price, whichever is less",
          "url": "https://www.lacda.org/home-ownership/home-ownership-program"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "Effective June 30, 2026, Los Angeles County: CalHFA first mortgages and MyHome $214,000; Dream For All $171,000. City of LA, 4-person household: LIPA $133,250 (80% of AMI), MIPA $133,251 to $183,250. LA County HOP80 4-person: $133,250.",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required: one occupying first-time borrower completes a course (online, 8-hour program costing $100, or live counseling). Dream For All also requires a free one-hour course. LIPA requires an eight-hour class.",
      "note": "The City of LA Mortgage Credit Certificate is listed as out of funding. Remaining 2026 LIPA rounds: October 14 (20) and November 18 (15); last MIPA round December 16 (13). LACDA figures come from a page published in June 2026. LIPA needs a middle FICO of 660 and 1% of the price from own funds. Article lists no CalHFA rate.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "MyHome Assistance Program (California Housing Finance Agency)",
          "url": "https://www.calhfa.ca.gov/homebuyer/programs/myhome.htm"
        },
        {
          "title": "California Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan (California Housing Finance Agency)",
          "url": "https://www.calhfa.ca.gov/dream/index.htm"
        },
        {
          "title": "Low Income Purchase Assistance (LIPA) Program (Los Angeles Housing Department)",
          "url": "https://housing.lacity.gov/housing/helping-low-income-first-time-homebuyers"
        }
      ]
    },
    "colorado": {
      "name": "Colorado",
      "code": "CO",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/colorado/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In Colorado, Denver's metroDPA program offers down payment help as an interest-free second mortgage with no monthly payments, for buyers with income up to $216,000 and a credit score above 640. The article could not read the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) pages, so it gives no CHFA amounts.",
      "agency": "Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA)",
      "agency_url": null,
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "metroDPA",
          "what": "30-year deferred second mortgage, no interest and no scheduled payments, as a percentage of the first mortgage",
          "amount_text": "Percentage depends on the loan product; example: 5% on a $300,000 FHA loan is $15,000",
          "url": "https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Department-of-Housing-Stability/Resident-Resources/Affordable-Home-Ownership/metroDPA"
        },
        {
          "name": "Denver Affordable Homeownership Program",
          "what": "sale of income-restricted homes with a recorded affordability covenant",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Department-of-Housing-Stability/Resident-Resources/Affordable-Home-Ownership"
        },
        {
          "name": "Colorado Housing Assistance Corporation (CHAC) loans",
          "what": "low-interest second mortgage for part of the down payment and closing costs, repaid usually monthly",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://chaconline.org/"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "metroDPA: up to $216,000 a year, varying by county and loan type. Denver Affordable Homeownership Program: 50% minimum, 80% to 120% maximum of area median income; 2026 HOME limits for 4 persons are $72,000 (50%), $106,800 (80%), $144,000 (100%), $172,800 (120%). CHFA limits not read.",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required for metroDPA and for Denver's Affordable Homeownership Program (HUD-certified class).",
      "note": "CHFA website refused automated requests, so no CHFA amount, income limit or price limit and no CHFA URL. metroDPA has no first-time buyer requirement. The state Housing Toolkit shows an older metroDPA income figure of $176,700. Article also mentions Boulder County, Aurora and Pueblo County programs without terms.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "metroDPA (City and County of Denver, Department of Housing Stability)",
          "url": "https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Department-of-Housing-Stability/Resident-Resources/Affordable-Home-Ownership/metroDPA"
        },
        {
          "title": "2026 HOME Income Limits, effective June 1, 2026 (Denver Department of Housing Stability)",
          "url": "https://www.denvergov.org/files/assets/public/v/1/housing-stability/documents/2026-incomerent-limits/host-income-rent-limit-2026-home.pdf"
        },
        {
          "title": "Homeownership Support and Stability, First-time Homebuyer and Home Purchase Assistance Programs (Colorado Department of Local Affairs, Housing Toolkit)",
          "url": "https://officials-housing-toolkit.cdola.colorado.gov/homeownership-support-stability"
        }
      ]
    },
    "connecticut": {
      "name": "Connecticut",
      "code": "CT",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/connecticut/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In Connecticut, the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) pairs a below-market first mortgage with down payment help: a Time To Own forgivable loan of up to $25,000 or a DAP loan of up to $15,000. In Hartford, HouseHartford adds up to 20% of the price, capped at $40,000.",
      "agency": "Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA)",
      "agency_url": "https://www.chfa.org/homebuyers/all-homebuyer-mortgage-programs/",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "Time To Own",
          "what": "forgivable down payment loan at 0% interest, 10% forgiven each year, fully forgiven after 10 years",
          "amount_text": "Up to $25,000 (minimum $3,000)",
          "url": "https://www.chfa.org/homebuyers-homeowners/homebuyers/time-to-own-down-payment-assistance-program-loan/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP)",
          "what": "second mortgage at the first-mortgage rate or 5.00%, whichever is less",
          "amount_text": "Up to $15,000 (minimum $3,000); 4.00% of price or appraised value, whichever is less",
          "url": "https://www.chfa.org/homebuyers-homeowners/homebuyers/downpayment-assistance-program-dap-loan/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Next Move with Deferred DPA",
          "what": "0.00% deferred assistance for first-time and repeat buyers",
          "amount_text": "Up to 3.5% of the first mortgage",
          "url": "https://www.chfa.org/homebuyers-homeowners/homebuyers/next-move-with-deferred-dpa-program-/"
        },
        {
          "name": "HFA Advantage, HFA Preferred and government-insured CHFA loans",
          "what": "below-market 30-year fixed first mortgages (conventional, FHA, VA, USDA)",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.chfa.org/homebuyers/all-homebuyer-mortgage-programs/"
        },
        {
          "name": "HouseHartford (City of Hartford)",
          "what": "down payment assistance for one- to four-family homes and condominiums in Hartford",
          "amount_text": "Up to 20% of the purchase price, capped at $40,000",
          "url": "https://www.hartfordct.gov/Government/Departments/DDS/DDS-Services/Homebuyer-Assistance"
        },
        {
          "name": "Housing Choice Voucher to Homeownership pilot (City of Hartford)",
          "what": "match for voucher participants plus a home repair reserve",
          "amount_text": "Match of up to $4,000 on at least $1,000 saved",
          "url": "https://www.hartfordct.gov/Government/Departments/DDS/DDS-Divisions/Housing-Division"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "Make it Yours bond program, Capitol region (June 22, 2026): most towns $129,500 for 1-2 people and $148,925 for 3 or more, sales price limit $566,350; target areas $155,400 and $181,300, price limit $692,210. Time To Own: Capitol-region AMI $129,200 (100%) and $103,360 (80%). Next Move: no more than 120% of AMI. HouseHartford: HUD limit at 80% of Hartford-area median family income.",
      "homebuyer_education": "A free homebuyer education class is required before closing for the DAP loan.",
      "note": "First-time means no home owned in the past three years, with an exception for federally designated targeted areas. Time To Own: $15,496,650 available as of October 5, 2026; Connecticut residency for three years. Article also names an Employee Homebuyer Assistance Program in Hartford and special programs for teachers, police, military, veterans and others, not listed above. Hartford page gives no income figures or forgiveness terms.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "All Homebuyer Mortgage Programs (Connecticut Housing Finance Authority)",
          "url": "https://www.chfa.org/homebuyers/all-homebuyer-mortgage-programs/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Time To Own - Forgivable Down Payment Assistance Program Loan (CHFA)",
          "url": "https://www.chfa.org/homebuyers-homeowners/homebuyers/time-to-own-down-payment-assistance-program-loan/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Homebuyer Assistance, HouseHartford (City of Hartford, Department of Development Services)",
          "url": "https://www.hartfordct.gov/Government/Departments/DDS/DDS-Services/Homebuyer-Assistance"
        }
      ]
    },
    "delaware": {
      "name": "Delaware",
      "code": "DE",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/delaware/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In Delaware, the Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) runs the Delaware Mortgage Program: 30-year fixed-rate loans paired with a zero-interest second mortgage of 3%, 4% or 5% of the first loan for down payment and closing costs. The minimum credit score is 620, and the New Castle County price limit is $659,385.",
      "agency": "Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA)",
      "agency_url": "https://www.destatehousing.com/homeownership-loans/",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "Welcome Home (Delaware Mortgage Program)",
          "what": "first mortgage for first-time buyers, with a choice of assistance options",
          "amount_text": "Second mortgage of 3%, 4% or 5% of the first loan, zero interest, no monthly payment",
          "url": "https://www.destatehousing.com/homeownership-loans/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Open Door (Delaware Mortgage Program)",
          "what": "first mortgage for first-time and repeat buyers",
          "amount_text": "Second mortgage of 3% or 4% of the first loan, zero interest, no monthly payment",
          "url": "https://www.destatehousing.com/homeownership-loans/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Take5 Home Loan",
          "what": "Welcome Home option with a deferred second mortgage",
          "amount_text": "5% of the first loan",
          "url": "https://www.destatehousing.com/homeownership-loans/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Diamond in the Rough Home Loan",
          "what": "Welcome Home option for homes needing minor repairs (must qualify for the FHA 203(k) limited program)",
          "amount_text": "5% of the first loan",
          "url": "https://www.destatehousing.com/homeownership-loans/"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "New Castle County: Welcome Home $122,700 (1-2 people) and $141,105 (3+); Welcome Home targeted areas $147,240 and $171,780; Open Door $147,240 and $184,050. Kent and Sussex Welcome Home: $111,400 and $128,110. Page shows no effective date. Maximum price: New Castle $659,385 ($805,916 targeted); Kent and Sussex $566,354 ($692,211 targeted).",
      "homebuyer_education": "Housing counseling required if the credit score is 659 or below.",
      "note": "Article could not read City of Wilmington pages, so no city program or amount. Smart Start (no assistance), First State (3%) and Keys4You (4%) are the other named loan options. Rates are posted on a separate DSHA page and change.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Homeownership Loans (Delaware State Housing Authority)",
          "url": "https://www.destatehousing.com/homeownership-loans/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Buy a Home: Delaware Mortgage Program (Delaware State Housing Authority)",
          "url": "https://www.destatehousing.com/buy-a-home/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Housing Counseling Agencies (Delaware State Housing Authority)",
          "url": "https://www.destatehousing.com/housing-counselors/"
        }
      ]
    },
    "florida": {
      "name": "Florida",
      "code": "FL",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/florida/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In Florida, Florida Housing's Hometown Heroes gives eligible workers 5% of the loan amount, from $10,000 to $35,000, and FL Assist gives up to $10,000, both as 0% deferred loans. In Miami-Dade, the county adds up to $35,000 and the City of Miami offers up to $130,002.",
      "agency": "Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing)",
      "agency_url": "https://www.floridahousing.org/programs/homebuyer-overview-page/homebuyer-overview",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "Hometown Heroes",
          "what": "0% 30-year deferred second mortgage, not forgivable, for first-time buyers in listed occupations (health care, school staff, first responders, public safety, court employees, child care, military, veterans)",
          "amount_text": "5% of the first mortgage, minimum $10,000, maximum $35,000",
          "url": "https://www.floridahousing.org/live-local-act/hometown-heroes-program"
        },
        {
          "name": "FL Assist",
          "what": "0% deferred second mortgage, not forgivable, with FHA, VA, USDA or conventional loans",
          "amount_text": "Up to $10,000",
          "url": "https://www.floridahousing.org/programs/homebuyer-overview-page/homebuyer-overview"
        },
        {
          "name": "FL HLP Second Mortgage",
          "what": "30-year second mortgage at 3% with a monthly payment",
          "amount_text": "$12,500",
          "url": "https://www.floridahousing.org/programs/homebuyer-overview-page/homebuyer-overview"
        },
        {
          "name": "HFA Preferred and HFA Advantage PLUS",
          "what": "assistance forgiven at 20% a year over five years, only with Florida Housing conventional first mortgages",
          "amount_text": "3%, 4% or 5% of the total loan amount",
          "url": "https://www.floridahousing.org/programs/homebuyer-overview-page/homebuyer-overview"
        },
        {
          "name": "Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program (Miami-Dade PHCD)",
          "what": "interest-free loan deferred up to 30 years with no monthly payment",
          "amount_text": "Up to $35,000",
          "url": "https://www.miamidade.gov/global/housing/downpayment-assistance.page"
        },
        {
          "name": "First-time Homebuyer Program, SHIP (City of Miami)",
          "what": "assistance for homes inside city limits worth up to $494,000; applications opened September 14, 2026",
          "amount_text": "Up to $130,002, depending on bedroom count",
          "url": "https://www.miami.gov/My-Government/Departments/Housing-Community-Development/Housing-Community-Development-Public-Notices/Public-Notice-Notice-of-Funding-SHIP-Posted-08-13-2026"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "Miami-Dade: Hometown Heroes $204,300; Florida Housing first mortgage with FL Assist $123,900 (1-2 people) and $142,485 (3+), price limit $679,323 ($830,284 targeted); Miami-Dade PHCD loan $95,620 (1), $109,200 (2), $122,920 (3), $136,500 (4); MDEAT up to 140% of area median income.",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required: an approved homebuyer education course for Florida Housing first mortgages; HUD-certified counseling for the Miami-Dade PHCD loan.",
      "note": "Hometown Heroes funds run out fast (the 2025 $50 million was committed within six months) and Florida Housing publishes no live balance. Minimum credit score 640. Florida Housing mortgage credit certificates ended December 31, 2020. Article also names Miami-Dade MDEAT Homeownership Assistance Program (up to $28,000), Miami-Dade Homebuyer Loan Program (up to $100,000 at 1% or $80,000 at 2%) and the City of Miami District 5 program (up to $200,000), not listed above. Florida Housing wizard figures are informational only.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Homebuyer Overview: first mortgage and down payment assistance programs (Florida Housing Finance Corporation)",
          "url": "https://www.floridahousing.org/programs/homebuyer-overview-page/homebuyer-overview"
        },
        {
          "title": "Hometown Heroes Program (Florida Housing Finance Corporation)",
          "url": "https://www.floridahousing.org/live-local-act/hometown-heroes-program"
        },
        {
          "title": "Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program (Miami-Dade Public Housing and Community Development)",
          "url": "https://www.miamidade.gov/global/housing/downpayment-assistance.page"
        }
      ]
    },
    "georgia": {
      "name": "Georgia",
      "code": "GA",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/georgia/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In Georgia, the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) runs Georgia Dream: its Standard loan gives 5% of the purchase price, up to $10,000, as a 0% second mortgage with no monthly payments. In the city of Atlanta, Invest Atlanta adds up to $20,000 through ATL HomeNOW, forgiven after 10 years.",
      "agency": "Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA)",
      "agency_url": "https://dca.georgia.gov/affordable-housing/home-ownership/georgia-dream-mortgage-products/georgia-dream",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "Georgia Dream Standard",
          "what": "0% deferred second mortgage with no monthly payments, for any eligible buyer",
          "amount_text": "5% of the price, maximum $10,000",
          "url": "https://dca.georgia.gov/affordable-housing/home-ownership/georgia-dream-mortgage-products/georgia-dream"
        },
        {
          "name": "Georgia Dream PEN and Choice",
          "what": "same second mortgage for protectors, educators, nurses, health care providers and active military (PEN), or a household member with an eligible disability (Choice)",
          "amount_text": "6% of the price, maximum $12,500",
          "url": "https://dca.georgia.gov/affordable-housing/home-ownership/georgia-dream-mortgage-products/georgia-dream"
        },
        {
          "name": "Peach Plus",
          "what": "for FHA and VA borrowers who do not meet traditional Georgia Dream rules",
          "amount_text": "3.5% of the price, maximum $10,000 (4%, maximum $12,500 for PEN and Choice)",
          "url": "https://dca.georgia.gov/affordable-housing/home-ownership/georgia-dream-mortgage-products/peach-plus-loan-program"
        },
        {
          "name": "Peach Advantage",
          "what": "for conventional borrowers with higher prices or incomes",
          "amount_text": "2% to 5% of the first loan amount",
          "url": "https://dca.georgia.gov/affordable-housing/home-ownership/georgia-dream-mortgage-products/peach-advantage-loan-program"
        },
        {
          "name": "Peach Select VA",
          "what": "VA loan with a lower rate",
          "amount_text": "No down payment assistance",
          "url": "https://dca.georgia.gov/affordable-housing/home-ownership/georgia-dream-mortgage-products/peach-select-va-loan-program"
        },
        {
          "name": "ATL HomeNOW (Invest Atlanta)",
          "what": "assistance for down payment, closing costs or a lower rate on homes inside Atlanta city limits, forgiven after 10 years",
          "amount_text": "Up to $20,000",
          "url": "https://www.investatlanta.com/homebuyers/homebuyer-programs-downpayment-assistance"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell metro area, which includes Fulton County: Georgia Dream Standard and Peach Select VA $137,555 (1-2 people) and $158,188 (3+), price $625,000; Peach Plus $206,333 and $237,282, price $725,000; Peach Advantage 150% of area median income, price $725,000. ATL HomeNOW: $99,000 (1 person) to $141,360 (4 people).",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required: homebuyer education, online or in person, with a HUD-approved counseling agency. Invest Atlanta also requires a mandatory 90-minute Q&A session and homebuyer education.",
      "note": "Credit score minimum 640 for Georgia Dream (660 for manufactured housing), 620 for ATL HomeNOW. Invest Atlanta also lists ATL Home Renovation Advantage ($10,000), Beltline Mortgage Assistance (up to $20,000 or $30,000), Perry Bolton and Vine City Renaissance programs, not listed above. Article does not say whether Invest Atlanta applications are open.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Georgia Dream Loan Program (Georgia Department of Community Affairs)",
          "url": "https://dca.georgia.gov/affordable-housing/home-ownership/georgia-dream-mortgage-products/georgia-dream"
        },
        {
          "title": "Georgia Dream Standard program matrix, v. 2026-7-8 (Georgia Department of Community Affairs)",
          "url": "https://dca.georgia.gov/document/resources/georgia-dream-standard-matrix/download"
        },
        {
          "title": "Homebuyer Programs & Downpayment Assistance (Invest Atlanta)",
          "url": "https://www.investatlanta.com/homebuyers/homebuyer-programs-downpayment-assistance"
        }
      ]
    },
    "hawaii": {
      "name": "Hawaii",
      "code": "HI",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/hawaii/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "Hawaii's main first-time buyer program is the Hale Kamaʻāina Mortgage Program of the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC), a 30-year fixed-rate loan through a participating lender. In Honolulu County the purchase price limit is $866,346 and the income limit is $154,805 for one or two people, as of June 13, 2026.",
      "agency": "Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC)",
      "agency_url": "https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/hhfdc/hk-mortgage-program/",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "Hale Kamaʻāina Mortgage Program",
          "what": "30-year fixed-rate loan financed with tax-exempt bonds, rate targeted at least 0.5 percentage point below market",
          "amount_text": "Posted rates 5.62% (government loans) and 5.87% (conventional) on Oct. 13, 2026",
          "url": "https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/hhfdc/hk-mortgage-program/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Down payment assistance second mortgage (Hale Kamaʻāina)",
          "what": "second mortgage for down payment; new terms pending under Act 214 (2026)",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/hhfdc/2026/06/16/hale-kama%ca%bbaina-mortgage-program-for-homebuyers-frequently-asked-questions/"
        },
        {
          "name": "HHFDC Equity Pilot (DURF DEP)",
          "what": "0%, 30-year second mortgage; HHFDC buys part of the equity in designated starter units, for Hawaiʻi residents in shortage professions",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/hhfdc/the-durf-equity-pilot-dep-program/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Leasehold program",
          "what": "buy the home on a 99-year ground lease while the state keeps the land",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/hhfdc/for-homebuyers/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)",
          "what": "federal tax credit for part of the mortgage interest; no longer accepting new applications",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/hhfdc/current-mcc-holders-page/"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "Honolulu County, as of June 13, 2026: non-targeted $154,805 for 1-2 people and $178,025 for 3 or more; targeted areas $184,800 and $215,600. Purchase price $866,346 ($1,058,867 targeted).",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required: homeownership counseling through a HUD-approved agency.",
      "note": "No down payment assistance amount: HHFDC had not posted new terms on Oct. 13, 2026. No City and County of Honolulu program for individual buyers found. First-time buyer means no principal residence owned in three years; exceptions for veterans and targeted areas. MCC page says new applications are closed although another HHFDC page still lists it. Owner-occupancy within 60 days of closing is strictly enforced.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Hale Kamaʻāina Mortgage Program (Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation)",
          "url": "https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/hhfdc/hk-mortgage-program/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Hale Kamaʻāina Mortgage Program, Eligibility, Income and Purchase Price Requirements, as of September 4, 2026 (HHFDC)",
          "url": "https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/hhfdc/hale-kama%ca%bbaina-mortgage-program-eligibility-income-and-purchase-price-requirements/"
        },
        {
          "title": "HHFDC Equity Pilot (DURF DEP Program) (HHFDC)",
          "url": "https://dbedt.hawaii.gov/hhfdc/the-durf-equity-pilot-dep-program/"
        }
      ]
    },
    "idaho": {
      "name": "Idaho",
      "code": "ID",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/idaho/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In Idaho, the Idaho Housing and Finance Association (Idaho Housing) offers down payment and closing cost help of up to 8% of the sales price, for buyers who put in as little as $500 of their own money and earn $170,000 or less. In Boise, the City's Homeownership Opportunity Program adds up to $45,000 for households earning 50% to 80% of area median income.",
      "agency": "Idaho Housing and Finance Association (Idaho Housing)",
      "agency_url": "https://www.idahohousing.com/homebuyers/down-payment-closing-cost-assistance/",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "Idaho Housing down payment and closing cost assistance",
          "what": "second mortgage repaid through small monthly payments; not limited to first-time buyers",
          "amount_text": "Up to 8% of the sales price; minimum $500 of own funds",
          "url": "https://www.idahohousing.com/homebuyers/down-payment-closing-cost-assistance/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Idaho Housing home loans",
          "what": "first mortgages: conventional, FHA, veterans and Rural Development",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.idahohousing.com/homebuyers/home-loans/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Mortgage credit certificate (Idaho Housing)",
          "what": "tax credit program, described as currently suspended",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.idahohousing.com/partners/lenders-realtors/realtor-faq/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Homeownership Opportunity Program, HOP (City of Boise)",
          "what": "deferred mortgage behind the first loan, for homes inside Boise city limits",
          "amount_text": "Up to $45,000 (up to $65,000 for community land trust or long-term deed-restricted homes)",
          "url": "https://www.cityofboise.org/departments/planning-and-development-services/housing-and-community-development/homeownership-opportunity-program/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Voucher homeownership option (Boise City/Ada County Housing Authorities)",
          "what": "for families at least a year in the voucher and Family Self-Sufficiency programs",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://bcacha.org/programs/subsidized-housing/homeownership-programs/"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "Ada County: $170,000 for most Idaho Housing loan products; tax-exempt first loan $110,700 (1-2 people) and $127,305 (3 or more), price limit $613,662. Boise HOP: 50% to 80% of area median income; 80% limit $62,000 (1 person), $70,960 (2), $88,550 (4).",
      "homebuyer_education": "Idaho Housing's Finally Home! course is required with its down payment help and for first-time borrowers using Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac HFA products; Boise HOP requires a Finally Home! or other HUD-approved certificate.",
      "note": "Idaho Housing defines a first-time buyer as no owned and occupied primary residence in three years, but assistance is not limited to first-time buyers. Boise HOP accepts applications only through two partner organizations; the article does not say whether funds are available. Boise Home Improvement Program (repair loans) also exists.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Down Payment Assistance for Idaho Homebuyers (Idaho Housing and Finance Association)",
          "url": "https://www.idahohousing.com/homebuyers/down-payment-closing-cost-assistance/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Income Limits and Sales Price chart, Rev. 6-03-26 (Idaho Housing and Finance Association)",
          "url": "https://mediaserve.ihfa.org/?q=377"
        },
        {
          "title": "Home Ownership: Homeownership Opportunity Program (City of Boise)",
          "url": "https://www.cityofboise.org/departments/planning-and-development-services/housing-and-community-development/homeownership-opportunity-program/"
        }
      ]
    },
    "illinois": {
      "name": "Illinois",
      "code": "IL",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/illinois/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In Illinois, the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) offers four down payment assistance programs: Access Home (6% of the price, up to $15,000), Access Deferred (5%, up to $7,500), Access Repayable (10%, up to $10,000) and Access Forgivable (4%, up to $6,000). Chicago's HomeGrown program gives grants of up to $70,000.",
      "agency": "Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA)",
      "agency_url": "https://www.ihdamortgage.org/homebuyers",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "Access Home",
          "what": "deferred 30-year second mortgage at 0%, due on sale or refinance; first-time buyers only",
          "amount_text": "6% of the price, up to $15,000",
          "url": "https://www.ihdamortgage.org/homebuyers"
        },
        {
          "name": "Access Forgivable",
          "what": "second mortgage forgiven over 10 years; first-time and repeat buyers",
          "amount_text": "4% of the price, up to $6,000",
          "url": "https://www.ihdamortgage.org/homebuyers"
        },
        {
          "name": "Access Deferred",
          "what": "deferred 30-year second mortgage, due on sale or refinance; first-time and repeat buyers",
          "amount_text": "5% of the price, up to $7,500",
          "url": "https://www.ihdamortgage.org/homebuyers"
        },
        {
          "name": "Access Repayable",
          "what": "second mortgage repaid monthly over 10 years; first-time and repeat buyers",
          "amount_text": "10% of the price, up to $10,000",
          "url": "https://www.ihdamortgage.org/homebuyers"
        },
        {
          "name": "HomeGrown Purchase Assistance (City of Chicago)",
          "what": "grant for down payments and closing costs, by income and zone, capped at 25% of the price",
          "amount_text": "Up to $70,000 (Zone A, income at or below 80% of AMI)",
          "url": "https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/doh/provdrs/homebuyers/svcs/HomeGrown.html"
        },
        {
          "name": "TaxSmart (City of Chicago)",
          "what": "Mortgage Credit Certificate: federal tax credit of 25% of yearly mortgage interest",
          "amount_text": "Capped at $2,000 a year",
          "url": "https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/doh/provdrs/homebuyers/svcs/taxsmart.html"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "Cook County, July 1, 2026: Access Forgivable, Deferred and Repayable $170,100 any household size; Access Home non-targeted $121,500 (1-2 people) and $139,725 (3+), targeted $145,800 and $170,100. TaxSmart non-target $119,900 and $137,885, target $143,880 and $167,860. HomeGrown grants depend on income as a share of area median income (up to 150%).",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required: pre-purchase homebuyer education for every borrower before closing (IHDA programs and HomeGrown).",
      "note": "Credit score 640 minimum; personal contribution greater of 1% of the price or $1,000. Opening Doors and SmartBuy are named on IHDA's lender page but not in the active program directory, so no amounts. Article also names Chicago's Shared Equity Investment Program (up to $60,000) and a Cook County down payment program with no amounts; Cook County funds are for suburban Cook County only.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Homebuyer Center and Active Program Directory (IHDA Mortgage)",
          "url": "https://www.ihdamortgage.org/homebuyers"
        },
        {
          "title": "Program Income Limits, effective July 1, 2026 (IHDA Mortgage)",
          "url": "https://www.ihdamortgage.org/limits"
        },
        {
          "title": "HomeGrown Purchase Assistance (City of Chicago Department of Housing)",
          "url": "https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/doh/provdrs/homebuyers/svcs/HomeGrown.html"
        }
      ]
    },
    "indiana": {
      "name": "Indiana",
      "code": "IN",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/indiana/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In Indiana, the Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) gives 5% of the home price as down payment assistance with its First Step program and 2.5% or 3.5% with Next Home, as a 0% second mortgage that is not forgivable. In Marion County (Indianapolis), the May 2026 income limits run from $110,300 to $154,420, depending on household size, program and tract.",
      "agency": "Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA)",
      "agency_url": "https://www.in.gov/ihcda/homebuyers/programs",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "First Step",
          "what": "bond-funded rate plus down payment assistance as a 0% second mortgage with no monthly payments, repayable; first-time buyers (targeted areas and veterans exempt)",
          "amount_text": "5% of the price",
          "url": "https://www.in.gov/ihcda/homebuyers/programs"
        },
        {
          "name": "Step Down",
          "what": "bond-funded interest rate only, no down payment assistance; same eligibility as First Step",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.in.gov/ihcda/homebuyers/programs"
        },
        {
          "name": "Next Home",
          "what": "down payment assistance as a 0% second mortgage for first-time or repeat buyers, FHA or conventional",
          "amount_text": "2.5% or 3.5% of the price or appraised value, whichever is less",
          "url": "https://www.in.gov/ihcda/homebuyers/programs"
        },
        {
          "name": "Next Step",
          "what": "one-time refinance for First Step and Step Down borrowers, with assistance matching the current lien",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.in.gov/ihcda/homebuyers/programs"
        },
        {
          "name": "Individual Development Account (IDA) program",
          "what": "state matching funds for a qualified purchase",
          "amount_text": "Up to $4,500",
          "url": "https://www.in.gov/ihcda/homeowners-and-renters/"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "Marion County, effective May 25, 2026: First Step, Step Down and Next Home (FHA) non-targeted $110,300 (1-2 people) and $126,845 (3+), price limit $566,355; targeted tracts $132,360 and $154,420, price limit $692,211. Next Home Conventional and Next Step: $154,420, no acquisition limit.",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required, with Fannie Mae HomeView or Freddie Mac Credit Wise as the only accepted certificates.",
      "note": "Article does not state the minimum credit score or maximum debt-to-income ratio. A $250 reservation fee applies. Bond loans (First Step, Step Down) can trigger federal recapture tax (maximum the lesser of 6.25% of the highest loan principal or 50% of the gain). The City of Indianapolis has no down payment program of its own and refers buyers to a local nonprofit.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Homeownership Programs (IHCDA)",
          "url": "https://www.in.gov/ihcda/homebuyers/programs"
        },
        {
          "title": "IHCDA Homeownership Program Guide, February 2026 (IHCDA)",
          "url": "https://www.in.gov/ihcda/files/HOD-Universal-Program-Guide-Final.pdf"
        },
        {
          "title": "Income and Acquisition Limits, effective May 25, 2026 (IHCDA)",
          "url": "https://www.in.gov/ihcda/homebuyers/income-and-acquisition-limits"
        }
      ]
    },
    "iowa": {
      "name": "Iowa",
      "code": "IA",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/iowa/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In Iowa, the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) offers FirstHome buyers a $2,500 grant or a second loan of up to 5% of the price with no monthly payment. From November 2, 2026 reservations, IFA moves to a 3% second mortgage (up to $10,000) and a 5% second mortgage (up to $15,000), and the grant ends.",
      "agency": "Iowa Finance Authority (IFA)",
      "agency_url": "https://opportunityiowa.gov/housing/homeownership-programs/firsthome-program",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "FirstHome",
          "what": "first mortgage for first-time buyers, military members or buyers in targeted areas, with a $2,500 grant or a second loan (one or the other)",
          "amount_text": "$2,500 grant, or second loan of up to 5% of the price or appraised value",
          "url": "https://opportunityiowa.gov/housing/homeownership-programs/firsthome-program"
        },
        {
          "name": "Homes for Iowans",
          "what": "first mortgage for first-time and repeat buyers, with a second loan only",
          "amount_text": "Second loan of up to 5%",
          "url": "https://opportunityiowa.gov/housing/homeownership-programs/homes-iowans"
        },
        {
          "name": "Updated second mortgages (reservations on or after November 2, 2026)",
          "what": "new 3% second mortgage and updated 5% second mortgage; the Plus grant ends",
          "amount_text": "3% up to $10,000; 5% up to $15,000",
          "url": "https://opportunityiowa.gov/media/8877/download?inline"
        },
        {
          "name": "Military Homeownership Assistance Program",
          "what": "grant for down payment and closing costs for eligible service members, veterans and surviving spouses",
          "amount_text": "$5,000 grant",
          "url": "https://opportunityiowa.gov/housing/homeownership-programs/military-homeownership-assistance-program"
        },
        {
          "name": "Mortgage Credit Certificate",
          "what": "federal tax credit of 50% of mortgage interest paid each year; no funding currently available for new certificates",
          "amount_text": "Up to $2,000 a year",
          "url": "https://opportunityiowa.gov/housing/homeownership-programs/homeownership-resources/mortgage-credit-certificate-program"
        },
        {
          "name": "Section 32 Homeownership Program (Des Moines Municipal Housing Agency)",
          "what": "homes sold at 67% of market value with a 5-year interest-free forgivable loan for the other 33%; currently only for public housing residents and Section 8 participants",
          "amount_text": "33% of market value as a forgivable loan",
          "url": "https://www.dsm.city/departments/housing/section_32_homeownership.php"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "2026, effective June 9, 2026: FirstHome $102,100 to $171,360 statewide by county and household size; Polk County $116,400 (1-2 people) and $133,860 (3+), price $566,000; targeted tracts $139,680 and $162,960, price $692,000. Homes for Iowans $171,360 statewide, price $692,000. Section 32: below 80% of area median income.",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required for all borrowers in FirstHome and Homes for Iowans.",
      "note": "Minimum credit score 640. IFA's page still showed the current rules on Oct. 13, 2026. Military program had $1,305,000 left on Oct. 1, 2026 and needs approval before closing. Des Moines funding goes through nonprofit partners, not directly to buyers.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "FirstHome Program (Iowa Finance Authority)",
          "url": "https://opportunityiowa.gov/housing/homeownership-programs/firsthome-program"
        },
        {
          "title": "Iowa Finance Authority Announces Updates to Down Payment Assistance Programs (September 17, 2026)",
          "url": "https://opportunityiowa.gov/media/8877/download?inline"
        },
        {
          "title": "2026 Homeownership Program Income and Purchase Price Limits, effective June 9, 2026 (Iowa Finance Authority)",
          "url": "https://opportunityiowa.gov/media/8446/download?inline"
        }
      ]
    },
    "kansas": {
      "name": "Kansas",
      "code": "KS",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/kansas/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In Kansas, the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) offers a 0% interest loan of 15% or 20% of the purchase price, forgiven after 10 years, to first-time buyers at or below 80% of area median income. It cannot be used in Johnson County or the city limits of Kansas City, Lawrence, Topeka or Wichita.",
      "agency": "Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC)",
      "agency_url": "https://kshousingcorp.org/homeownership/first-time-homebuyer/",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "First Time Homebuyer (FTHB) program",
          "what": "forgivable soft second mortgage at 0% interest for down payment and closing costs, funded by federal HOME money",
          "amount_text": "15% or 20% of the purchase price, forgiven after 10 years",
          "url": "https://kshousingcorp.org/homeownership/first-time-homebuyer/"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "At or below 80% of area median income. 2026 examples for a family of four: Allen County $67,300, Sedgwick County $75,050, Leavenworth County $89,100.",
      "homebuyer_education": "HUD housing counseling and HUD homebuyer education are required.",
      "note": "The FTHB loan cannot be used in Johnson County (Overland Park) or in Kansas City, Lawrence, Topeka or Wichita. Johnson County Housing Services lists no homebuyer or down payment program (only repair help for owners); no Overland Park program found. Buyer invests 1% to 10% of the price of their own funds. No credit score requirement. The Kansas Homeowner Assistance Fund closed December 15, 2023.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "First Time Homebuyer (FTHB) program page (Kansas Housing Resources Corporation)",
          "url": "https://kshousingcorp.org/homeownership/first-time-homebuyer/"
        },
        {
          "title": "First Time Homebuyer Program fact sheet, updated 01/2026 (Kansas Housing Resources Corporation)",
          "url": "https://kshousingcorp.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/FTHB-Fact-Sheet-3-19-26.pdf"
        },
        {
          "title": "Housing Services (Johnson County, Kansas)",
          "url": "https://www.jocogov.org/department/housing-services"
        }
      ]
    },
    "kentucky": {
      "name": "Kentucky",
      "code": "KY",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/kentucky/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In Kentucky, Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) offers a down payment loan of up to $12,500, repaid over 15 years, with its mortgages. In Louisville, Louisville Metro gives up to 20% of the price, capped at $30,000, as a partially forgivable second mortgage to households at or below 80% of area median income, with no first-time buyer requirement.",
      "agency": "Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC)",
      "agency_url": "https://www.kyhousing.org/page/loan-programs",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "KHC Down Payment Assistance (DPA)",
          "what": "secondary loan repaid over 15 years, with a KHC first mortgage within price and income limits",
          "amount_text": "Up to $12,500, in $100 steps",
          "url": "https://www.kyhousing.org/page/down-payment-assistance"
        },
        {
          "name": "KHC mortgage revenue bond (MRB) loans",
          "what": "30-year fixed-rate FHA, VA or RHS loans with county income limits; first-time buyers in most of Kentucky",
          "amount_text": "Maximum loan $566,354",
          "url": "https://www.kyhousing.org/page/loan-programs"
        },
        {
          "name": "Shared Appreciation Mortgage (SAM)",
          "what": "0% deferred second mortgage for new construction, repaid with a share of the home's appreciation; first-time buyers only",
          "amount_text": "Up to 25% of the purchase price or appraised value",
          "url": "https://www.kyhousing.org/programs/SAM"
        },
        {
          "name": "Louisville Metro Down Payment Assistance",
          "what": "second mortgage, partially forgiven (50% after 5 or 10 years, the rest repaid at sale with no interest)",
          "amount_text": "Up to 20% of the purchase price, capped at $30,000",
          "url": "https://louisvilleky.gov/sites/default/files/2026-08/DPA%20FY27%20Handbook%20August%202026-ada.pdf"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "KHC most common program: $152,775 to $192,325 by county. Jefferson County MRB (effective Sept. 1, 2026): $101,534 (1-2 people) and $116,765 (3+); targeted tracts $118,800 and $138,600; price limit $566,354. Louisville Metro DPA: 80% of area median income, $55,450 (1 person), $63,400 (2), $71,300 (3), $79,200 (4).",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required: at least 6 hours of HUD-certified counseling for Louisville Metro DPA; KHC homebuyer education page lists a course, and SAM requires a $35 course through eHome America.",
      "note": "First-time rule varies: most KHC MRB loans require it, targeted areas do not; Louisville Metro does not (no home owned in the 12 months before applying). KHC minimum credit score: 660 conventional, 620 FHA, VA and RHS. Louisville price limits apply (existing home $260,000, new $331,000). Louisville applications processed in order received; funding not guaranteed.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Down Payment Assistance (Kentucky Housing Corporation)",
          "url": "https://www.kyhousing.org/page/down-payment-assistance"
        },
        {
          "title": "MRB Gross Annual Household Income Limits, effective September 1, 2026 (Kentucky Housing Corporation)",
          "url": "https://www.kyhousing.org/sites/default/files/2026-02/MRB%20Household%20Income%20Limits.pdf"
        },
        {
          "title": "Down Payment Assistance Program Homebuyer Handbook, last revised August 2026 (Louisville Metro Office of Housing & Community Development)",
          "url": "https://louisvilleky.gov/sites/default/files/2026-08/DPA%20FY27%20Handbook%20August%202026-ada.pdf"
        }
      ]
    },
    "louisiana": {
      "name": "Louisiana",
      "code": "LA",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/louisiana/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In Louisiana, the Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) runs four HomeStart programs, two of which give 4% assistance forgiven after 60 months. HomeStart Plus gives up to $55,000 plus up to $5,000 for closing costs in Orleans Parish, and the City of New Orleans adds up to $55,000 for buyers at or below 80% of area median income.",
      "agency": "Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC)",
      "agency_url": "https://www.lhc.la.gov/homebuyers",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "HomeStart Assist",
          "what": "0% second mortgage forgiven after 60 months, for first-time buyers",
          "amount_text": "4% of the first mortgage",
          "url": "https://www.lhc.la.gov/homestartassist"
        },
        {
          "name": "HomeStart Advantage",
          "what": "assistance forgiven after 60 months, first-time status not required",
          "amount_text": "4% of the final first mortgage",
          "url": "https://www.lhc.la.gov/homestartadvantage"
        },
        {
          "name": "HomeStart Plus",
          "what": "0% second mortgage forgiven monthly over 10 years, for first-time buyers in parishes hit by Hurricanes Laura, Delta or Ida (includes Orleans)",
          "amount_text": "20% of the price, up to $55,000, plus up to $5,000 for closing costs",
          "url": "https://www.lhc.la.gov/homestartplus"
        },
        {
          "name": "HomeStart Ready",
          "what": "first mortgage only, no assistance",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.lhc.la.gov/homestartready"
        },
        {
          "name": "Direct Homebuyer Soft Second Mortgage Assistance Program (City of New Orleans)",
          "what": "soft second mortgage for down payment plus closing cost help, funded by CDBG",
          "amount_text": "Up to $55,000 down payment assistance and up to $5,000 closing costs",
          "url": "https://nola.gov/NEXT/Community-Development/Programs/Direct-Homebuyer-Assistance-Program"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "HomeStart Assist: up to 115% of area median income (140% in targeted areas; conventional loans 80%). Advantage: $125,000 household income. Plus: 80% of HUD area median income. Ready: $99,000. New Orleans 80% of median (2026): $49,650 (1 person), $56,750 (2), $63,850 (3), $70,900 (4). LHC parish charts could not be read.",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required for at least one occupying borrower in all four programs, except repeat buyers under HomeStart Ready; also required for the New Orleans program (HUD-approved course).",
      "note": "Minimum credit score 640. Assist price limit $554,850 ($678,150 targeted), effective May 4, 2026. New Orleans maximum sales price $324,000; the City reported $1,000,000 available as of January 2026. LHC dollar income limits by household size not printed because the charts returned an error. Homes in Special Flood Hazard Areas are not eligible for HomeStart Plus.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "HomeStart Assist (Louisiana Housing Corporation)",
          "url": "https://www.lhc.la.gov/homestartassist"
        },
        {
          "title": "Single Family Lenders' Guide, Louisiana Home Starts Here (LHC, September 10, 2026)",
          "url": "https://www.lhc.la.gov/hubfs/Document%20Libraries/Homeownership/LHC-Final-Guide-09-10-26c.pdf"
        },
        {
          "title": "Direct Homebuyer Assistance Program (City of New Orleans Office of Community Development)",
          "url": "https://nola.gov/NEXT/Community-Development/Programs/Direct-Homebuyer-Assistance-Program"
        }
      ]
    },
    "maine": {
      "name": "Maine",
      "code": "ME",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/maine/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In Maine, MaineHousing sells low fixed-rate mortgages through approved lenders: the First Home Loan was 5.950% (zero points) on October 1, 2026, its Advantage option adds $5,000 toward closing and the First Generation option adds $10,000. In the Portland area, the household income limit is $139,100 for 1 to 2 people.",
      "agency": "MaineHousing",
      "agency_url": "https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/homebuyer",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "First Home Loan",
          "what": "low fixed-rate mortgage for buyers with no ownership interest in a principal home in the past 3 years",
          "amount_text": "5.950% (0 points) on Oct. 1, 2026; Advantage option $5,000 toward closing",
          "url": "https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/homebuyer/homebuyerdetail/first-home-loan-program"
        },
        {
          "name": "First Generation Program",
          "what": "rate 1.00% below the First Home rate, for buyers who never lived in a home owned by a parent or guardian, or were in foster care",
          "amount_text": "$10,000 toward closing; rate 4.950% (0 points) on Oct. 1, 2026",
          "url": "https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/homebuyer/homebuyerdetail/first-generation-program"
        },
        {
          "name": "Salute ME and Salute Home Again",
          "what": "rate discount for active duty, honorably discharged or war-zone service members; first-time buyer rule waived for Salute Home Again",
          "amount_text": "0.50% discount on the 30-year First Home rate",
          "url": "https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/homebuyer/homebuyerdetail/saluteme-salute-home-again"
        },
        {
          "name": "Multi-Unit Advantage",
          "what": "help toward closing for owner-occupied 2 to 4 unit buyers",
          "amount_text": "$8,000 (2 units), $11,000 (3), $14,000 (4)",
          "url": "https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/homebuyer"
        },
        {
          "name": "Purchase Plus Improvement option",
          "what": "adds repairs to the loan if price plus repairs stays under the price limit",
          "amount_text": "$500 to $35,000 of repairs",
          "url": "https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/homebuyer"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "Portland HMFA (effective June 1, 2026): $139,100 for 1-2 people and $159,965 for 3 or more; purchase price $565,000 (1-unit), $625,000 / $675,000 / $775,000 (2 / 3 / 4 units). Other areas: as low as $105,000 (1-2 people).",
      "homebuyer_education": "A hoMEworks-approved homebuyer class is required before closing for Advantage buyers; First Generation buyers also need an approved financial literacy class.",
      "note": "Minimum credit score 640; 1% borrower contribution for Advantage and First Generation. The price table carries the effective date June 1, 2025. No city-run down payment program found in Portland, Maine. Article also names the Maine HOPE unemployment payment advance and a private mortgage insurance pilot with Arch MI.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "First Home Loan Program (MaineHousing)",
          "url": "https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/homebuyer/homebuyerdetail/first-home-loan-program"
        },
        {
          "title": "Homebuyer Income & Purchase Price Limits (MaineHousing)",
          "url": "https://www.mainehousing.org/charts/homebuyer-limits"
        },
        {
          "title": "Current Interest Rates, effective October 1, 2026 (MaineHousing)",
          "url": "https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/homebuyer/current-interest-rates"
        }
      ]
    },
    "maryland": {
      "name": "Maryland",
      "code": "MD",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/maryland/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In Maryland, the Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP), run by the state housing department (DHCD), pairs a 30-year fixed loan with a $6,000 deferred loan or one equal to 3% to 6% of the first mortgage. Baltimore City adds incentives of $5,000 to $10,000 and, in eligible areas, $15,000 to $20,000 Buy Back the Block grants.",
      "agency": "Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), Maryland Mortgage Program",
      "agency_url": "https://mmp.maryland.gov/home-loans/down-payment-assistance",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "MMP 1st Time Advantage",
          "what": "fixed-rate loan for first-time buyers; options Direct (no help), 6000, 3%, 4% and 5%, with a 0% deferred second lien due when the first mortgage ends",
          "amount_text": "$6,000 loan, or 3%, 4% or 5% of the first mortgage",
          "url": "https://mmp.maryland.gov/home-loans/mmp-1st-time-advantage"
        },
        {
          "name": "HomeStart",
          "what": "30-year deferred assistance for income at or below 50% of area median",
          "amount_text": "6% of the first mortgage",
          "url": "https://mmp.maryland.gov/home-loans/down-payment-assistance"
        },
        {
          "name": "MMP Flex Loans",
          "what": "loans for first-time or repeat buyers (Direct, 6000, 3%)",
          "amount_text": "None, $6,000 or 3%",
          "url": "https://mmp.maryland.gov/home-loans/mmp-flex-loans"
        },
        {
          "name": "Maryland SmartBuy",
          "what": "payment toward student debt, forgiven after 5 years",
          "amount_text": "Up to 15% of the price, maximum $25,000",
          "url": "https://mmp.maryland.gov/home-loans/maryland-smartbuy-loan"
        },
        {
          "name": "First-Time Homebuyers Incentive (Baltimore City)",
          "what": "50% of the required down payment, GAP funding and rate buydown up to 2.5%, mostly a five-year forgivable loan",
          "amount_text": "$5,000 to $10,000 in the city's incentives",
          "url": "https://dhcd.baltimorecity.gov/homeownership-incentives"
        },
        {
          "name": "Buy Back the Block (Baltimore)",
          "what": "grants that need not be repaid, for people who lived at an eligible address 12 months or more",
          "amount_text": "$15,000 (purchase) or $20,000 (purchase and renovation)",
          "url": "https://livebaltimore.com/bbb/"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "Baltimore City (targeted area), effective June 24, 2026: $164,520 for 1-2 people and $191,940 for 3 or more; maximum price $955,922. Baltimore First-Time Homebuyers Incentive: 80% of area median income. Buy Back the Block: below $144,720 or 120% of area median, whichever is greater.",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required: every MMP borrower completes an approved homebuyer class (certificate within 12 months before settlement); Baltimore City programs require counseling from a City-approved agency.",
      "note": "All of Baltimore City is a targeted area, so repeat buyers can use MMP loans there. Article also names First Homes for First Responders and Teachers (5%), HomeAbility, FHA 203(k) Limited, Partner Match (up to $2,500) and other Baltimore programs (Live Near Your Work, Buying Into Baltimore, City Employee Homeownership, Vacants to Value Booster), not all listed above. Buyers receiving MMP funds are not eligible for the 2.5% Baltimore rate buydown. The Baltimore dollar range $5,000 to $10,000 is the article's summary figure; the First-Time Homebuyers Incentive row itself lists no dollar maximum.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "MMP 1st Time Advantage (Maryland Mortgage Program, Maryland DHCD)",
          "url": "https://mmp.maryland.gov/home-loans/mmp-1st-time-advantage"
        },
        {
          "title": "Attachment III, Maryland Mortgage Program Limits, effective June 24, 2026 (Maryland DHCD)",
          "url": "https://mmp.maryland.gov/media/11"
        },
        {
          "title": "Homeownership Incentives (Baltimore City Department of Housing and Community Development)",
          "url": "https://dhcd.baltimorecity.gov/homeownership-incentives"
        }
      ]
    },
    "massachusetts": {
      "name": "Massachusetts",
      "code": "MA",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/massachusetts/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In Massachusetts, MassHousing offers eligible first-time buyers down payment assistance of up to $30,000 in every city and town, paired with its mortgage. In Boston, the city's First-Time Homebuyer Program adds up to $50,000 for households under 100% of area median income.",
      "agency": "MassHousing",
      "agency_url": "https://www.masshousing.com/buy-a-home/programs/",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "MassHousing down payment assistance, deferred option",
          "what": "0% second mortgage with nothing due until you sell, refinance or pay off the first mortgage",
          "amount_text": "Up to $30,000",
          "url": "https://www.masshousing.com/buy-a-home/programs/downpayment-assistance/"
        },
        {
          "name": "MassHousing down payment assistance, amortizing options",
          "what": "15-year second mortgage at 2% or 3% with monthly payments",
          "amount_text": "Up to $25,000 (about $160.88 a month at 2%, $172.62 at 3% on $25,000)",
          "url": "https://www.masshousing.com/buy-a-home/programs/downpayment-assistance/"
        },
        {
          "name": "First-Time Homebuyer Program (City of Boston)",
          "what": "down payment and closing cost help; a grant for Boston residents, a 0% deferred loan for non-residents",
          "amount_text": "Up to 3% of price (max $50,000) under 100% of AMI; up to 2% (max $35,000) from 101% to 135%",
          "url": "https://boston.gov/first-time-homebuyer-program"
        },
        {
          "name": "ONE+Boston",
          "what": "discounted fixed-rate 30-year mortgage with enhanced down payment and closing cost help",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.boston.gov/departments/housing/boston-home-center/one-boston-homebuyer-program"
        },
        {
          "name": "STASH (City of Boston)",
          "what": "matched savings for first-generation homebuyers below area median income",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.boston.gov/departments/housing/find-financial-help-owning-home"
        },
        {
          "name": "Community Stabilization Fund (City of Boston)",
          "what": "help for low- and moderate-income buyers in Fenway, Mission Hill and Roxbury",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.boston.gov/departments/housing/find-financial-help-owning-home"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "Boston (Suffolk County), effective June 15, 2026: HFA Preferred and HFA Advantage up to 80% of area median income $124,000, up to 135% $209,250; Workforce Advantage $72,000 (1 person), $82,320 / $92,580 / $102,840 (2 / 3 / 4), up to $135,780 (8). Boston First-Time Homebuyer Program: under 100% of area median income for the largest help, up to 135%; assets under $100,000.",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required: a homebuyer class for MassHousing mortgages and down payment assistance; Boston requires its Homebuying 101 class (CHAPA-approved).",
      "note": "Credit score 640 to 700 depending on product; 640 and 45% debt-to-income in the lender matrix for first-time-buyer products. The $30,000 deferred loan is tied to Workforce Advantage products. A separate $25,000 deferred 0% option closed to new locks after July 2, 2026. Boston's loan structure for non-residents applies from September 15, 2026. Article could not read MHP's ONE Mortgage page, so no ONE Mortgage terms.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Down Payment Assistance (MassHousing)",
          "url": "https://www.masshousing.com/buy-a-home/programs/downpayment-assistance/"
        },
        {
          "title": "MassHousing Homeownership Product Eligibility Matrix, effective June 15, 2026 (MassHousing)",
          "url": "https://www.masshousing.com/wp-content/uploads/MassHousing-HO-Product-Matrix-2026.pdf"
        },
        {
          "title": "First-Time Homebuyer Program (City of Boston)",
          "url": "https://boston.gov/first-time-homebuyer-program"
        }
      ]
    },
    "michigan": {
      "name": "Michigan",
      "code": "MI",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/michigan/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In Michigan, the City of Detroit's Down Payment Assistance Program offers up to $25,000 for down payment, prepaids and closing costs to households below 80% of area median income ($83,850 for a household of four). The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) runs the state's homebuyer education network; its own loan amounts and limits were not readable for this article.",
      "agency": "Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA)",
      "agency_url": "https://housing.state.mi.us/webportal/default.aspx?page=counseling_start",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "Detroit Down Payment Assistance (DPA), Phase III",
          "what": "assistance for down payment, prepaids, interest rate buydown and closing costs on a one- or two-unit home in Detroit; first-come, first-served",
          "amount_text": "Up to $25,000, not more than 50% of the purchase price",
          "url": "https://detroitmi.gov/departments/housing-and-revitalization-department/detroit-down-payment-assistance-program"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "Detroit DPA, 80% of area median income (Phase III guidelines): $58,700 (1 person), $67,100 (2), $75,500 (3), $83,850 (4), $90,300 (5), $97,300 (6), $104,000 (7), $110,700 (8). MSHDA limits not read.",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required for Detroit DPA: a homebuyer education course with certificate.",
      "note": "MSHDA program pages did not open, so no MSHDA amount, income limit or price limit; agency_url is MSHDA's education agency locator, the only MSHDA link in the article. Another Detroit page, Am I Ready?, shows a lower income table ($80,800 for four people) than the Phase III guidelines ($83,850); the article uses the governing Phase III table. Detroit pages do not say whether funds remain. Detroit DPA needs 12 months of Detroit residence and three years without owning a home; occupancy 3 years or prorated repayment.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Detroit DPA Program: Phase III Guidelines (City of Detroit, Housing and Revitalization Department)",
          "url": "https://detroitmi.gov/departments/housing-and-revitalization-department/detroit-down-payment-assistance-program"
        },
        {
          "title": "DPA Professional Bulletin, May 22, 2026 (City of Detroit)",
          "url": "https://detroitmi.gov/news/dpa-professional-bulletin-may-22-2026"
        },
        {
          "title": "MSHDA Housing Education Agency Locator (Michigan State Housing Development Authority)",
          "url": "https://housing.state.mi.us/webportal/default.aspx?page=counseling_start"
        }
      ]
    },
    "minnesota": {
      "name": "Minnesota",
      "code": "MN",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/minnesota/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In Minnesota, Minnesota Housing's Start Up program lets a household of three or more earn up to $151,200 in the 11-county Twin Cities area and buy a home priced up to $515,200, with down payment and closing cost loans of up to $18,000. The City of Minneapolis adds a no-interest loan of $10,000 or $20,000 for lower-income buyers.",
      "agency": "Minnesota Housing",
      "agency_url": "https://www.mnhousing.gov/home/homeownership/buy-home-refinance",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "Start Up",
          "what": "first mortgage for first-time buyers (no ownership interest in a principal residence in the last three years)",
          "amount_text": "Down payment and closing cost loans up to $14,000, or $18,000 with DPL Plus",
          "url": "https://www.mnhousing.gov/home/homeownership/buy-home-refinance"
        },
        {
          "name": "Step Up",
          "what": "first mortgage for repeat buyers and first-time buyers above the Start Up limits",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.mnhousing.gov/home/homeownership/buy-home-refinance"
        },
        {
          "name": "Monthly Payment Loan",
          "what": "second loan for down payment and closing costs, 15-year term at the first-mortgage rate; with Start Up or Step Up",
          "amount_text": "Up to $14,000",
          "url": "https://www.mnhousing.gov/home/homeownership/buy-home-refinance"
        },
        {
          "name": "Deferred Payment Loan (DPL) and DPL Plus",
          "what": "second loan with no interest and no monthly payments, due when you move, sell, refinance or at the end of the term; Start Up only",
          "amount_text": "DPL up to $14,000; DPL Plus up to $18,000",
          "url": "https://www.mnhousing.gov/home/homeownership/buy-home-refinance"
        },
        {
          "name": "Down payment assistance (City of Minneapolis)",
          "what": "30-year deferred mortgage with no interest for low-income first-time buyers",
          "amount_text": "$10,000 (income at or below 80% of AMI) or $20,000 (below 60% of AMI)",
          "url": "https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/property-housing/housing/owning/down-payment-assistance/"
        },
        {
          "name": "First-Generation Homebuyer Loan Program",
          "what": "one-time loan, closed on December 19, 2024 after the funds ran out",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.mnhousing.gov/home/homeownership/buy-home-refinance/first-generation-homebuyer-loan-program"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "Hennepin County and the 11-county metro area: Start Up $131,500 (1-2 people) and $151,200 (3+); Step Up $196,600; maximum price $515,200. Deferred Payment Loan: $94,600 (1-2 people), $118,300 (4 people), $151,200 (8 or more). Minneapolis: 60% of AMI $52,200 (1 person) to $86,460 (6); 80% of AMI $68,500 to $113,450 (2024 table, page updated April 22, 2025).",
      "homebuyer_education": "If every borrower is a first-time buyer, at least one must complete an approved course before closing; Minneapolis requires a homebuyer class before funds are used. Fannie Mae HomeView is not approved by Minnesota Housing.",
      "note": "The article gives no minimum credit score. Mortgage Credit Certificates have not been available since December 31, 2017. Minneapolis income table is labeled 2024; confirm the current one with the City. Minneapolis funds depend on availability; apply through the City's partner organizations.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Buy a Home & Refinance (Minnesota Housing)",
          "url": "https://www.mnhousing.gov/home/homeownership/buy-home-refinance"
        },
        {
          "title": "Homeownership Income Limits (Minnesota Housing)",
          "url": "https://www.mnhousing.gov/home/homeownership/buy-home-refinance/homeownership-income-limits"
        },
        {
          "title": "Down payment assistance (City of Minneapolis)",
          "url": "https://www.minneapolismn.gov/resident-services/property-housing/housing/owning/down-payment-assistance/"
        }
      ]
    },
    "mississippi": {
      "name": "Mississippi",
      "code": "MS",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/mississippi/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In Mississippi, the Mississippi Home Corporation (MHC) offers down payment help of $7,000 (Smart7), $8,000 (Easy8) or $10,000 (Trusty10) as a second mortgage, and up to $25,000 through Home4All. In Hinds County, the 2026 income limit for one or two people on its mortgage revenue bond programs is $91,400 to $109,680, depending on the area.",
      "agency": "Mississippi Home Corporation (MHC)",
      "agency_url": "https://www.mshomecorp.com/mhc-programs/",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "Smart7",
          "what": "0% second mortgage due on sale, payoff or refinance; no first-time requirement",
          "amount_text": "$7,000",
          "url": "https://www.mshomecorp.com/programs/smart7/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Easy8",
          "what": "0% second mortgage due on sale, refinance, non-owner occupancy or maturity; first-time rule applies",
          "amount_text": "$8,000",
          "url": "https://www.mshomecorp.com/programs/easy8/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Trusty10",
          "what": "second mortgage at 2% interest, payable over 15 years",
          "amount_text": "$10,000",
          "url": "https://www.mshomecorp.com/programs/trusty10/"
        },
        {
          "name": "JustRate",
          "what": "lower mortgage-bond interest rate, no down payment help",
          "amount_text": "5.89% government, 6.09% conventional on Oct. 13, 2026",
          "url": "https://www.mshomecorp.com/programs/justrate/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Home4All",
          "what": "homebuyer assistance, capped at 50% of the price",
          "amount_text": "Up to $25,000",
          "url": "https://www.mshomecorp.com/federal-programs/home/home4all/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Housing Assistance for Teachers (HAT)",
          "what": "grant for certified teachers in critical-shortage districts, forgiven after a 3-year work commitment",
          "amount_text": "Up to $6,000",
          "url": "https://www.mshomecorp.com/programs/housing-assistance-for-teachers/"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "Hinds County MRB limit (Easy8, Trusty10, JustRate): non-target $91,400 and target $109,680 for 1-2 people; $105,110 and $127,960 for 3 or more. Smart7: up to $137,870, price up to $413,610. Home4All: below 80% of area median, $51,200 (1 person), $58,500 (2), $65,800 (3), $73,100 (4).",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required: all MHC products require a pre-purchase homebuyer education class, with proof before the lender goes further.",
      "note": "Easy8, Trusty10 and JustRate require no home owned in 3 years (target areas and veterans exempt). Price limits: Easy8, Trusty10, JustRate $382,590 target and $316,373 non-target; Home4All $223,000 existing and $298,000 new in Hinds County. Limit pages show no effective date. Trusty10 Plus 2 had $0 of funds on Oct. 13, 2026. The City of Jackson runs no housing programs itself; no Hinds County program found.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "MHC Programs (Mississippi Home Corporation)",
          "url": "https://www.mshomecorp.com/mhc-programs/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Income Limits (Mississippi Home Corporation)",
          "url": "https://www.mshomecorp.com/income-limits/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Home4All (Mississippi Home Corporation)",
          "url": "https://www.mshomecorp.com/federal-programs/home/home4all/"
        }
      ]
    },
    "missouri": {
      "name": "Missouri",
      "code": "MO",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/missouri/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In Missouri, the Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) runs First Place and Next Step, which pair a fixed-rate mortgage with a second loan equal to 4% of the mortgage for down payment and closing costs, forgiven after 10 years. In St. Louis, HomeSTL offered up to $50,000 but its funds were fully reserved as of August 31, 2026.",
      "agency": "Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC)",
      "agency_url": "https://mhdc.com/services/homebuyer-programs/",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "First Place",
          "what": "fixed-rate mortgage for first-time buyers and qualified veterans, with or without a 100% forgivable second loan",
          "amount_text": "Second loan of 4% of the mortgage, forgiven after 10 years",
          "url": "https://mhdc.com/services/homebuyer-programs/first-place/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Next Step",
          "what": "fixed-rate mortgage for first-time and repeat buyers above the First Place income limits, with or without the second loan; may pair with a mortgage credit certificate",
          "amount_text": "Second loan of 4% of the mortgage, forgiven after 10 years",
          "url": "https://mhdc.com/services/homebuyer-programs/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Mortgage credit certificate (with Next Step)",
          "what": "federal tax credit on part of the mortgage interest",
          "amount_text": "Up to $2,000 a year",
          "url": "https://mhdc.com/services/homebuyer-programs/"
        },
        {
          "name": "HomeSTL (St. Louis Development Corporation)",
          "what": "0% second mortgage with no monthly payments, forgiven at maturity (5 to 10 years); funds fully reserved as of Aug. 31, 2026",
          "amount_text": "$40,000 base, $10,000 more in a HUD Qualified Census Tract, up to $50,000",
          "url": "https://www.developstlouis.org/homestl"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "2026 limits, St. Louis area: standard areas $113,500 (1-2 people) and $130,525 (3+); targeted areas and Next Step $136,200 and $158,900. Maximum price: one-family $566,354 ($692,211 targeted), two-family $725,146 ($886,289 targeted). HomeSTL: 80% of area median, $63,600 (1 person), $72,650 (2), $81,750 (3), $90,800 (4).",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required for HomeSTL (HUD-approved course); not stated for First Place or Next Step in the article.",
      "note": "MHDC rates page refused access, so no rate quoted. First-time rule waived in targeted tracts and for veterans. Credit score at least 640. Recapture tax may apply if you sell within nine years at a profit with income above the limit. Article also mentions the HeRO home repair grant for owners.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "First Place Program (Missouri Housing Development Commission)",
          "url": "https://mhdc.com/services/homebuyer-programs/first-place/"
        },
        {
          "title": "2026 Income and Purchase Price Limits (MHDC, updated May 12, 2026)",
          "url": "https://mhdc.com/media/1aoaer2e/2026-income-and-purchase-price-limits-1.pdf"
        },
        {
          "title": "HomeSTL Homebuyer Assistance Program (St. Louis Development Corporation)",
          "url": "https://www.developstlouis.org/homestl"
        }
      ]
    },
    "montana": {
      "name": "Montana",
      "code": "MT",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/montana/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In Montana, the Montana Board of Housing offers first-time buyers below-market mortgage rates and down payment help of up to 5% of the price, capped at $15,000. In Yellowstone County, income must not exceed $128,160 for 1-2 people or $149,520 for 3 or more, and the price must not exceed $789,337 (July 24, 2026 limits).",
      "agency": "Montana Board of Housing (Montana Department of Commerce)",
      "agency_url": "https://commerce.mt.gov/Housing/Homeownership/index",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "Plus 0% Deferred DPA",
          "what": "0% second loan with no monthly payments, due on sale, refinance or payoff; first mortgage at 6.625%",
          "amount_text": "Up to 5% of the sales price, maximum $15,000",
          "url": "https://commerce.mt.gov/Housing/Homeownership/Down-Payment-Assistance"
        },
        {
          "name": "Bond Advantage DPA",
          "what": "15-year amortizing second loan at the same fixed rate as the first mortgage (6.625%)",
          "amount_text": "Up to 5% of the sales price, maximum $15,000",
          "url": "https://commerce.mt.gov/Housing/Homeownership/Down-Payment-Assistance"
        },
        {
          "name": "Regular Loan Program",
          "what": "30-year loan funded by tax-exempt bonds",
          "amount_text": "6.375% (effective Sept. 29, 2026)",
          "url": "https://commerce.mt.gov/Housing/Homeownership/Home-Loans"
        },
        {
          "name": "Veterans' Home Loan Program",
          "what": "loan for Montana residents who serve or served in the military; no income or price limit",
          "amount_text": "5.375%; loan limit $538,036",
          "url": "https://commerce.mt.gov/Housing/Homeownership/Home-Loans"
        },
        {
          "name": "Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)",
          "what": "federal tax credit of 20% of mortgage interest paid each year; cannot be combined with Board loans",
          "amount_text": "Up to $2,000 a year; costs $750",
          "url": "https://commerce.mt.gov/Housing/Homeownership/Home-Loans"
        },
        {
          "name": "First Time Homebuyer Program (City of Billings)",
          "what": "zero-interest, deferred-payment loan for buyers at or below 80% of area median income",
          "amount_text": "Up to 20% of the purchase price",
          "url": "https://www.billingsmt.gov/3353/First-Time-Homebuyer-Program"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "Yellowstone County (July 24, 2026): $128,160 for 1-2 people and $149,520 for 3 or more; price $789,337. Plus 0% Deferred: $80,000 (1-2 people) or $90,000 (3+). Billings program: 80% of area median income (HUD limits).",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required for set-aside programs, borrowers without established credit, Veterans' Home Loan borrowers and Regular Bond borrowers unless middle credit score 680+, front-end ratio 31% or less and back-end ratio 41% or less; Billings requires a class.",
      "note": "Set-aside Loan Program (6.125%) and 80% Combined (6.625%) also exist. Minimum credit score 620 for the Board's down payment programs. Board loans need first-time status (no principal residence in the previous three years, with exceptions). Billings funding was available as of Sept. 10, 2026; approval can take more than four weeks.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Down Payment Assistance (Montana Board of Housing)",
          "url": "https://commerce.mt.gov/Housing/Homeownership/Down-Payment-Assistance"
        },
        {
          "title": "Current Rates, Income and Purchase Price Limits (Montana Board of Housing)",
          "url": "https://commerce.mt.gov/Housing/Homeownership/Current-Rates-Income-and-Purchase-Price-Limits"
        },
        {
          "title": "First Time Homebuyer Program (City of Billings Community Development Division)",
          "url": "https://www.billingsmt.gov/3353/First-Time-Homebuyer-Program"
        }
      ]
    },
    "nebraska": {
      "name": "Nebraska",
      "code": "NE",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/nebraska/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In Nebraska, the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA) Homebuyer Assistance program adds a second loan of up to 5% of the purchase price at 1% interest over 10 years. NIFA's Welcome Home household income limit is $182,800 and its one-unit purchase price limit $485,500, both effective July 13, 2026.",
      "agency": "Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA)",
      "agency_url": "https://www.nifa.org/lenders-realtors/programs-eligibility",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "Homebuyer Assistance (HBA)",
          "what": "second loan for down payment or closing costs at 1% interest over 120 months, for first-time buyers; higher first-mortgage rate",
          "amount_text": "Up to 5% of the purchase price",
          "url": "https://www.nifa.org/homebuyers-renters/homebuyer-assistance"
        },
        {
          "name": "First Home",
          "what": "first mortgage for first-time buyers, no assistance",
          "amount_text": "7.000% conventional, 6.625% government loan",
          "url": "https://www.nifa.org/homebuyers-renters/first-home"
        },
        {
          "name": "Welcome Home",
          "what": "first mortgage for first-time and repeat buyers",
          "amount_text": "7.625% conventional, 7.250% government loan",
          "url": "https://www.nifa.org/homebuyers-renters/welcome-home"
        },
        {
          "name": "Welcome Home Assistance",
          "what": "Welcome Home with a second loan at 1.000%",
          "amount_text": "7.875% conventional, 7.500% government first loan",
          "url": "https://www.nifa.org/homebuyers-renters/welcome-home"
        },
        {
          "name": "First Home Targeted",
          "what": "first mortgage for buyers in a target area, no assistance",
          "amount_text": "6.750% conventional, 6.375% government loan",
          "url": "https://www.nifa.org/homebuyers-renters/first-home"
        },
        {
          "name": "Military Home",
          "what": "first mortgage for active military or qualified veterans",
          "amount_text": "6.375% government loan",
          "url": "https://www.nifa.org/homebuyers-renters/military-home"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "Effective July 13, 2026: Welcome Home $182,800 in all counties. Other programs by county: Douglas County non-target $114,000 (1-2 people) and $131,100 (3+), target $136,800 and $159,600; Sarpy $114,000 and $131,100; Lancaster $107,500 and $123,625; other counties $105,700 and $121,555.",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required for first-time buyers (NIFA-approved provider, before closing); in Welcome Home only first-time buyers must take it.",
      "note": "Rates are those NIFA listed, last changed October 9, 2026, and can change. Minimum credit score 640, debt-to-income 45% (50% at 660+). Purchase price limits: one unit $398,000 non-target, $485,500 target. Welcome Home page states $485,500 for one unit. Article could not read City of Omaha or Douglas County pages, so no city or county program. Recapture tax possible if you sell within nine years.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Programs & Eligibility, income limits and purchase price limits effective 7/13/2026 (Nebraska Investment Finance Authority)",
          "url": "https://www.nifa.org/lenders-realtors/programs-eligibility"
        },
        {
          "title": "Homebuyer Assistance Program (Nebraska Investment Finance Authority)",
          "url": "https://www.nifa.org/homebuyers-renters/homebuyer-assistance"
        },
        {
          "title": "First Home Program and current rates (Nebraska Investment Finance Authority)",
          "url": "https://www.nifa.org/homebuyers-renters/first-home"
        }
      ]
    },
    "nevada": {
      "name": "Nevada",
      "code": "NV",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/nevada/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In Nevada, the Nevada Housing Division's Home Is Possible programs give up to 4% of the loan amount for down payment and closing costs to first-time buyers and up to 5% to buyers who are not first-time, as a no-interest second mortgage. Teachers can get $7,500 and essential workers $20,000.",
      "agency": "Nevada Housing Division",
      "agency_url": "https://www.homeispossiblenv.org/home-possible-program",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "Home Is Possible for First-Time Homebuyers",
          "what": "30-year non-forgivable second mortgage at no interest; first-time buyers (no home owned in 3 years)",
          "amount_text": "Up to 4% of the loan",
          "url": "https://www.homeispossiblenv.org/home-possible-program"
        },
        {
          "name": "Home Is Possible (HIP-DPA)",
          "what": "no-interest, no-payment 30-year note; first-time status not required",
          "amount_text": "Up to 5% of the loan",
          "url": "https://www.homeispossiblenv.org/home-possible"
        },
        {
          "name": "Home Is Possible for Teachers",
          "what": "assistance forgivable after five years if you stay, for licensed full-time K-12 public school classroom teachers; offered through December 31, 2026",
          "amount_text": "$7,500",
          "url": "https://www.homeispossiblenv.org/home-possible-teachers"
        },
        {
          "name": "Worker Advantage",
          "what": "no-interest, no-payment, non-forgivable 30-year second mortgage for essential workers",
          "amount_text": "$20,000",
          "url": "https://www.homeispossiblenv.org/worker-advantage"
        },
        {
          "name": "Welcome Home Community Land Trust (Clark County)",
          "what": "community land trust for low- to moderate-income first-time buyers; applications expected to open in fall 2026",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.clarkcountynv.gov/residents/community_housing_fund/"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "Clark County, June 15, 2026: first-time buyers $105,500 (1-2 people) and $121,325 (3+), price $566,354; targeted areas $122,400 and $142,800, price $665,173. HIP-DPA and Teachers up to $165,000 (price up to $832,750). Worker Advantage Clark County up to $147,300. Welcome Home CLT: 80% or 100% of area median income, $78,560 (2 people) and $98,200 (4) at 100%.",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required: every borrower completes a homebuyer education course and gives the lender the certificate.",
      "note": "Minimum credit score 640 (660 for manufactured homes); debt ratio up to 50%. The 4% option comes with a higher first-mortgage rate (7.125% versus 6.875% at 2% on Oct. 13, 2026 for a 640 score on FHA, VA or USDA). No first-time requirement in HUD-approved targeted areas. City of Las Vegas lists no down payment program. Welcome Home CLT defines first-time as no home owned in five years and requires at least 3% down.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Home Is Possible For First-Time Homebuyers (Nevada Housing Division)",
          "url": "https://www.homeispossiblenv.org/home-possible-program"
        },
        {
          "title": "First-Time Homebuyer Income & Purchase Price Limits, active June 15, 2026 (Nevada Housing Division)",
          "url": "https://www.homeispossiblenv.org/page/first-time-homebuyer-income-purchase-price-limits-freddie"
        },
        {
          "title": "Worker Advantage (Nevada Housing Division)",
          "url": "https://www.homeispossiblenv.org/worker-advantage"
        }
      ]
    },
    "new-hampshire": {
      "name": "New Hampshire",
      "code": "NH",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/new-hampshire/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In New Hampshire, New Hampshire Housing offers cash help of $5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 toward the down payment and closing costs, secured by a 0% second mortgage due on sale or refinance. In Manchester, Home First limits effective July 6, 2026 cap income at $158,100 or $184,500 depending on household size, and the price of a one-unit home at $645,000.",
      "agency": "New Hampshire Housing",
      "agency_url": "https://www.nhhousing.org/homeownership/build-your-team/mortgage-programs/",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "Home First",
          "what": "below-market 30-year fixed rate (FHA, VA, USDA or conventional) for first-time buyers, buyers in targeted areas or qualified veterans",
          "amount_text": "30-year First Government rate 6.750% on Oct. 13, 2026",
          "url": "https://www.nhhousing.org/homeownership/build-your-team/mortgage-programs/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Home First Plus, Flex Plus and Preferred Plus",
          "what": "cash help added to the loan, secured by a 0% second mortgage with no monthly payments and a 30-year term, at a higher interest rate",
          "amount_text": "$5,000, $10,000 or $15,000 (First Government Plus with $15,000: 7.625% on Oct. 13, 2026)",
          "url": "https://www.nhhousing.org/homeownership/build-your-team/mortgage-programs/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Home Flex",
          "what": "government-insured loan (FHA, VA, USDA)",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.nhhousing.org/homeownership/build-your-team/mortgage-programs/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Home Preferred",
          "what": "conventional loan with 3% down; reduced mortgage insurance under 80% of area median income",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.nhhousing.org/homeownership/build-your-team/mortgage-programs/"
        },
        {
          "name": "1stGenHomeNH",
          "what": "down payment help for first-generation buyers; limited funding",
          "amount_text": "Up to $10,000",
          "url": "https://www.nhhousing.org/homeownership/build-your-team/mortgage-programs/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Purchase rehab",
          "what": "financing for repairs with a government-insured loan",
          "amount_text": "Up to $75,000",
          "url": "https://www.nhhousing.org/homeownership/homebuyers/steps/"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "Home First, effective July 6, 2026: Manchester $158,100 (1-2 people) and $184,500 (3+); other Hillsborough County towns $131,800 and $151,500. Home Flex and Home Preferred up to $184,500. Price limits: Manchester one-unit $645,000, two-unit $825,000, three- or four-unit $995,000.",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required for Preferred Plus over 80% of area median income and for 1stGenHomeNH (face-to-face); ask your lender about other programs.",
      "note": "The agency's pages disagree on the top income figure: some still show $176,200, while the Program Comparison Matrix (effective July 6, 2026) and the Mortgage Programs page show $184,500; the article uses $184,500. Credit score at least 620. Manchester is a targeted area, so the first-time rule does not apply to Home First there. The City of Manchester draft FY2026 plan says HOME funds will not be used for homebuyer activities.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Mortgage Programs (New Hampshire Housing)",
          "url": "https://www.nhhousing.org/homeownership/build-your-team/mortgage-programs/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Home First Program Limits, effective July 6, 2026 (New Hampshire Housing)",
          "url": "https://www.nhhousing.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Home_First_Program_Limits_2025-1.pdf"
        },
        {
          "title": "Homeownership Program Comparison Matrix, effective July 6, 2026 (New Hampshire Housing)",
          "url": "https://www.nhhousing.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Program_Comparison_Matrix_03_25_26-1.pdf"
        }
      ]
    },
    "new-jersey": {
      "name": "New Jersey",
      "code": "NJ",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/new-jersey/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In New Jersey, the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) offers up to $15,000 in down payment and closing cost help in Essex County, as a no-interest loan forgiven after five years. First-generation buyers get $7,000 more, for $22,000.",
      "agency": "New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA)",
      "agency_url": "https://www.nj.gov/dca/hmfa/homebuyers-and-renters/homebuyers/",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "Down Payment Assistance (DPA)",
          "what": "forgivable loan, no interest and no monthly payments, forgiven after five years of owner occupancy; usable once, paired with an NJHMFA first mortgage",
          "amount_text": "Up to $15,000 in Essex County ($10,000 in nine counties)",
          "url": "https://www.nj.gov/dca/hmfa/homebuyers-and-renters/docs/FTHB-ConsumerFactSheet.pdf"
        },
        {
          "name": "First Generation Down Payment Assistance",
          "what": "additional assistance on the same terms for first-generation buyers",
          "amount_text": "$7,000 more ($17,000 to $22,000 in total, depending on the county)",
          "url": "https://www.nj.gov/dca/hmfa/homebuyers-and-renters/homebuyers/"
        },
        {
          "name": "First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage",
          "what": "30-year fixed FHA, VA or USDA loan that carries the DPA",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.nj.gov/dca/hmfa/homebuyers-and-renters/docs/FTHB-ConsumerFactSheet.pdf"
        },
        {
          "name": "Homeward Bound",
          "what": "30-year fixed FHA, VA or USDA loan that carries the DPA; first-time status required",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.nj.gov/dca/hmfa/homebuyers-and-renters/docs/HWB-ConsumerFactSheet.pdf"
        },
        {
          "name": "HFA Advantage",
          "what": "30-year fixed conventional loan with lower-cost mortgage insurance; 620 minimum credit score",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.nj.gov/dca/hmfa/homebuyers-and-renters/docs/HFA_Advantage_Homebuyer_Consumer.pdf"
        },
        {
          "name": "Police and Firemen's Retirement System mortgage",
          "what": "mortgage for active members with one year of service; no income or price limits",
          "amount_text": "Maximum loan $766,550",
          "url": "https://www.nj.gov/dca/hmfa/homebuyers-and-renters/homebuyers/"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "Essex County, effective June 17, 2026: standard area $138,400 (1-2 people) and $159,160 (3+); Urban Target Area $166,080 and $193,760. Homeward Bound Essex $166,080. HFA Advantage Essex $162,360 (July 2025 sheet). One-unit price: $1,306,975 standard, $1,597,413 Urban Target Area.",
      "homebuyer_education": null,
      "note": "Article states no homebuyer education requirement. First-time means no home owned in three years, waived in Urban Target Areas (Newark is listed) and for qualified veterans. Federal recapture tax may apply in the first nine years. The City of Newark site refused access, so no city or county program is listed. Lenders set current rates; none quoted.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Program with Down Payment Assistance, consumer fact sheet and limits, updated June 17, 2026 (NJHMFA)",
          "url": "https://www.nj.gov/dca/hmfa/homebuyers-and-renters/docs/FTHB-ConsumerFactSheet.pdf"
        },
        {
          "title": "Homebuyers: loan products, fact sheets and materials (NJHMFA)",
          "url": "https://www.nj.gov/dca/hmfa/homebuyers-and-renters/homebuyers/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Homebuyer FAQs (NJHMFA)",
          "url": "https://www.nj.gov/dca/hmfa/homebuyers-and-renters/faqs/"
        }
      ]
    },
    "new-mexico": {
      "name": "New Mexico",
      "code": "NM",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/new-mexico/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In New Mexico, Housing New Mexico (the New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority) runs FirstDown, a second mortgage of up to 4% of the price for down payment and closing costs, HomeNow, which gives $7,000 to lower-income buyers, and FirstDown Plus, which adds $10,000. All need a 620 minimum credit score and homebuyer counseling.",
      "agency": "Housing New Mexico (New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority, MFA)",
      "agency_url": "https://housingnm.org/individuals-and-families/homebuyers/mortgage-programs",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "FirstHome",
          "what": "first mortgage for first-time buyers with low to moderate incomes (FHA, VA, USDA and two conventional HFA products)",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://housingnm.org/uploads/documents/FirstHome_%28NON_FILLABLE%29_10.22.25.pdf"
        },
        {
          "name": "FirstDown",
          "what": "fixed-rate second mortgage for down payment and closing costs; must be combined with FirstHome",
          "amount_text": "$1,000 up to 4% of the sales price",
          "url": "https://housingnm.org/uploads/documents/FirstDown_%28NON_FILLABLE%29_10.21.25.pdf"
        },
        {
          "name": "HomeNow",
          "what": "second mortgage for lower-income buyers at 0% with no monthly payment, forgiven after 10 full years",
          "amount_text": "$7,000",
          "url": "https://housingnm.org/uploads/documents/HomeNow_%28NON_FILLABLE%29_10.22.25.pdf"
        },
        {
          "name": "FirstDown Plus",
          "what": "third mortgage for extra down payment, 15 years, 0% interest, $55.56 a month; funds limited",
          "amount_text": "$10,000",
          "url": "https://housingnm.org/uploads/documents/FirstDown_Plus_%28NON_FILLABLE%29_10.22.25.pdf"
        },
        {
          "name": "HomeForward",
          "what": "first mortgage for first-time and repeat buyers, with optional second mortgage (DPA) over 15 years",
          "amount_text": "DPA up to 3% of the price",
          "url": "https://housingnm.org/uploads/documents/HomeForward_%28DPA%29_Second_Mortgage_Loan_Fact_Sheet_%28NON_FILLABLE%29_10.22.25.pdf"
        },
        {
          "name": "NewHome Rate Advantage",
          "what": "permanent 1.00% rate reduction on a 30-year fixed loan for newly built homes; pilot with limited funding",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://housingnm.org/uploads/documents/NewHome_Rate_Advantage_%28NON_FILLABLE%29_07.14.26.pdf"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "Bernalillo County, effective July 27, 2026: FirstHome and FirstDown $101,254 (1-2 people) and $116,443 (3+), price $566,354; targeted areas $120,480 and $140,560, price $692,211. HomeNow: 80% of area median income, $56,250 (1 person), $80,300 (4), $106,000 (8). HomeForward $150,600 (1-4) and $162,750 (5+), price $629,283.",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required before you buy: MFA's online course (eHome America) or a HUD-approved counseling agency.",
      "note": "First-time status required for FirstHome, FirstDown, FirstDown Plus and HomeNow; not for HomeForward. Combined FirstDown (or HomeNow) and FirstDown Plus cannot exceed $35,000. Recapture tax may apply to FirstHome buyers. The City of Albuquerque has no city-funded down payment program on its page.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Mortgage Programs (Housing New Mexico, New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority)",
          "url": "https://housingnm.org/individuals-and-families/homebuyers/mortgage-programs"
        },
        {
          "title": "Income and Purchase Price Limits, effective July 27, 2026 (Housing New Mexico)",
          "url": "https://housingnm.org/individuals-and-families/homebuyers/income-and-purchase-price-limits"
        },
        {
          "title": "Affordable Home Ownership (City of Albuquerque, Health, Housing & Homelessness)",
          "url": "https://www.cabq.gov/health-housing-homelessness/housing/affordable-home-ownership"
        }
      ]
    },
    "new-york": {
      "name": "New York",
      "code": "NY",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/new-york/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In New York, SONYMA, the state mortgage agency, adds a 0% down payment loan of 3% of the price, up to $15,000, to any of its mortgages. In New York City, HPD's HomeFirst program lends up to $100,000 to first-time buyers earning up to 120% of area median income.",
      "agency": "SONYMA (State of New York Mortgage Agency, NY Homes and Community Renewal)",
      "agency_url": "https://hcr.ny.gov/down-payment-assistance-loan-dpal",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "Down Payment Assistance Loan (DPAL)",
          "what": "0% loan with no monthly payments, forgiven after 10 years, added to any SONYMA mortgage; mortgages with a DPAL carry a rate 0.40 percentage point higher",
          "amount_text": "3% of the price (up to $15,000) or $3,000, whichever is higher; minimum $1,000",
          "url": "https://hcr.ny.gov/down-payment-assistance-loan-dpal"
        },
        {
          "name": "DPAL Plus 2026",
          "what": "larger loan for households at or below 60% of area median income; first come, first served until funds run out",
          "amount_text": "Up to $30,000",
          "url": "https://hcr.ny.gov/programs-add-features"
        },
        {
          "name": "Achieving the Dream",
          "what": "SONYMA's lowest-rate 30-year fixed program, finances up to 97% of value, no points",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://hcr.ny.gov/achieving-dream-program"
        },
        {
          "name": "Low Interest Rate Program",
          "what": "30-year fixed loan with no points and down payment as low as 3%",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://hcr.ny.gov/low-interest-rate-program-1"
        },
        {
          "name": "Conventional Plus and FHA Plus",
          "what": "30-year fixed loans paired with SONYMA down payment help, open to first-time buyers and previous owners",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://hcr.ny.gov/conventional-plus-program-fha-plus-program"
        },
        {
          "name": "HomeFirst Down Payment Assistance (NYC HPD)",
          "what": "help toward a down payment or closing costs on a one- to four-family home, condo or co-op in the five boroughs",
          "amount_text": "Up to $100,000",
          "url": "https://www.nyc.gov/homefirst"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "New York City counties, reservations from July 6, 2026: Achieving the Dream $162,810 (1-2 people) and $189,950 (3+); Low Interest Rate Program $203,520 and $237,440. HomeFirst: up to 120% of area median income, $142,560 (1 person), $162,840 (2), $183,240 (3), $203,520 (4). Conventional Plus: below 80% of area median income.",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required for the Low Interest Rate Program and for HomeFirst (HPD-approved counseling agency).",
      "note": "First-time buyer status is generally required (waived for eligible veterans and Target Areas). Older HPD pages list different income limits, including 80% of area median income; the current page says 120%. HomeFirst needs 3% of the price from the buyer's own funds and 10 or 15 years of occupancy. Price limits: one-family $1,306,970 non-Target in NYC.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Down Payment Assistance Loan (DPAL) (NY Homes and Community Renewal, SONYMA)",
          "url": "https://hcr.ny.gov/down-payment-assistance-loan-dpal"
        },
        {
          "title": "Achieving the Dream: Income and Purchase Price Limits, reservations from July 6, 2026 (SONYMA)",
          "url": "https://hcr.ny.gov/atd-income-and-purchase-price-limits"
        },
        {
          "title": "HomeFirst Down Payment Assistance Program (NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development)",
          "url": "https://www.nyc.gov/homefirst"
        }
      ]
    },
    "north-carolina": {
      "name": "North Carolina",
      "code": "NC",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/north-carolina/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In North Carolina, the NC Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) offers down payment help of up to 3% of the loan amount with its NC Home Advantage Mortgage, or $15,000 for first-time buyers and veterans. Households at or below 80% of county median income can get up to $50,000, and Charlotte's House Charlotte program lists up to $80,000.",
      "agency": "North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA)",
      "agency_url": "https://www.nchfa.com/home-buyers/buy-home/nc-home-advantage-mortgage",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "NC Home Advantage Mortgage",
          "what": "30-year fixed-rate loan with down payment assistance, forgiven 20% per year at the end of years 11 through 15; first-time status not required",
          "amount_text": "Up to 3% of the loan amount",
          "url": "https://www.nchfa.com/home-buyers/buy-home/nc-home-advantage-mortgage"
        },
        {
          "name": "NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment",
          "what": "0% deferred second mortgage for first-time buyers, veterans and buyers in targeted tracts, forgiven 20% per year at the end of years 11 through 15",
          "amount_text": "$15,000",
          "url": "https://www.nchfa.com/home-buyers/home-buyer-mortgage-products/nc-1st-home-advantage-down-payment"
        },
        {
          "name": "Community Partners Loan Pool (CPLP)",
          "what": "0% subordinate loan with an NC Home Advantage Mortgage, not forgiven over time, due on sale or at end of the 30-year term",
          "amount_text": "Up to 25% of the sales price, capped at $50,000",
          "url": "https://www.nchfa.com/home-buyers/community-home-buying-programs"
        },
        {
          "name": "Self-Help Loan Pool",
          "what": "zero-interest shared mortgages for buyers who help build or rehab a Habitat for Humanity home",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.nchfa.com/home-buyers/community-home-buying-programs"
        },
        {
          "name": "House Charlotte (City of Charlotte)",
          "what": "30-year first-time buyer assistance in three tiers, forgiven at year 31",
          "amount_text": "Up to $80,000 (Tier 1A: up to $30,000 base plus up to $50,000 match)",
          "url": "https://www.charlottenc.gov/Streets-and-Neighborhoods/Housing/Resources-for-Homeowners-Renters/Homeownership"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "NC Home Advantage: $158,000. NC 1st Home Advantage, Mecklenburg County (locks on or after June 15, 2026): $117,000 (1-2 people) and $135,000 (3+), price $525,000. CPLP: 80% of county median income; Mecklenburg HOME limits $65,750 (1 person), $75,150 (2), $84,550 (3), $93,900 (4), price $371,000. House Charlotte: $93,900 (Tier 1A) or $129,150 (Tier 1B), price $365,000.",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required for CPLP: six hours of homebuyer education and two hours of one-on-one counseling from a HUD-approved agency.",
      "note": "Credit score 640 (660 for manufactured homes). NCHFA's income-limits page text still shows a $495,000 price limit for Mecklenburg, while the dated June 2026 spreadsheet shows $525,000; the article uses the spreadsheet. The city page does not date its House Charlotte limits or explain the match, and the city video says up to $30,000, so confirm the $80,000 figure. Match waived for city, county and school employees.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "NC Home Advantage Mortgage (NC Housing Finance Agency)",
          "url": "https://www.nchfa.com/home-buyers/buy-home/nc-home-advantage-mortgage"
        },
        {
          "title": "NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment (NC Housing Finance Agency)",
          "url": "https://www.nchfa.com/home-buyers/home-buyer-mortgage-products/nc-1st-home-advantage-down-payment"
        },
        {
          "title": "Homeownership: House Charlotte (City of Charlotte)",
          "url": "https://www.charlottenc.gov/Streets-and-Neighborhoods/Housing/Resources-for-Homeowners-Renters/Homeownership"
        }
      ]
    },
    "north-dakota": {
      "name": "North Dakota",
      "code": "ND",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/north-dakota/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In North Dakota, the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) lets a household of three or more earn up to $121,590 on its FirstHome loan and buy an existing single-family home priced up to $500,000. Its DCA and Start programs add assistance worth 3% of the first mortgage, applied to your cash requirement.",
      "agency": "North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA)",
      "agency_url": "https://www.ndhfa.org/homeownership",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "FirstHome",
          "what": "loan for buyers who have not owned a principal residence in the last three years",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.ndhfa.org/homeownership"
        },
        {
          "name": "HomeAccess",
          "what": "loan for single parents, veterans, or households with a permanently disabled member or someone 65 or older; same limits as FirstHome",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.ndhfa.org/homeownership"
        },
        {
          "name": "North Dakota Roots",
          "what": "loan for buyers whose income is above the FirstHome limits, with no income or purchase price limits",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.ndhfa.org/homeownership"
        },
        {
          "name": "Targeted Area Loan",
          "what": "reduced-rate loan for homes in listed census tracts, with its own limits",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.ndhfa.org/targeted-area-loan"
        },
        {
          "name": "DCA",
          "what": "credit toward your out-of-pocket cash requirement for low-income buyers; not combinable with other down payment programs",
          "amount_text": "3% of the first mortgage",
          "url": "https://www.ndhfa.org/dca"
        },
        {
          "name": "Start",
          "what": "credit toward your out-of-pocket cash requirement for low- to moderate-income buyers; not combinable with other down payment programs",
          "amount_text": "3% of the first mortgage",
          "url": "https://www.ndhfa.org/homeownership"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "FirstHome and HomeAccess, effective June 15, 2026, all counties: $105,730 (family of less than 3) and $121,590 (3 or more); price $500,000 single family. Targeted Area Loan, Cass County: $126,876 and $170,226, price $550,000. DCA, Cass County (effective July 15, 2026): $64,550 (1 person) to $121,590 (8). Start: no separate table.",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required for DCA, with a certificate dated before closing; NDHFA's page lists no separate requirement for Start.",
      "note": "Every program needs a $500 out-of-pocket investment. Article does not say whether DCA or Start assistance must be repaid. Credit score questions go to the lender. The City of Fargo runs no down payment grant of its own and points first-time buyers to DCA. Article also names the Major Home Improvement program, not listed above. Most borrowers owe no federal recapture tax; NDHFA reimburses it if due.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Homeownership (North Dakota Housing Finance Agency)",
          "url": "https://www.ndhfa.org/homeownership"
        },
        {
          "title": "Income and Purchase Price Limits (North Dakota Housing Finance Agency)",
          "url": "https://www.ndhfa.org/income-and-purchase-price-limits"
        },
        {
          "title": "Downpayment Assistance (City of Fargo)",
          "url": "https://fargond.gov/city-government/departments/planning-development/community-development-neighborhoods/housing/housing-assistance/downpayment-assistance"
        }
      ]
    },
    "ohio": {
      "name": "Ohio",
      "code": "OH",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/ohio/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In Ohio, the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) offers down payment assistance worth 3% of the purchase price on conventional loans and 3.5% on FHA, VA and USDA loans, forgiven after seven years. In Franklin County, the income limit for one or two people is $133,800 in a target area and $111,500 elsewhere, as of July 1, 2026.",
      "agency": "Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA)",
      "agency_url": "https://myohiohome.org/downpaymentassistance.aspx",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "OHFA Down Payment Assistance",
          "what": "assistance for down payment, closing costs or pre-closing expenses, forgiven after seven years (all repaid if you sell sooner)",
          "amount_text": "3% of the price (conventional) or 3.5% (FHA, VA, USDA)",
          "url": "https://myohiohome.org/downpaymentassistance.aspx"
        },
        {
          "name": "Grants for Grads",
          "what": "discounted rate plus the same assistance for recent graduates (within 18 months); forgiven after five years if you stay in Ohio",
          "amount_text": "3% or 3.5% of the price",
          "url": "https://myohiohome.org/grantsforgrads.aspx"
        },
        {
          "name": "Ohio Heroes",
          "what": "discounted rate for veterans and military, police, firefighters, EMTs, physicians, nurses and K-12 educators; assistance can be included",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://myohiohome.org/ohioheroes.aspx"
        },
        {
          "name": "Mortgage Tax Credit",
          "what": "federal tax credit on mortgage interest; 20% in a target area and 15% elsewhere (Basic), 40% (Plus); needs a tax liability",
          "amount_text": "Up to $2,000 a year",
          "url": "https://myohiohome.org/mortgagetaxcredit.aspx"
        },
        {
          "name": "Next Home",
          "what": "30-year fixed-rate loans for buyers who are not first-time buyers; same income and price limits",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://myohiohome.org/nexthome.aspx"
        },
        {
          "name": "American Dream Downpayment Initiative, ADDI (City of Columbus)",
          "what": "down payment and closing cost assistance through a participating lender",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.columbus.gov/files/sharedassets/city/v/1/housing-amp-assistance-programs/addi/addi-lender-participation-agreement-2024-fillable.pdf"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "Franklin County, effective July 1, 2026: target area $133,800 (1-2 people) and $156,100 (3+); non-target $111,500 and $128,225. Maximum one-family price $755,913 target, $618,475 non-target. Columbus ADDI: at or below 80% of area median income (federal funds) or 120% (city funds).",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required: free homebuyer education with a HUD-approved counseling agency in Ohio, complete only after the loan application is submitted.",
      "note": "Credit score 640 (650 for FHA). The Mortgage Tax Credit page said it was not accepting applications as of Sept. 3, 2026 and expected to reopen Oct. 1, 2026. The Columbus ADDI loan amount is not stated. Article also names Ohio Homebuyer Plus (Treasurer savings accounts at 2.96%) and a Franklin County down payment program outside Columbus city limits (no amount), not listed above.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "OHFA Down Payment Assistance (Ohio Housing Finance Agency)",
          "url": "https://myohiohome.org/downpaymentassistance.aspx"
        },
        {
          "title": "Income and Purchase Price Limits for Homeownership Products, effective July 1, 2026 (Ohio Housing Finance Agency)",
          "url": "https://myohiohome.org/documents/IncomePurchasePriceLimits.pdf"
        },
        {
          "title": "Mortgage Tax Credit (Ohio Housing Finance Agency)",
          "url": "https://myohiohome.org/mortgagetaxcredit.aspx"
        }
      ]
    },
    "oklahoma": {
      "name": "Oklahoma",
      "code": "OK",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/oklahoma/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In Oklahoma, the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) offers down payment and closing cost help of up to 3.5% of the loan amount to buyers with a middle credit score of 640 or higher, and it must be repaid. The City of Oklahoma City offers a forgivable loan of up to $18,000, plus $5,000 for an interest rate buydown, to households at or below 80% of area median income.",
      "agency": "Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency (OHFA)",
      "agency_url": "https://www.ohfa.org/homebuyers/",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "GOLD",
          "what": "first-time buyer mortgage (government and conventional) with a silent second lien of down payment assistance that must be repaid",
          "amount_text": "3.5% of the loan amount; GOLD government rate 7.000% on Oct. 13, 2026",
          "url": "https://www.ohfa.org/dpaproducts/"
        },
        {
          "name": "DREAM",
          "what": "mortgage (government and conventional) with down payment assistance; first-time status not stated",
          "amount_text": "3.5% of the loan amount; DREAM government rate 8.250%, ZERO version 7.625% with 0.00% assistance",
          "url": "https://www.ohfa.org/dpaproducts/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Down Payment Assistance (City of Oklahoma City)",
          "what": "forgivable loan funded by HUD HOME money; ten-year-and-60-day affordability period, prorated 1/120th per month",
          "amount_text": "Up to $18,000, plus $5,000 for an interest rate buydown",
          "url": "https://www.okc.gov/Infrastructure-Development/Development-Planning/Financial-Assistance/Residential/Homebuyer-Assistance"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "GOLD government, Oklahoma County (2025 exhibit): non-targeted $97,700 (1-2 people) and $112,355 (3+); targeted $117,240 and $136,780. DREAM government: $150,000 statewide. Oklahoma City program (80% of area median): $54,750 (1 person), $62,550 (2), $70,350 (3), $78,150 (4), up to $103,200 (8).",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required for the City of Oklahoma City program (free class by a HUD-certified counselor, certificate before assistance); not stated for OHFA in the article.",
      "note": "OHFA assistance is not a grant: all must be repaid when the first mortgage ends, on refinance, or if you stop living there. Limits are from 2025 exhibits (released 09/01/2025); GOLD price limits carry a June 1, 2022 date. OHFA temporarily paused applications for some Oklahoma Housing Stability Program funding. City program: no first-time requirement, home must be inside program boundaries, price cap 95% of median sales price. Article does not say whether OHFA and city help can be combined.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Down Payment Assistance and loan products: GOLD and DREAM (Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency)",
          "url": "https://www.ohfa.org/dpaproducts/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance FAQ (Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency)",
          "url": "https://www.ohfa.org/homeownership-faq/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Homebuyer Assistance (City of Oklahoma City)",
          "url": "https://www.okc.gov/Infrastructure-Development/Development-Planning/Financial-Assistance/Residential/Homebuyer-Assistance"
        }
      ]
    },
    "oregon": {
      "name": "Oregon",
      "code": "OR",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/oregon/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In Oregon, Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) runs Flex Lending: two mortgage products, FirstHome and NextStep, with down payment assistance of 4% or 5% of the loan amount. The City of Portland adds a Down Payment Assistance Loan of up to $80,000 to $100,000.",
      "agency": "Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS)",
      "agency_url": "https://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/homeownership/homebuyers/Pages/flex-lending.aspx",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "FirstHome (Flex Lending)",
          "what": "first mortgage for first-time buyers (exceptions for veterans and targeted areas) with down payment assistance as a second mortgage",
          "amount_text": "4% (standard) or 5% (focused demographics) of the first mortgage",
          "url": "https://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/homeownership/lenders-real-estate-professionals/Pages/firsthome-lenders.aspx"
        },
        {
          "name": "NextStep (Flex Lending)",
          "what": "first mortgage for any buyer, including previous owners, with down payment assistance",
          "amount_text": "4% (standard) or 5% (focused demographics)",
          "url": "https://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/homeownership/lenders-real-estate-professionals/Pages/nextstep-lenders.aspx"
        },
        {
          "name": "OHCS Down Payment Assistance program",
          "what": "funds to organizations that serve first-time and first-generation buyers at or below 100% of area median income; 25% reserved for veterans",
          "amount_text": "Up to $60,000 or 20% of the purchase price, whichever is less",
          "url": "https://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/homeownership/homebuyers/Pages/down-payment-assistance.aspx"
        },
        {
          "name": "Down Payment Assistance Loan, DPAL (Portland Housing Bureau)",
          "what": "30-year 0% second mortgage with payments deferred; 50% forgiven at year 15, then 3% a year, remainder at year 30; $500 origination fee",
          "amount_text": "Up to $80,000 to $100,000, depending on funding source and location",
          "url": "https://www.portland.gov/phb/down-payment-assistance-loan"
        },
        {
          "name": "Homebuyer Opportunity Limited Tax Exemption (HOLTE, Portland)",
          "what": "ten-year property tax exemption on new construction in Portland; sale price cap $455,000",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.portland.gov/phb/holte"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "FirstHome, Multnomah County: non-targeted $131,588 (1-2 people) and $151,326 (3+); targeted $153,960 and $179,620; price $733,987 non-targeted, $897,096 targeted. NextStep: $125,000 maximum in OHCS's tier table. OHCS DPA program: up to 100% of area median income. Portland DPAL: at or below 100% of Portland AMI (sometimes 80%). HOLTE: 100% of median family income.",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required: homebuyer education for anyone who has not owned a primary residence in the past three years (OHCS); Portland DPAL requires a HUD-approved homebuyer class.",
      "note": "Minimum credit score 620 for both products. DPA may cover up to 100% of cash needed at closing. FirstHome tier 1 (80% of AMI, $102,640 in Multnomah) carries forgivable DPA; other tiers have other options in the product manual. Portland DPAL funding is subject to availability.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Homebuyers: Flex Lending (Oregon Housing and Community Services)",
          "url": "https://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/homeownership/homebuyers/Pages/flex-lending.aspx"
        },
        {
          "title": "Down Payment Assistance (Oregon Housing and Community Services)",
          "url": "https://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/homeownership/homebuyers/Pages/down-payment-assistance.aspx"
        },
        {
          "title": "Down Payment Assistance Loan Program (Portland Housing Bureau)",
          "url": "https://www.portland.gov/phb/down-payment-assistance-loan"
        }
      ]
    },
    "pennsylvania": {
      "name": "Pennsylvania",
      "code": "PA",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/pennsylvania/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) offers a Keystone Advantage Assistance loan of up to 4% of the price or $6,000, whichever is less, and a K-FIT loan of 5% of the price or value forgiven over ten years. The City of Philadelphia's Philly First Home grant is up to $10,000 or 6% of the price, whichever is less, while funding lasts.",
      "agency": "Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA)",
      "agency_url": "https://www.phfa.org/programs/assistance.aspx",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "Keystone Advantage Assistance",
          "what": "loan repaid monthly over 10 years at 0% interest; credit score at least 660",
          "amount_text": "Up to 4% of price or market value, or $6,000, whichever is less",
          "url": "https://www.phfa.org/programs/assistance/keystone-advantage.aspx"
        },
        {
          "name": "K-FIT (Keystone Forgivable in Ten Years)",
          "what": "loan forgiven 10% a year over ten years, used with the Keystone Home Loan; credit score at least 660",
          "amount_text": "5% of the lesser of price or appraised value, no dollar maximum",
          "url": "https://www.phfa.org/programs/assistance.aspx"
        },
        {
          "name": "HOMEstead",
          "what": "downpayment and closing cost loan forgiven 20% a year over five years; Philadelphia County is ineligible",
          "amount_text": "Up to $10,000",
          "url": "https://www.phfa.org/programs/assistance/homestead.aspx"
        },
        {
          "name": "Keystone Home Loan Program",
          "what": "PHFA's main first mortgage for first-time buyers (or targeted areas, or discharged veterans), with county income and price limits",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.phfa.org/programs/purchase/khl.aspx"
        },
        {
          "name": "Philly First Home (City of Philadelphia, PHDC)",
          "what": "grant for down payment and closing costs on a single-family house or duplex in Philadelphia; repay if you move or refinance within 15 years",
          "amount_text": "Up to $10,000 or 6% of the price, whichever is less",
          "url": "https://www.phdcphila.org/philly-first-home"
        },
        {
          "name": "Turn the Key (City and Land Bank)",
          "what": "sale of newly built homes to income-qualified first-time buyers, with mortgage buydown and downpayment or settlement assistance",
          "amount_text": "Up to $85,000",
          "url": "https://www.phila.gov/2026-05-07-city-philadelphia-land-bank-phdc-partners-announce-1st-turn-the-key-development-in-8th-district/"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "PHFA limits are set by county and the article gives no Philadelphia figure. Philly First Home gross annual limits: $85,900 (1 person), $98,200 (2), $110,500 (3), $122,700 (4). Turn the Key average buyer earns $45,000 (57% of area median income); no limits listed.",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required for Philly First Home: one-on-one counseling with a City-funded housing counseling agency before signing the agreement of sale. Not stated for PHFA programs.",
      "note": "PHFA's site was reached through a web archive copy dated April to June 2026, so terms need confirming. Keystone Advantage and K-FIT cannot be combined with other PHFA assistance. Keystone liquid assets limit $50,000. Neither city page says whether Philly First Home funds are available today.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Assistance Loans for Home Purchase (Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency)",
          "url": "https://www.phfa.org/programs/assistance.aspx"
        },
        {
          "title": "HOMEstead Program Income Limits, Appendix 1 (Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency)",
          "url": "https://www.phfa.org/forms/homesteadguide/appendices/01.pdf"
        },
        {
          "title": "Philly First Home (Philadelphia Housing Development Corporation)",
          "url": "https://www.phdcphila.org/philly-first-home"
        }
      ]
    },
    "rhode-island": {
      "name": "Rhode Island",
      "code": "RI",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/rhode-island/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In Rhode Island, RIHousing offers three down payment programs for first-time buyers: 15kDPA, a $15,000 zero-interest loan; Extra Assistance, up to $20,000; and FirstGenHomeRI, $25,000 that is forgiven after five years. Each requires a RIHousing first mortgage and a homebuyer education course.",
      "agency": "RIHousing",
      "agency_url": "https://www.rihousing.com/homebuyers/",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "15kDPA",
          "what": "0% loan with no monthly payments for down payment, closing costs or both; credit score 660",
          "amount_text": "$15,000",
          "url": "https://www.rihousing.com/homebuyers/15k-dpa/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Extra Assistance",
          "what": "second mortgage at the same rate as the first mortgage, 15-year term, no fees; credit score 620",
          "amount_text": "Up to 6% of the price or $20,000, whichever is lower",
          "url": "https://www.rihousing.com/homebuyers/extra-assistance/"
        },
        {
          "name": "FirstGenHomeRI",
          "what": "0% loan forgiven after 5 years in the home, for first-generation buyers living in listed communities; pilot with limited funds; credit score 660",
          "amount_text": "$25,000",
          "url": "https://www.rihousing.com/homebuyers/firstgenhomeri/"
        },
        {
          "name": "RIHousing first-time homebuyer loan",
          "what": "100% financing with no down payment required, through the Loan Center",
          "amount_text": "6.875% (FHA, VA, RD) and 7.500% (conventional), zero points, on Oct. 13, 2026",
          "url": "https://www.rihousing.com/homebuyers/mortgage-programs/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Move Up loans",
          "what": "for existing homeowners, as little as 3% down (up to 97% financing) through a Participating Lender",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.rihousing.com/homeowners/move-up-refinance/"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "Providence area (33 cities and towns), Loan Center mortgages only: $134,520 (1-2 people) and $156,940 (3 or more). Maximum purchase price $915,883. Participating Lenders can help buyers at any income.",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required for first-time buyers before closing on a RIHousing loan (one co-borrower is enough): virtual or on-demand online class for a $50 fee, or a Rhode Island HUD-approved counseling certificate.",
      "note": "Maximum loan $832,750 conventional and $787,750 government-insured. FirstGenHomeRI requires current residence in Central Falls, East Providence, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, Providence (except zip 02906) or one Newport tract, and a Loan Center first mortgage. Providence has no open city down payment program; its HOME manual (June 2024) describes assistance at 80% of area median income.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "15kDPA (RIHousing)",
          "url": "https://www.rihousing.com/homebuyers/15k-dpa/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Extra Assistance (RIHousing)",
          "url": "https://www.rihousing.com/homebuyers/extra-assistance/"
        },
        {
          "title": "FirstGenHomeRI (RIHousing)",
          "url": "https://www.rihousing.com/homebuyers/firstgenhomeri/"
        }
      ]
    },
    "south-carolina": {
      "name": "South Carolina",
      "code": "SC",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/south-carolina/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In South Carolina, SC Housing offers first-time buyers a $10,000 down payment loan that is fully forgiven after 15 years in the home. Its Palmetto Home Advantage program gives 0%, 3% or 4% of the loan amount and has no first-time requirement; both need a 640 credit score and a participating lender.",
      "agency": "SC Housing (South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority)",
      "agency_url": "https://www.schousing.sc.gov/homebuyers/programs-homebuyers",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "SC Housing Homebuyer (bond) program",
          "what": "30-year fixed-rate mortgage with a second lien at 0% interest and no monthly payments, forgiven after 15 years",
          "amount_text": "$10,000",
          "url": "https://www.schousing.sc.gov/homebuyers/programs-homebuyers/sc-housing-homebuyer-program"
        },
        {
          "name": "Palmetto Home Advantage",
          "what": "forgivable down payment help with no monthly payment (10-year forgiveness per the limits sheet); no first-time rule, no sales price limit",
          "amount_text": "0%, 3% or 4% of the loan amount",
          "url": "https://www.schousing.sc.gov/homebuyers/programs-homebuyers/palmetto-home-advantage"
        },
        {
          "name": "Palmetto Heroes",
          "what": "reduced interest rate for teachers, nurses, first responders, military and veterans; closed for 2026",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.schousing.sc.gov/homebuyers/programs-homebuyers"
        },
        {
          "name": "Mortgage credit certificate (SC Housing)",
          "what": "tax credit program; the limits sheet notes MCC ends June 30",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.schousing.sc.gov/homebuyers/programs-homebuyers"
        },
        {
          "name": "GC Employee Homebuyer Advantage (Greenville County Redevelopment Authority)",
          "what": "forgivable 0% 30-year loan for first-time buyers who are Greenville County employees with a year of service",
          "amount_text": "$10,000 to $40,000 by income",
          "url": "https://gcra-sc.org/our-services/path/"
        },
        {
          "name": "GCRA homes (Greenville County Redevelopment Authority)",
          "what": "affordable homes sold to first-time buyers; down payment help may be available on request",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://gcra-sc.org/our-services/homeownership/"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "Greenville County, reservations from June 1, 2026: SC Housing Homebuyer $106,400 (1-2 people) and $122,360 (3+), price $450,000. Palmetto Home Advantage $140,000 statewide, any household size. GC Employee Homebuyer Advantage up to $130,000. GCRA homes: $59,550 (1 person), $68,050 (2), $76,550 (3), $85,050 (4).",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required: every buyer who gets the bond program assistance completes homebuyer training before loan approval; GCRA homes require a homebuyer class.",
      "note": "The Palmetto program page still shows an older $135,750 income limit versus $140,000 on the 2026/2027 sheet; the article uses $140,000. Greenville County is a non-targeted county, so the three-year first-time rule applies to the bond program. Credit score 640. The City of Greenville has no down payment program on its pages (a rehabilitation program of up to $24,500 for owners).",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "SC Housing Homebuyer Program (SC Housing)",
          "url": "https://www.schousing.sc.gov/homebuyers/programs-homebuyers/sc-housing-homebuyer-program"
        },
        {
          "title": "Palmetto Home Advantage (SC Housing)",
          "url": "https://www.schousing.sc.gov/homebuyers/programs-homebuyers/palmetto-home-advantage"
        },
        {
          "title": "GC Employee Homebuyer Advantage (Greenville County Redevelopment Authority)",
          "url": "https://gcra-sc.org/our-services/path/"
        }
      ]
    },
    "south-dakota": {
      "name": "South Dakota",
      "code": "SD",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/south-dakota/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In South Dakota, South Dakota Housing (SD Housing) offers first-time buyers a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage for homes priced at $410,000 or less, with income limits in Minnehaha County of $118,700 (one or two people) or $136,505 (three or more). A 0% second mortgage can add 3% or 5% of the loan, and a tax credit worth up to $2,000 a year is available.",
      "agency": "South Dakota Housing (SD Housing)",
      "agency_url": "https://www.sdhousing.org/ready-to-buy/first-time-homebuyer",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "Fixed Rate Plus 3%",
          "what": "0% second mortgage with no payments and no additional fees, due on sale, refinance or payoff; first mortgage carries a slightly higher rate",
          "amount_text": "3% of the loan (6.625% FHA, VA, USDA; 7.125% conventional on Sept. 29, 2026)",
          "url": "https://www.sdhousing.org/ready-to-buy/available-programs/downpayment-assistance"
        },
        {
          "name": "Fixed Rate Plus 5%",
          "what": "0% second mortgage with no payments and no additional fees, due on sale, refinance or payoff",
          "amount_text": "5% of the loan (6.875% FHA, VA, USDA; 7.375% conventional on Sept. 29, 2026)",
          "url": "https://www.sdhousing.org/ready-to-buy/available-programs/downpayment-assistance"
        },
        {
          "name": "Fixed-Rate and Fixed-Rate Buy Down",
          "what": "30-year fixed-rate loans; Buy Down costs a 1% discount point at closing for a lower rate",
          "amount_text": "Fixed Rate 6.375% FHA, VA, USDA and 6.750% conventional on Sept. 29, 2026",
          "url": "https://www.sdhousing.org/ready-to-buy/first-time-homebuyer"
        },
        {
          "name": "SD Housing Tax Credit (Mortgage Credit Certificate)",
          "what": "federal tax credit on part of the mortgage interest; apply with the mortgage, $250 one-time fee",
          "amount_text": "Up to $2,000 per year",
          "url": "https://www.sdhousing.org/ready-to-buy/homebuyer-programs/sd-housing-tax-credit-mcc"
        },
        {
          "name": "Governor's House Program",
          "what": "two- and three-bedroom homes sold to buyers with limited net worth; new orders take about 18 months",
          "amount_text": "$89,000 and $99,000 (excluding tax)",
          "url": "https://www.sdhousing.org/ready-to-buy/available-programs/governors-house-program"
        },
        {
          "name": "Repeat Homebuyers loan",
          "what": "loan for repeat buyers and buyers in targeted areas, with higher limits; credit score at least 620",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.sdhousing.org/ready-to-buy/repeat-homebuyers"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "Minnehaha County, income limits effective May 30, 2026: $118,700 (1-2 people) and $136,505 (3+); price limit $410,000. Repeat buyers and targeted areas: $124,080 (2 or fewer) and $144,760 (3+), price $460,000. Governor's House: $103,400 or less.",
      "homebuyer_education": null,
      "note": "The article describes SD Housing's homebuyer education network but states no course requirement. First-time means no home owned in three years; Veterans Waiver available. The City of Sioux Falls programs are repair and rebuilding only (80% of area median family income, $66,500 for one person), no general down payment program.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "First-Time Homebuyer Program (South Dakota Housing)",
          "url": "https://www.sdhousing.org/ready-to-buy/first-time-homebuyer"
        },
        {
          "title": "FTHB and RPHB Income Limits and Purchase Price Limits, effective May 30, 2026 (South Dakota Housing)",
          "url": "https://www.sdhousing.org/s/FTHBIncome-a63n.pdf"
        },
        {
          "title": "Current Interest Rates, effective September 29, 2026 (South Dakota Housing)",
          "url": "https://www.sdhousing.org/ready-to-buy/interest-rates"
        }
      ]
    },
    "tennessee": {
      "name": "Tennessee",
      "code": "TN",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/tennessee/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In Tennessee, the Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) offers the Great Choice Home Loan with optional Great Choice Plus down payment help of up to $15,000, or up to $25,000 for newly built homes. In Davidson County, THDA's limits effective August 1, 2026 are a $500,000 purchase price and $139,320 of household income for one or two people ($162,540 for three or more).",
      "agency": "Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA)",
      "agency_url": "https://thda.org/homebuyers/first-time-homebuyers/",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "Great Choice Home Loan",
          "what": "30-year fixed-rate loan, mostly FHA or USDA insured (3.5% down), plus a Freddie Mac HFA Advantage conventional option; credit score at least 640",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://thda.org/homebuyers/first-time-homebuyers/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Great Choice Plus, deferred",
          "what": "forgivable second mortgage at 0%, forgiven at the end of a 10-year term; due in full if you sell or refinance sooner",
          "amount_text": "Up to $6,000 or up to $10,000",
          "url": "https://thda.org/homebuyers/down-payment-assistance/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Great Choice Plus, amortizing",
          "what": "30-year second mortgage at the same interest rate as the first mortgage",
          "amount_text": "Up to 5% of the price, maximum $15,000",
          "url": "https://thda.org/homebuyers/down-payment-assistance/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Great Choice Plus, newly built or proposed construction",
          "what": "15-year second mortgage at 0% interest",
          "amount_text": "Up to $25,000",
          "url": "https://thda.org/homebuyers/down-payment-assistance/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Homeownership for Heroes",
          "what": "reduced interest rate on FHA, USDA and VA loans, first-time rule waived for qualified military, veterans, EMTs, firefighters, K-12 teachers and principals, law enforcement and dispatchers",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://thda.org/homebuyers/first-time-homebuyers/"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "Davidson County, effective August 1, 2026: $139,320 (1-2 people) and $162,540 (3 or more); purchase price $500,000. Some census tracts are targeted, where the first-time requirement is waived.",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required: every homebuyer completes a THDA homebuyer education course (certificate valid 12 months); required for down payment assistance.",
      "note": "Repeat buyers can take part if they have not lived in a home they own for three years, buy in a targeted county or area, or are qualified military. Online course costs $100 ($30 for STEP In employers). Barnes Housing Trust Fund grants go to developers, not buyers; no Metro Nashville down payment program found.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Great Choice Home Loan (Tennessee Housing Development Agency)",
          "url": "https://thda.org/homebuyers/first-time-homebuyers/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Down Payment Assistance, Great Choice Plus (Tennessee Housing Development Agency)",
          "url": "https://thda.org/homebuyers/down-payment-assistance/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Acquisition Cost and Income Limits by County, effective August 1, 2026 (Tennessee Housing Development Agency)",
          "url": "https://dogvxws799i6n.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/Acquisition-Income-Limits-Web.pdf"
        }
      ]
    },
    "texas": {
      "name": "Texas",
      "code": "TX",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/texas/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In Texas, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) and the Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC) both give 2% to 5% of the loan amount for the down payment, as a grant or a 0% loan often forgiven after 3 years. First-time buyers can add a 15% mortgage tax credit, and the City of Dallas adds up to $60,000.",
      "agency": "Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) and Texas State Affordable Housing Corporation (TSAHC)",
      "agency_url": "https://welcomehome.tdhca.texas.gov/uploads/My-First-Texas-Home-Program-Matrix-TMS.pdf",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "My First Texas Home (TDHCA)",
          "what": "30-year fixed first mortgage for first-time buyers with a 3-year forgivable or 30-year repayable 0% second lien; income and price limits",
          "amount_text": "2% to 5% of the loan amount",
          "url": "https://welcomehome.tdhca.texas.gov/uploads/My-First-Texas-Home-Program-Matrix-TMS.pdf"
        },
        {
          "name": "My Choice Texas Home (TDHCA)",
          "what": "same assistance for repeat buyers, no price limit and no recapture tax",
          "amount_text": "2% to 5% of the loan amount",
          "url": "https://welcomehome.tdhca.texas.gov/uploads/My-Choice-Texas-Home-Program-Matrix-TMS.pdf"
        },
        {
          "name": "Homes for Texas Heroes (TSAHC)",
          "what": "for public school educators, police, firefighters, EMS, corrections officers, jailers, nursing and allied-health faculty and veterans; grant, 3-year forgivable or repayable lien",
          "amount_text": "2%, 3%, 4% or 5% of the loan amount",
          "url": "https://www.tsahc.org/program/homes-for-texas-heroes/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Home Sweet Texas (TSAHC)",
          "what": "for low- and moderate-income households in any job; grant, 3-year forgivable or repayable lien",
          "amount_text": "2%, 3%, 4% or 5% of the loan amount",
          "url": "https://www.tsahc.org/program/home-sweet-texas-homes/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Mortgage Credit Certificate (TDHCA or TSAHC)",
          "what": "federal tax credit on yearly mortgage interest, first-time status required; TDHCA fee $400 with its loan or $1,000 stand-alone",
          "amount_text": "15% credit rate",
          "url": "https://welcomehome.tdhca.texas.gov/uploads/RateNotice.pdf"
        },
        {
          "name": "Dallas Homebuyer Assistance Program, DHAP (City of Dallas)",
          "what": "0% forgivable second lien, forgiven over an affordability period",
          "amount_text": "Up to $60,000 in High Opportunity Areas, $50,000 elsewhere",
          "url": "https://dallascityhall.com/departments/housing-neighborhood-revitalization/Pages/Dallas-Homebuyer-Assistance-Program-DHAP.aspx"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "Dallas area, effective July 13, 2026: My First Texas Home $121,100 (1-2 people) and $139,265 (3+), price $589,596 ($720,617 targeted); My Choice $94,000 to $205,870 by loan type. Dallas County TSAHC: Home Sweet Texas $181,650, Texas Heroes $205,870. DHAP: 80% of area median income, $65,700 (1 person), $93,850 (4), price $342,000.",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required: HUD-certified homebuyer education for TDHCA programs; not stated for TSAHC or DHAP in the article.",
      "note": "Credit score 620 (TDHCA, TSAHC government loans), 640 TSAHC conventional. Assistance is 'funding permitting'. TSAHC stand-alone MCC has been discontinued indefinitely. First-time exceptions: qualified veterans (active-duty do not qualify under TSAHC) and targeted areas. DHAP limits effective June 1, 2025; run by a nonprofit lender since May 1, 2026; no first-time requirement listed.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "My First Texas Home – Program Matrix, published August 17, 2026 (TDHCA)",
          "url": "https://welcomehome.tdhca.texas.gov/uploads/My-First-Texas-Home-Program-Matrix-TMS.pdf"
        },
        {
          "title": "Homes for Texas Heroes (TSAHC)",
          "url": "https://www.tsahc.org/program/homes-for-texas-heroes/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Dallas Homebuyer Assistance Program (DHAP) (City of Dallas)",
          "url": "https://dallascityhall.com/departments/housing-neighborhood-revitalization/Pages/Dallas-Homebuyer-Assistance-Program-DHAP.aspx"
        }
      ]
    },
    "utah": {
      "name": "Utah",
      "code": "UT",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/utah/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "Utah's state housing finance agency is Utah Housing Corporation, which HUD's Utah page lists first among the places to ask about first-time and low-income homebuyer assistance (phone (801) 902-8200). The source article gives no program amounts or income limits, because the Utah Housing Corporation website could not be read.",
      "agency": "Utah Housing Corporation",
      "agency_url": null,
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "Utah Housing Corporation first-time and low-income homebuyer assistance programs",
          "what": "programs listed by HUD for first-time and low-income buyers; names and terms not stated in the article",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": null
        },
        {
          "name": "Home$tart (Federal Home Loan Bank)",
          "what": "help for homebuyers, as listed by HUD (contact (800) 544-3452)",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": null
        },
        {
          "name": "Housing Choice Voucher Homeownership Program",
          "what": "some public housing agencies help voucher holders become homeowners; contact the local housing authority",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": null
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": null,
      "homebuyer_education": null,
      "note": "The Utah Housing Corporation website and Salt Lake City housing pages could not be opened, so the article states no program names, amounts, credit scores, income limits or price limits. Salt Lake County pages list rehabilitation programs and property tax relief, not a down payment program. HUD's page lists nonprofit homeownership education providers; the article says to ask whether a program requires a course. agency_url is null because the article gives no Utah Housing Corporation URL.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Utah state information: homeownership and homebuyer assistance (HUD)",
          "url": "https://www.hud.gov/states/utah"
        },
        {
          "title": "Housing & Community Development (Salt Lake County, Office of Regional Development)",
          "url": "https://www.saltlakecounty.gov/regional-development/housing-community-development/"
        }
      ]
    },
    "vermont": {
      "name": "Vermont",
      "code": "VT",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/vermont/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In Vermont, the Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) offers an interest-rate program (MOVE, 6.500% on October 13, 2026), a down payment loan of up to $10,000 (ASSIST) and a $15,000 grant for first-generation buyers. In Chittenden County, MOVE caps income at $120,000 for one or two people and the purchase price at $450,000.",
      "agency": "Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA)",
      "agency_url": "https://www.vhfa.org/homebuyers",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "MOVE",
          "what": "often VHFA's lowest interest rate, with income and price limits and first-time rules",
          "amount_text": "6.500% on Oct. 13, 2026",
          "url": "https://www.vhfa.org/homebuyers"
        },
        {
          "name": "MOVE MCC",
          "what": "same eligibility as MOVE with a Mortgage Credit Certificate issued at closing",
          "amount_text": "6.750% (FHA, RD, VA) or 7.000% (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac)",
          "url": "https://www.vhfa.org/homebuyers"
        },
        {
          "name": "Advantage",
          "what": "highest income and price limits; no first-time requirement unless you use VHFA down payment assistance",
          "amount_text": "6.750% (FHA, RD, VA) or 7.000% (Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac)",
          "url": "https://www.vhfa.org/homebuyers"
        },
        {
          "name": "ASSIST",
          "what": "0% deferred loan for down payment and closing costs, repaid at sale, refinance or payoff; only with MOVE",
          "amount_text": "Up to $10,000",
          "url": "https://www.vhfa.org/homebuyers"
        },
        {
          "name": "First Generation Homebuyer Grant",
          "what": "grant (not a loan) for first-generation buyers with MOVE, MOVE MCC or Advantage",
          "amount_text": "$15,000",
          "url": "https://www.vhfa.org/homebuyers"
        },
        {
          "name": "Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)",
          "what": "federal tax credit on mortgage interest for as long as you keep the home and original mortgage",
          "amount_text": "Up to 50% of interest paid, capped at $2,000 a year",
          "url": "https://www.vhfa.org/homebuyers"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "As of July 1, 2026: MOVE, MOVE MCC and standalone MCC in Chittenden County $120,000 (1-2 people) and $140,000 (3+), price $450,000 (1 unit) and $500,000 (2 units). Advantage, all counties: $150,000 and $180,000, price $550,000.",
      "homebuyer_education": "At least one borrower must complete education with an approved provider, unless they owned a home within three years before closing; education older than 18 months at closing must be retaken.",
      "note": "ASSIST and the grant require never having owned a home and under $20,000 in liquid assets. MOVE and MOVE MCC apply the three-year rule in Addison, Bennington, Chittenden, Grand Isle and Windsor Counties. Credit score 640 to 680. Other non-VHFA programs named: Shared Equity Down Payment Grant, Equity Builder (sometimes up to $15,000), Housing Our Workforce, USDA Direct 502. VHFA financing exempts the first $250,000 from property transfer tax. Burlington has no city-run down payment grant.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Homebuyers: VHFA programs and benefits (Vermont Housing Finance Agency)",
          "url": "https://www.vhfa.org/homebuyers"
        },
        {
          "title": "Income and purchase price limits, as of July 1, 2026 (Vermont Housing Finance Agency)",
          "url": "https://www.vhfa.org/homebuyers/limits"
        },
        {
          "title": "Interest rates, effective October 13, 2026 (Vermont Housing Finance Agency)",
          "url": "https://www.vhfa.org/homebuyers/rates"
        }
      ]
    },
    "virginia": {
      "name": "Virginia",
      "code": "VA",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/virginia/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In Virginia, Virginia Housing offers first-time buyers a Down Payment Assistance Grant of up to 2% to 2.5% of the price, never repaid. In the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area the grants require income of $148,000 or less for two people or fewer and a price of $800,000 or less, and Arlington County adds a 0% loan of up to $112,500 per its fact sheet.",
      "agency": "Virginia Housing",
      "agency_url": "https://www.virginiahousing.com/homebuyers/home-loans",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Grant",
          "what": "grant, never repaid, with a Virginia Housing bond FHA or conventional loan; first-time buyers (or repeat buyers in an Area of Economic Opportunity)",
          "amount_text": "Up to 2% to 2.5% of the price, depending on loan type",
          "url": "https://www.virginiahousing.com/homebuyers/down-payment-assistance-grant"
        },
        {
          "name": "Closing Cost Assistance (CCA) Grant",
          "what": "grant, never repaid, for closing costs, USDA guarantee or VA funding fees, with a Virginia Housing bond USDA or VA loan",
          "amount_text": "Up to 2% of the price",
          "url": "https://www.virginiahousing.com/homebuyers/closing-cost-assistance-grant"
        },
        {
          "name": "Plus Second Mortgage",
          "what": "30-year fixed-rate second mortgage covering the down payment, with an FHA or conventional first mortgage; can also finance closing costs at a 680 credit score",
          "amount_text": "Maximum 5% of the price",
          "url": "https://www.virginiahousing.com/homebuyers/plus-second-mortgage"
        },
        {
          "name": "Virginia Housing first mortgages",
          "what": "low-down-payment loans: Conventional 3% down (640 credit score), FHA 3.5% (620), VA and USDA 0%",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.virginiahousing.com/homebuyers/home-loans"
        },
        {
          "name": "Moderate-Income Purchase Assistance Program, MIPAP (Arlington County)",
          "what": "30-year 0% loan with no monthly payments, repaid with a share of equity (up to 25% of net appreciation) on sale, refinance or at term end",
          "amount_text": "Up to 25% of the price; cap $112,500 per fact sheet, $120,000 or $130,000 per web page",
          "url": "https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Programs/Housing/Get-Help/Home-Ownership/MIPAP"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "Washington-Arlington-Alexandria area, effective August 1, 2026: DPA and CCA grants $148,000 (2 people or fewer) and $174,000 (3+), price $800,000; standard bond programs $186,000 and $217,000; expanded non-bond $245,000. MIPAP 2026: $93,040 (1 person), $106,320 (2), $119,600 (3), $132,880 (4), $144,520 (5), $154,160 (6).",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required: the free Virginia Housing homebuyer course for its loans (about eight hours online); each co-borrower takes it.",
      "note": "CONTRADICTION in the article: Arlington's MIPAP fact sheet (rev. May 20, 2026) says maximum loan $112,500, maximum price $500,000, minimum credit score 660; the MIPAP web page says cap $120,000 (1 to 3 people) or $130,000 (4 or more), maximum price $650,000, no credit score listed. The In short uses $112,500. The Virginia Housing booklet is undated and gives ranges, program pages give less detail. The article does not say whether MIPAP can combine with the state grant.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Down Payment Assistance Grant (Virginia Housing)",
          "url": "https://www.virginiahousing.com/homebuyers/down-payment-assistance-grant"
        },
        {
          "title": "Income and Sales Price / Loan Limits, effective 8/1/2026 (Virginia Housing)",
          "url": "https://www.virginiahousing.com/partners/lenders/lending-limits-requirements"
        },
        {
          "title": "MIPAP fact sheet, rev. 5/20/2026 (Arlington County)",
          "url": "https://www.arlingtonva.us/files/sharedassets/public/v/3/housing/documents/homeownership/fact-sheet-mipap-2026.pdf"
        }
      ]
    },
    "washington": {
      "name": "Washington",
      "code": "WA",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/washington/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In Washington, the Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC) pairs its home loans with down payment assistance of 3%, 4% or 5% of the loan amount at 0% interest, for households earning up to $215,000, and first-time status is not required. The City of Seattle adds up to $76,000 per household for buyers at or below its income limits; WSHFC offers no mortgage credit certificate.",
      "agency": "Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC, Here to Home)",
      "agency_url": "https://heretohome.org/downpayment-assistance/",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "Home Advantage DPA",
          "what": "payment-deferred second loan at 0%, due on sale, refinance or move-out; no first-time requirement",
          "amount_text": "3%, 4% or 5% of the first mortgage",
          "url": "https://heretohome.org/downpayment-assistance/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Home Advantage Needs-Based DPA",
          "what": "payment-deferred second loan at 1% simple interest, with a needs assessment",
          "amount_text": "Up to $10,000",
          "url": "https://heretohome.org/downpayment-assistance/"
        },
        {
          "name": "House Key Opportunity DPA",
          "what": "payment-deferred second loan at 1% simple interest for first-time buyers or Target Area homes; bond funds first come, first served",
          "amount_text": "Up to $15,000",
          "url": "https://heretohome.org/downpayment-assistance/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Covenant Homeownership Program",
          "what": "for people with family roots in Washington before 1968 who belong to groups affected by housing discrimination; lenders must submit a pre-reservation",
          "amount_text": "Up to 20% of the home's cost, up to $150,000, plus closing costs",
          "url": "https://heretohome.org/covenant/"
        },
        {
          "name": "ARCH (East King County)",
          "what": "second loan at 4% simple interest in member cities such as Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond and Sammamish; not Seattle",
          "amount_text": "Up to $30,000",
          "url": "https://heretohome.org/downpayment-assistance/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Seattle Office of Housing down payment assistance",
          "what": "help through nonprofit homeownership partners using Seattle Housing Levy money, for first-time buyers inside Seattle city limits",
          "amount_text": "Up to $76,000 per household for open-market purchases",
          "url": "https://www.seattle.gov/housing/renters/buy-a-home"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "Home Advantage: $215,000 statewide. House Key Opportunity, King County: $175,000 (1-2 people) and $200,000 (3+), price $725,000 non-target and $775,000 target; House Key DPA, King and Snohomish (June 8, 2026): $93,350 and $116,650. Seattle (effective May 15, 2026), 80% of area median income: $92,080 (1 person), $105,280 (2), $118,400 (3), $131,520 (4). ARCH: $81,700 (1 person) to $154,000 (8).",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required: a free WSHFC homebuyer education class (about five hours) for every WSHFC loan, certificate valid two years; Seattle also requires a city-approved class and one-on-one counseling.",
      "note": "Article contradiction: WSHFC's Home Advantage program page still shows a $180,000 income limit while its FAQ, homebuyer page and first-mortgage page give $215,000. The Needs-Based DPA shows two King County income limits ($164,400 and $157,100). Also named: HomeChoice (up to $15,000 for a buyer with a disability) and a Veterans loan (up to $10,000 at 3%). WSHFC states it has no MCCs available. The Seattle Downpayment Assistance Program is no longer available through WSHFC. No county-run program found. House Key limits table effective September 15, 2025.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Downpayment Assistance (Washington State Housing Finance Commission, Here to Home)",
          "url": "https://heretohome.org/downpayment-assistance/"
        },
        {
          "title": "First Mortgage Programs: Home Advantage and House Key Opportunity (WSHFC)",
          "url": "https://heretohome.org/first-mortgage-programs/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Buy A Home (City of Seattle Office of Housing)",
          "url": "https://www.seattle.gov/housing/renters/buy-a-home"
        }
      ]
    },
    "west-virginia": {
      "name": "West Virginia",
      "code": "WV",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/west-virginia/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In West Virginia, the West Virginia Housing Development Fund (WVHDF) lends to first-time buyers at a listed rate of 5.790% and offers up to $12,000 in down payment and closing cost help through a 15-year loan at 2%. In Kanawha County, where Charleston sits, WVHDF's limits are a $300,000 house price and $60,160 of income (loans locked on or after January 2, 2026).",
      "agency": "West Virginia Housing Development Fund (WVHDF)",
      "agency_url": "https://www.wvhdf.com/programs/single-family-programs-and-resources/homeownership-program/",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "Homeownership Program",
          "what": "30-year fixed-rate loan up to 100% of the price, mainly for first-time buyers",
          "amount_text": "Listed rate 5.790% (APR 6.395%)",
          "url": "https://www.wvhdf.com/programs/single-family-programs-and-resources/homeownership-program/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Low Down Home Loan (LDHL)",
          "what": "15-year fixed second loan at 2% for down payment and closing costs; only with the Homeownership Program",
          "amount_text": "Up to $12,000",
          "url": "https://www.wvhdf.com/programs/single-family-programs-and-resources/low-down-home-loan/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Movin' Up Program",
          "what": "first mortgage for moderate-income buyers with no first-time requirement; not combinable with the LDHL",
          "amount_text": "Listed rate 7.750% (APR 8.400%); Special 7.625%",
          "url": "https://www.wvhdf.com/programs/single-family-programs-and-resources/movin-up-program/"
        },
        {
          "name": "HOME Blend (City of Charleston)",
          "what": "forgivable loan paid directly to the applicant, lowering the amount the buyer must borrow; terms not stated",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://charlestonwv.gov/node/18"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "Homeownership, Kanawha County (non-targeted), locks on or after January 2, 2026: $60,160, one figure with no household-size split; house price $300,000. Movin' Up, all counties: $171,120; price $350,000. HOME Blend income limits not stated.",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required: WVHDF requires homebuyer education (free, through Fannie Mae); for Movin' Up it is required for conventional loans, and FHA, VA and USDA follow the insuring agency's rules.",
      "note": "The WVHDF rate table shows no date. No fixed minimum credit score (low- to mid-600s can be acceptable). The City of Charleston page gives no income limits, amounts or forgiveness terms, and a draft FY2026 Action Plan lists a HOME First-Time Homeownership Program. The 2026-2027 Movin' Up Special limits table could not be opened.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Homeownership Program (West Virginia Housing Development Fund)",
          "url": "https://www.wvhdf.com/programs/single-family-programs-and-resources/homeownership-program/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Low Down Home Loan (West Virginia Housing Development Fund)",
          "url": "https://www.wvhdf.com/programs/single-family-programs-and-resources/low-down-home-loan/"
        },
        {
          "title": "WVHDF Programs Income and House Price Limits, effective for locks on or after January 2, 2026 (West Virginia Housing Development Fund)",
          "url": "https://www.wvhdf.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2025-26-Income-and-House-Price-Limits-122026.pdf"
        }
      ]
    },
    "wisconsin": {
      "name": "Wisconsin",
      "code": "WI",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/wisconsin/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) pairs a first mortgage with a second loan of up to 6% of the price (Easy Close). Its $7,500 Capital Access loan has been paused since September 30, 2026, and in Milwaukee County first-time buyers must earn at most $110,700 (1-2 people) or $127,305 (3 or more).",
      "agency": "Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA)",
      "agency_url": "https://www.wheda.com/homeownership-and-renters/home-buyers/available-programs",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "Easy Close Advantage",
          "what": "10-year fixed second loan at the same rate as the first mortgage, with monthly payments",
          "amount_text": "$1,000 minimum, up to 6% of the price or appraised value, if lower",
          "url": "https://www.wheda.com/globalassets/documents/mortgage-lending/easy-close-dpa/easy-close-dpa-eligibility-matrix.pdf"
        },
        {
          "name": "Capital Access",
          "what": "30-year loan at 0% interest with no monthly payments; paused since Sept. 30, 2026 (all funds reserved)",
          "amount_text": "$7,500",
          "url": "https://www.wheda.com/homeownership-and-renters/home-buyers/available-programs"
        },
        {
          "name": "WHEDA Advantage Conventional",
          "what": "30-year fixed first mortgage; credit score 620; first-time status not required",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.wheda.com/homeownership-and-renters/home-buyers/available-programs"
        },
        {
          "name": "WHEDA Advantage FHA",
          "what": "30-year fixed first mortgage; credit score 640; 3.5% minimum borrower investment, which either WHEDA down payment loan satisfies",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.wheda.com/homeownership-and-renters/home-buyers/available-programs"
        },
        {
          "name": "WHEDA Way Home",
          "what": "first mortgage with no minimum credit score and no private mortgage insurance, for first-time Wisconsin buyers; pilot with limited funds",
          "amount_text": "Up to a $2,000 closing cost credit",
          "url": "https://www.wheda.com/homeownership-and-renters/home-buyers/wheda-way-home"
        },
        {
          "name": "Tax Advantage mortgage credit certificate (MCC)",
          "what": "federal tax credit; WHEDA stopped registering new MCCs on November 1, 2025",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.wheda.com/globalassets/documents/mortgage-lending/lender-updates/2025/lender-update-2025-12.pdf"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "Milwaukee County (limits current from June 13, 2026): first-time buyer non-target $110,700 (1-2 people) and $127,305 (3+); designated target area $132,840 and $154,980. Price limits $544,232 (one unit) and $696,816 (2-4 units), or $665,173 and $851,665 in target areas. Capital Access (effective Jan. 15, 2026): $62,000 (1 person), $70,850 (2), $88,550 (4), price $541,287.",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required: first-time buyers must complete home buyer education before buying; a 2-4 unit purchase also needs landlord education.",
      "note": "The column headings in the limits PDF still read 'Effective May 18, 2025', so confirm current figures with a lender. First-time reduced-rate options can trigger federal recapture tax within nine years. Capital Access reopened Jan. 15, 2026 with funds for 78 loans; only 6 remained on Sept. 9, 2026. In target areas applicants need not be first-time buyers. City of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County programs could not be confirmed, so none are listed.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "WHEDA First Mortgage and Down Payment Assistance Programs – Available Programs (WHEDA)",
          "url": "https://www.wheda.com/homeownership-and-renters/home-buyers/available-programs"
        },
        {
          "title": "Lender Update 2026-9, September 30, 2026: Capital Access DPA program pause (WHEDA)",
          "url": "https://www.wheda.com/globalassets/documents/mortgage-lending/lender-updates/2026/lender-update-2026-9.pdf"
        },
        {
          "title": "Income and Purchase Price Limits, current limits effective 06/13/2026 (WHEDA)",
          "url": "https://www.wheda.com/globalassets/documents/mortgage-lending/income-and-purchase-price-limits-06-13-2026.pdf"
        }
      ]
    },
    "wyoming": {
      "name": "Wyoming",
      "code": "WY",
      "article": "https://payotte.com/usa/wyoming/first-time-buyer-programs",
      "answer": "In Wyoming, the Wyoming Community Development Authority (WCDA) offers a first-time buyer loan with a 2026 purchase price limit of $566,354 in Laramie County and household income limits of $104,400 (1 to 2 people) or $120,060 (3 or more). Its down payment assistance loan reaches $15,000, with a 620 minimum credit score.",
      "agency": "Wyoming Community Development Authority (WCDA)",
      "agency_url": "https://www.wyomingcda.com/homebuyers/",
      "programs": [
        {
          "name": "First-Time Home Buyer",
          "what": "low fixed-rate 30-year loan for buyers with no ownership of a primary residence in 3 years; FHA, VA and RD financing acceptable",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.wyomingcda.com/homebuyers/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Home$tretch",
          "what": "down payment assistance loan at 0% interest with no monthly payment, due on sale, refinance or 30-year maturity; with First-Time Home Buyer, Spruce Up and Edge",
          "amount_text": "Up to $15,000",
          "url": "https://www.wyomingcda.com/homebuyers/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Amortizing DPA",
          "what": "down payment assistance loan at a fixed rate, fully amortizing, maximum 10-year term; with Advantage only",
          "amount_text": "Up to $15,000",
          "url": "https://www.wyomingcda.com/homebuyers/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Advantage and Edge",
          "what": "30-year fixed loans for first-time buyers and current owners with no price limit and no first-time requirement; Advantage requires a 620 credit score",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.wyomingcda.com/homebuyers/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Spruce Up",
          "what": "purchase and rehabilitation in one loan for first-time buyers who need repairs",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.wyomingcda.com/homebuyers/"
        },
        {
          "name": "Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)",
          "what": "credit against federal income tax calculated from the mortgage interest paid",
          "amount_text": null,
          "url": "https://www.wyomingcda.com/homebuyers/"
        }
      ],
      "income_limits": "Laramie County, schedule effective June 22, 2026: standard first-time, Spruce Up and MCC $104,400 (1-2 people) and $120,060 (3+), price $566,354; targeted tract 4.03 $125,280 and $146,160, price $692,211. Advantage and Edge: $140,140 for all sizes, no price limit.",
      "homebuyer_education": "Required: first-time buyers complete the class WCDA names on its homebuyer page.",
      "note": "DPA minimum credit score 620; minimum borrower contribution $1,500, which may be a gift. Standard first-time product and MCC may trigger federal recapture tax; WCDA reimburses borrowers who pay it. The City of Cheyenne has no down payment program in its 2025-2027 plan; it shifted to public facilities, infrastructure and land acquisition.",
      "sources": [
        {
          "title": "Homebuyer loan products (Wyoming Community Development Authority)",
          "url": "https://www.wyomingcda.com/homebuyers/"
        },
        {
          "title": "2026 Purchase Price and Income Limits, effective June 22, 2026 (Wyoming Community Development Authority)",
          "url": "https://www.wyomingcda.com/purchase-price-income-limts/"
        },
        {
          "title": "Amended 2025-2027 Consolidated Plan and PY25 Annual Action Plan (City of Cheyenne Housing & Community Development Division)",
          "url": "https://www.cheyennecity.org/files/sharedassets/public/v/1/departments/housingcommunity-development/amended-consolidated-plan-2025-2027-annual-action-plan-py25_12-05-25.pdf"
        }
      ]
    }
  }
}