Down Payment Assistance Programs 2026 | All 50 States | Travis Goltz
Licensed in All 50 States — 2026 Programs Available

Down Payment Assistance
Programs Nationwide

Most buyers don't realize how much help is available. Every state has programs that can cover thousands in down payment and closing costs — and you may qualify for more than one. Let's find out what's available where you're buying.

$5,000Typical minimum
$80,000Combined maximum
0%Down — VA & USDA
See What I Qualify For Book a Free 15-Min Call
Branch Manager, Granite Bank Fannie Mae Approved NMLS #351337 Licensed All 50 States ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4.9/5 Rating

How Down Payment Assistance Works

It's simpler than most buyers think. Here's the typical process from start to keys in hand.

01

Check Your Eligibility

A free 15-minute call with Travis identifies every program available in your state based on your income, credit score, and buyer status. No commitment required.

02

Stack the Right Programs

In many cases, state programs can be combined with city-specific grants and federal loan products. The right combination determines how much cash you actually need at closing.

03

Get Pre-Approved

Pre-approval happens quickly — typically a few business days once documents are submitted. Your assistance amount is locked in alongside your mortgage approval.

04

Close With Confidence

The assistance is applied at closing to cover your down payment and/or closing costs. Most buyers close in 30–45 days with minimal cash out of pocket.

Types of Down Payment Assistance

Not all assistance is the same. Understanding the structure helps you choose the right program for your situation.

🆕

True Grants

Money that never has to be repaid under any circumstances. Less common but available through programs like TSAHC in Texas and some city-level programs. The strongest form of assistance.

Never repaid
📅

Forgivable Loans

Structured as a second mortgage that is gradually forgiven over time (typically 3–15 years) as long as you remain in the home. If you sell before the forgiveness period ends, a portion may be due.

Forgiven over time
🔒

Deferred Second Mortgages

No monthly payments required. The balance is due only when you sell, refinance, or cease to occupy the home. Common in programs like FL Assist, MHFA Deferred Payment Loan, and WHEDA Capital Access.

No payments until sale
📈

Second Mortgage with Payments

A low-interest second mortgage with monthly payments alongside your primary mortgage. Provides higher assistance amounts in exchange for a small monthly payment. Common in programs like WHEDA Easy Close DPA.

Monthly payment required
🏙

Zero Down Loans

USDA Rural Development and VA loans eliminate the down payment entirely for eligible buyers. Available in all 50 states. Can be paired with other assistance programs for additional closing cost help.

0% down payment
💳

Mortgage Credit Certificate

A federal tax credit allowing eligible buyers to claim up to $2,000 per year in mortgage interest as a direct tax credit — not just a deduction. Available in several states and combinable with DPA programs.

Up to $2,000/year tax credit

Browse by State

Travis is currently licensed in all 50 states. These are the states with dedicated program guides — select yours for detailed 2026 program information.

Minnesota

MHFA Start Up, Step Up, Welcome Home, First Generation programs

MHFA Programs
Up to $50,000 View Programs

Wisconsin

WHEDA Easy Close DPA, Capital Access DPA, Downpayment Plus grant

WHEDA Programs
Up to 6% of price View Programs

Colorado

CHFA FirstStep, SmartStep, FirstGeneration programs and MetroDPA

CHFA Programs
Up to $25,000 View Programs

North Carolina

NC 1st Home Advantage, NC Home Advantage Mortgage, city programs stacked

NCHFA Programs
Up to $80,000 View Programs

Texas

TDHCA My First Texas Home, TSAHC grants, SETH 5 Star, city programs

TDHCA & TSAHC Programs
Up to 5% + city grants View Programs

Arizona

Home Plus AZ (year-round, no funding gaps), Home in Five Maricopa County

Home Plus AZ Program
Up to 6% of loan View Programs

Florida

Florida Housing HFA grants, Hometown Heroes up to $35,000, county programs

Florida Housing Programs
Up to $35,000+ View Programs

Your State

Travis is licensed in all 50 states. Don't see your state? Fill out the form — we'll identify what's available where you're buying.

All 50 States
Get My Options

Do You Qualify?

Most buyers are surprised to find they meet the requirements. Here's what lenders typically look at across all states.

📊

Credit Score

Most state programs require 620–640 minimum. Some programs accept lower scores with compensating factors.

620+ for most programs
💵

Household Income

Income limits vary by program, state, county, and household size. Many moderate-income buyers still qualify.

Varies by state & county
🏠

Buyer Status

Many programs are open to repeat buyers. First-time buyer = no primary residence ownership in the past 3 years.

First-time or repeat
🏭

Property Type

Most programs cover single-family homes, townhomes, condos, and some manufactured homes. Primary residence only.

Primary residence only

The only way to know for certain is to review your specific situation with a lender who knows the programs.

Check My Eligibility — Free

Find Out What You Qualify For — Anywhere in the U.S.

Every state has different programs, different amounts, and different eligibility rules. Fill out the form and Travis will personally identify every program available in your state based on your specific situation.

Travis is licensed in all 50 states — NMLS #351337 Branch Manager, Granite Bank · Fannie Mae Approved Seller · 24 years experience
  • Free, no obligation — no commitment required to find out what's available in your state
  • Programs can stack — state + city programs combined can cover far more than either alone
  • Direct access to Travis — not a call center, not an algorithm. A real mortgage professional reviews your file
  • 120-year bank backing — Granite Bank's institutional strength and Fannie Mae approval behind every loan

"I was shopping in two different states and Travis knew the programs in both. He found assistance I didn't know existed and we closed with almost nothing out of pocket."

— Jason T., Homeowner — Licensed in All 50 States

Check Your Down Payment Options

Free · No obligation · Any state · Takes 2 minutes

Travis Goltz — Nationwide Mortgage Lender, Branch Manager Granite Bank

Why Work With Travis for Down Payment Assistance?

Most buyers work with whoever their real estate agent recommends — and end up leaving assistance on the table because that lender doesn't know every available program in their state.

Travis has built a specialized knowledge of state HFA programs, city-specific grants, and how to structure loans to maximize assistance. As a Fannie Mae approved seller and Branch Manager at a 120-year institution, he has the tools and credentials to access programs that many lenders simply can't offer.

  • Licensed in All 50 States: Wherever you're buying, Travis can help.
  • Fannie Mae Approved Seller: Direct access to HFA conventional products that pair with state assistance.
  • 24 Years Experience: Has seen every scenario and knows how to find a solution.
  • Granite Bank Backing: 120-year institution with the flexibility to get creative when needed.
  • No Surprises: Transparent on costs, programs, and timelines from day one.
Check My Eligibility Call (763) 360-4507

Travis Goltz · NMLS #351337 · Branch Manager, Granite Bank NMLS #405434 · Member FDIC · Equal Housing Lender

Common Questions About Down Payment Assistance

What is down payment assistance and how does it work? +

Down payment assistance (DPA) refers to programs — typically run by state Housing Finance Agencies, cities, or nonprofits — that provide financial help to cover your down payment and/or closing costs. The assistance can be a grant, a forgivable loan, or a deferred second mortgage. It pairs with your primary mortgage and is applied at closing.

Do I have to be a first-time buyer to qualify? +

Not always. Many programs are available to repeat buyers. "First-time buyer" is typically defined as not having owned a primary residence in the past 3 years — meaning if you owned a home 4+ years ago and have been renting, you likely qualify. Veterans are exempt from this requirement in most states.

How much down payment assistance can I get? +

It varies significantly by state and program. Most statewide programs provide $5,000 to $25,000. Some city-specific programs stacked with state assistance can reach $40,000 to $80,000 in markets like Austin, TX or Durham, NC. VA and USDA loans require zero down payment entirely. Travis will identify the maximum combination available for your specific situation.

Does down payment assistance have to be repaid? +

It depends on the program. True grants never have to be repaid. Forgivable loans are gradually forgiven over 3–15 years. Deferred second mortgages have no monthly payments but are due when you sell or refinance. Second mortgages with payments require a small monthly payment. Travis explains the exact terms of any program before you commit.

Can I combine down payment assistance with an FHA or VA loan? +

Yes. Most state HFA programs are specifically designed to pair with FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional loans. In many cases the down payment assistance covers the entire required down payment, allowing you to close with minimal cash out of pocket. The key is working with a lender who knows how to structure these combinations correctly.

What credit score do I need for down payment assistance? +

Most state programs require a minimum 620–640 credit score. Requirements vary by state and program. If your score needs work, Travis can identify steps to improve eligibility before applying so you don't miss out on the programs you're targeting.

How long does the process take with down payment assistance? +

Most DPA programs add minimal time to the closing process. A standard timeline is 30–45 days from application to closing — the same as a conventional mortgage. Some local city programs may require additional income documentation that adds a few days. Starting the process early protects your access to the best programs, especially for programs with limited funding.

Your Down Payment Assistance
Is Waiting to Be Found.

Most buyers never find out what they qualify for because they work with a lender who doesn't know the programs. Don't let that be you.

See What I Qualify For — Free Book a 15-Min Call

Call or text Travis directly: (763) 360-4507 · M–F 7am–7pm · NMLS #351337 · All 50 States