Down Payment Assistance: What it is and How to Know if You Qualify

Buying a home is exciting—but coming up with a down payment can feel like a major hurdle. The good news? You might not have to do it alone.

Down payment assistance programs (DPAs) are designed to help eligible homebuyers—especially first-timers—get into homes sooner than they thought possible. Whether you’re worried you don’t have enough saved or you simply want to explore all your options, learning about down payment assistance programs could make your path to homeownership a lot smoother.

Let’s break it down: what down payment assistance is, how it works, and how to know if you qualify.

What is Down Payment Assistance?

Down payment assistance refers to funding—usually in the form of a loan or grant—that helps cover the initial cost of buying a home. These programs are offered by a variety of sources, including:

State and local housing agencies
Nonprofit organizations
Employers
Even some lenders

Some programs also help with closing costs, which can be another big expense during the homebuying process.

There are generally two types of down payment help:

Grants for homebuyers: These don’t have to be repaid.
Second mortgages or forgivable loans: These may have low or zero interest and can be deferred or forgiven over time if you meet certain criteria (like living in the home for a set number of years).

Who Qualifies for Down Payment Assistance?

Every down payment assistance program is a little different, but most are geared toward first-time homebuyers, low- to moderate-income buyers, or those purchasing in designated areas.

Here are a few common eligibility requirements:

Income Limits

Many programs are based on area median income (AMI) and may cap eligibility at 80% to 120% of AMI, depending on the program and location. You can find your local AMI using HUD’s Income Limits tool.

First-Time Homebuyer Status

In most cases, you’re considered a first-time buyer if you haven’t owned a home in the last three years. Some programs even allow repeat buyers if they're purchasing in certain revitalization areas.

Home Price Limits

Your purchase price usually needs to fall under a specific limit, which varies by region.

Primary Residence Requirement

Down payment assistance is almost always limited to buyers who plan to live in the home as their primary residence.

Credit Score Minimums

While requirements vary, many programs look for a credit score of 620 or higher (and some may require higher scores for certain types of loans).

Types of Down Payment Assistance Programs

There are thousands of homebuyer assistance programs across the U.S., including national, state, and local options. Some of the most common include:

Ruoff Mortgage's Very Own DPA Program

Looking for a more accessible path to homeownership? With Ruoff Mortgage HomeNow™, you can take advantage of one of our most inclusive down payment assistance programs yet. This unique option offers 100% financing* for qualified FHA borrowers, plus up to 5% in down payment assistance and help with closing costs. Thanks to broader eligibility requirements, you may be closer to owning a home than you think!

State Housing Finance Agency (HFA) Programs

Most states have their own HFA offering first-time homebuyer programs, often with low-interest loans, grants, or deferred-payment options. You can find your state’s programs through the National Council of State Housing Agencies.

Local City or County Programs

Your city or county may also offer assistance—sometimes even in addition to state programs. These are especially common in areas looking to increase homeownership rates in targeted neighborhoods.

National Programs

FHA Loans with DPA: Many DPA programs work in conjunction with FHA loans, which already require a low down payment (just 3.5%).
VA and USDA Loans: These loans don’t require a down payment at all—but DPA can still be used to help with closing costs.

Is Down Payment Assistance Worth It?

It can be—but it depends on your situation. Down payment assistance can make homeownership more accessible, especially if you’re struggling to save or need help covering upfront costs. But like any financial decision, it’s important to consider both the benefits and the potential trade-offs.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

The Pros

Lower upfront costs: You may be able to buy a home sooner without draining your savings.
Increased financial flexibility: With support on the down payment, you may have more breathing room for moving costs, furniture, or emergency savings.
Path to homeownership: For many buyers, especially first-timers, DPA can open doors that might otherwise stay closed.

The Considerations

Repayment terms: Some programs are grants, but others are loans that must be repaid—sometimes with interest, or if you move or refinance within a certain timeframe.
Loan structure: Certain DPAs may be tied to specific loan types that come with higher interest rates or stricter terms.
Homeownership costs: Even with assistance, you’ll still need to budget for things like property taxes, insurance, maintenance, and repairs.

Additionally, in today’s market, every dollar counts. The median home price in the U.S. was $398,400 in early 2025, according to the National Association of Realtors. A typical 5% down payment on that amount? $19,920. Getting help with that upfront cost could make a huge difference.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

You don’t have to wait years to save up a down payment. With the right support and a trusted mortgage partner, homeownership might be closer than you think.

At Ruoff Mortgage, we’re here to help you unlock the possibilities of homeownership—even if a big down payment feels out of reach. Our loan officers are experts in navigating down payment assistance programs and will help you explore your eligibility and find the options that fit your goals.

We’ll walk you through every step of the process—no jargon, no pressure. Let’s talk about what’s possible. Connect with a Ruoff loan officer today and find out if you qualify for down payment assistance.

* Requires a repayable second lien with a 10-year amortization term and a rate that is 2% more than the first lien rate. Applicants must satisfy all qualifying factors. Home buyer education is required. Not all applicants will qualify for down payment assistance.