National home buyer assistance programs are worth checking before you give up
Many buyers start by searching for state or city down payment assistance, but those are not the only programs that may help. Depending on income, location, occupation, military service, lender choice, or nonprofit eligibility, a buyer may qualify for help through national mortgage programs, nonprofit organizations, lender grants, or special-purpose assistance programs.
Program rules change often, and many options have income limits, property limits, approved-lender requirements, education requirements, or limited funding windows. Use this guide as a starting point, then confirm current availability with the program, a HUD-approved housing counselor, and a trusted lender.
Programs and options to know about
Progressive UpPayment®
Progressive's UpPayment® program is a national down payment assistance program for eligible first-time homebuyers. For 2026, Progressive says the program will provide up to $13,500 toward the purchase of a first home for at least 200 eligible applicants. Because it is application-based and limited, buyers should review the current eligibility rules and timing directly with Progressive.
FHA loans
FHA loans are not grants, but they can reduce the amount a buyer needs upfront. HUD says FHA down payments can be as low as 3.5% of the purchase price, with flexible credit qualifying and lower closing-cost options. FHA loans can also sometimes be paired with approved gifts, grants, employer assistance, or other eligible down payment sources.
VA home loans
Eligible veterans, service members, and certain surviving spouses may be able to use a VA-backed purchase loan. VA says the program can offer no down payment, no monthly mortgage insurance, competitive interest rates, and limited closing costs. Buyers still need to qualify through a lender and should ask about the VA funding fee and any lender-specific requirements.
USDA Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program
For eligible buyers in qualifying rural or suburban areas, the USDA guaranteed loan program may offer 100% financing through approved lenders. This can be especially useful for buyers who are open to homes outside dense urban areas and meet household income limits.
Fannie Mae HomeReady®
Fannie Mae's HomeReady® mortgage is a conventional loan option with down payments as low as 3%. It also allows flexible sources for down payment and closing costs, including gifts, eligible grants, and Community Seconds®. For very low-income first-time buyers, Fannie Mae also lists a $2,500 borrower credit for eligible HomeReady loans during the current program window.
Freddie Mac Home Possible®
Freddie Mac's Home Possible® mortgage is another 3% down conventional option designed for very low- to low-income borrowers. It allows flexible sources of funds and can be used for several property types, subject to eligibility rules and lender approval.
HUD Good Neighbor Next Door
HUD's Good Neighbor Next Door program is targeted to eligible law enforcement officers, teachers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians. HUD says the program can offer a 50% discount from the list price of eligible HUD homes in designated revitalization areas, in exchange for a 36-month owner-occupancy commitment. Inventory is limited, so availability depends heavily on location and timing.
NACA Purchase Program
NACA is a nonprofit homeownership program that combines counseling with access to its mortgage program. NACA describes its Best in America Mortgage as offering no down payment, no closing costs, no fees, no mortgage insurance, and a below-market fixed rate for qualified members. The process may take more preparation than a standard mortgage, but it can be a strong option for buyers willing to complete the required steps.
Habitat for Humanity homeownership
Habitat for Humanity is not a traditional down payment grant program. Instead, local Habitat organizations help qualified low- and moderate-income households buy homes with affordable monthly payments. Applicants typically need to show a need for affordable housing, ability to pay an affordable mortgage, and willingness to partner with Habitat. Availability and requirements are local.
Bank of America Community Homeownership Commitment®
Some national lenders offer their own grant or credit programs. Bank of America's Community Homeownership Commitment® includes affordable mortgage options and grant programs for eligible buyers. Bank of America lists America's Home Grant® as a lender credit of up to $7,500 for certain non-recurring closing costs or interest-rate buydown, with no repayment required, subject to program and market availability.
Chenoa Fund
The Chenoa Fund, offered through CBC Mortgage Agency and approved lender partners, provides down payment assistance that may be paired with FHA financing. The program says assistance may be 3.5% or 5% of the down payment needed to purchase a home with an FHA loan. Buyers should carefully review repayment, forgivable-loan terms, interest rates, and lender overlays before relying on this option.
How buyers should compare these programs
- Confirm whether the assistance is a grant, credit, forgivable second mortgage, repayable loan, or discount.
- Ask whether the program affects your interest rate, mortgage insurance, or closing costs.
- Check income limits, first-time buyer rules, location rules, and property requirements.
- Ask whether the program can be combined with state or local assistance.
- Get the full monthly payment, cash-to-close estimate, and repayment terms in writing.
Where Seeking Agents® fits in
Finding money for the down payment is only one part of buying a home. Buyers should also compare real estate agents, lender options, total costs, and negotiation strategy. Seeking Agents® helps buyers compare real estate agents before choosing who to work with, which can be especially helpful when affordability is tight and every dollar matters.
Before choosing a program, talk with a qualified lender or HUD-approved housing counselor. Before choosing an agent, compare your options so you understand who is best positioned to help you buy confidently.