North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) Programs:
Updated June 2026NCHFA offers 30-year fixed mortgages through approved lenders plus multiple down payment assistance (DPA) options and a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC). First-time buyer status generally means you have not owned your principal residence in the past three years (this can be waived for certain targeted census tracts). Income, purchase-price, and targeted-area limits vary by county — check NCHFA for the county lookup and the latest rules at nchfa.com (NC Home Advantage).
North Carolina First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Programs:
Eligibility: First-time buyers (no principal residence in last 3 years) or buyers in targeted census tracts; income limits vary by county; veteran exceptions apply for some DPA products.
Offerings: 30-year fixed mortgages (FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional) through NCHFA-approved lenders; optional down payment assistance and MCC tax credit options.
Requirements:
- Income: NCHFA uses a county and household-size lookup. The NC Home Advantage product page shows a single statewide qualifying ceiling at about $158,000 for the NC Home Advantage Mortgage; many DPA options still use county and family-size limits — use the official county lookup. See NCHFA income limits.
- Credit scores: NCHFA baseline guidance commonly requires a mid score of 640 or higher for most NC Home Advantage products; manufactured homes commonly require 660. Lenders may have overlays — confirm with your lender.
- DTI: NCHFA program guides commonly cap total debt-to-income at 45% for NC Home Advantage and NC 1st products; automated underwriting results and compensating factors still matter.
- Homebuyer education: required for first-time buyers on many NCHFA and local programs (NCHFA-approved counseling available through partners).
Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Options:
NC Home Advantage 3% DPA: Up to 3% of the first mortgage (0% interest subordinate loan; deferred and forgiven on a schedule). Must pair with an NC Home Advantage first mortgage. Details: NCHFA NC Home Advantage.
NC 1st Home Advantage $15,000 DPA: A $15,000 option for eligible first-time buyers, qualifying veterans, or buyers in targeted census tracts. This is a 0% deferred subordinate loan forgiven 20% per year at the end of years 11–15 (complete forgiveness at year 15). The NC 1st page includes eligibility, credit, and property rules. Details: NCHFA NC 1st Home Advantage.
Community Partners Loan Pool (CPLP): For qualifying low/moderate buyers, CPLP can provide larger assistance administered through local partners. CPLP is commonly up to 25% of the sales price, not to exceed $50,000 when paired with an NC Home Advantage mortgage, and is structured as a 0% deferred second. See CPLP details at NCHFA CPLP.
North Carolina Heroes / Public-Service Benefits:
Description: NCHFA and many cities offer enhanced DPA or priority for teachers, first responders, healthcare workers, military and veterans, and similar public-service roles. Eligibility usually requires proof of employment plus meeting underlying NCHFA mortgage rules. Check program pages for current documentation requirements.
Local Programs (Examples):
Many cities and counties layer local DPA (deferred or forgivable seconds) on top of NCHFA products — funding levels and area restrictions change often. Confirm program maps and approved lender lists with the city program administrator listed below.
Charlotte / Mecklenburg County
House Charlotte (administered by DreamKey Partners): City program administered by DreamKey. Official program materials show assistance options up to $80,000. House Charlotte requires approved lenders, homebuyer education, income limits (many households up to about 110% AMI may be eligible), and a purchase price cap (example shown on the program page at $365,000). See the program overview at DreamKey Partners (House Charlotte). CPLP often partners with local programs in Mecklenburg — check with your lender or DreamKey for stacking rules.
Raleigh / Wake County
City of Raleigh Homebuyer Assistance: Official city pages (updated mid-2026) list a Traditional Homebuyer Assistance max of $45,000 and an Enhanced (targeted-area) option up to $60,000. Programs are deferred, zero-interest loans and require income limits and homebuyer education. See the City of Raleigh guide: City of Raleigh — Homebuyer Assistance.
Greensboro / Guilford County
Greensboro Homebuyer Assistance: Greensboro administers forgivable/deferred second-loan options; program caps commonly run up to $25,000 with potential bonuses (for example, an extra $5,000 in designated reinvestment areas or for qualifying public-service workers). Check Greensboro’s official program page and contact Neighborhood Development for current rules. Greensboro Homebuyer Assistance.
Additional Information:
- USDA Loans: 0% down for eligible properties in USDA-eligible rural areas. Income and property eligibility are county-specific; see the USDA single family programs page. USDA Single Family Housing Programs.
- VA Loans: Eligible veterans and active duty may qualify for VA-guaranteed loans that often allow no down payment; eligibility requires a Certificate of Eligibility and lender underwriting. VA home loan information.
- FHA Loans: FHA is a common low-down-payment option (typically 3.5% down at common credit thresholds); lender overlays and underwriting still apply — consult official FHA guidance at HUD/FHA and your lender for details.
North Carolina programs emphasize flexible DPA and targeted local partnerships — funds are limited and program terms change. Use the links above and speak with an NCHFA-approved lender or city program administrator to confirm current limits and availability.
Always confirm with an NCHFA-approved lender or nchfa.com.
Seeking Agents® connects you with North Carolina agents who understand these programs and compete to offer reduced commissions or added services—free for buyers and sellers!