What is a down payment assistance program?
Instead of spending years saving for a down payment, you could get into your first home with little or no cash with a down payment assistance program.
Down payment assistance programs are designed to make homes more affordable for homebuyers. Programs come in several forms for eligible buyers: cash grants or secondary loans.
How do down payment assistance programs work?
Down payment assistance programs work to make homeownership more affordable and are usually for first-time homebuyers.
Most DPA programs are administered by state and local governments, private entities, charitable organizations, and even lenders like us. They are often in the form of forgivable loans and grants.
Qualifying for down payment assistance
Down payment assistance programs are often income-restricted and available to buyers in specific cities, communities, or neighborhoods only.
Other requirements may include:
- First-time homebuyers only
- Length of occupancy (such as 5 years for full loan forgiveness)
- Homebuyer education
What makes you a first-time homebuyer?
You’ve never owned a home before or haven’t owned a home in the past three years, and the home is your primary residence.
CrossCountry Mortgage down payment assistance programs
We know saving for a down payment is a challenge for many homebuyers. To help relieve you of the financial stress, we offer a variety of down payment assistance (DPA) programs for conventional and FHA loans.
For most of these programs, one buyer must be a first-time homebuyer, and homebuyer education and other requirements may apply.
| Max DPA | Grant (no repayment required) | Income restrictions | Geographic eligibility restrictions | First-time homebuyer requirement | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCM Smart Start | 2% up to $4,000 | Yes | Yes | Yes* | Yes |
| CCM Community Promise | $6,500 | Yes | No | Yes† | Yes |
| Freddie Mac BorrowSmart AccessSM | Up to $4,000 | Yes | Yes | Yes‡ | Yes |
| Freddie Mac BorrowSmartSM Standard | Up to $1,500 | Yes | Yes | Available in all states | No |
| The National | 4% | No | Yes | Yes§ | No |
| Chenoa Fund | 3.5% or 5% | No | No | Available in all states except NY | No |
| Essex | 3.5% | No | No | Available in all states except NY & WA | No |
Frequently asked questions
*CrossCountry Mortgage LLC will contribute 2% down (up to $4000) towards a 3% down payment. Home buyer is responsible for the remaining 1% of the down payment. This offer is available for the purchase of a primary residence only. Offer valid for home buyers when qualifying income is less than or equal to 80% area median income based on county where property is located. At least one occupying borrower must be a first-time homebuyer. Rate must be locked on or after 6/20/2023. Not available with any other discounts or promotions. Not available in the following MSAs: Miami, FL, Atlanta, GA, Chicago, IL, Detroit, MI, St. Louis, MO, Philadelphia, PA, Memphis, TN, El Paso, TX, Houston, TX, McAllen, TX. Offer cannot be retroactively applied to previously closed loans or loans that have a locked rate. This is not a commitment to lend. CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC has the right to accept, decline, or limit the use of any discount or offer. Acceptance of this offer constitutes the acceptance of these terms and conditions, which are subject to change without notice. Additional conditions may apply.
† Available in select MSAs. For a full list of eligible MSAs, visit crosscountrymortgage.com/community-promise.
‡ Available in the following MSAs: Miami, FL, Atlanta, GA, Chicago, IL, Detroit, MI, St. Louis, MO, Philadelphia, PA, Memphis, TN, El Paso, TX, Houston, TX, McAllen, TX.
§ Not available in: CA, DE, FL, IN, IA, LA, MD, MT, NE, NV, NY, OH, RI, SC, TX, UT, VT, WA, WV
