50-State Guide · Updated 2026-08-23
Mortgage Programs by State — Housing Finance Agencies & First-Time Buyer Help in All 50 States
Every state runs its own Housing Finance Agency offering below-market rates, down-payment assistance, or mortgage credit certificates on top of a conventional, FHA, VA, or USDA loan. The programs and eligibility rules differ state to state, but the moves that save every buyer money — comparing at least three lenders, checking your HFA before you shop, and knowing your credit tier — are the same everywhere. Below is the state-by-state HFA picture for all 50 states, plus the current national benchmark mortgage rate.
Current national benchmark mortgage rates
6.65%
30-year fixed
5.95%
15-year fixed
National average — not a state-specific or personalized rate. Source: Federal Reserve (FRED) (as of 2026-08-20). Data refreshed August 23, 2026.
How state Housing Finance Agencies work
There is no single national down-payment assistance program. Each state charters its own Housing Finance Agency (HFA) — a public or quasi-public authority that raises capital (often through tax-exempt bonds) to fund below-market-rate mortgages, down-payment and closing-cost assistance, and mortgage credit certificates for residents who meet income and purchase-price limits. HFA programs are layered on top of, not instead of, a standard conventional, FHA, VA, or USDA loan — you still apply through a participating lender, and the HFA verifies eligibility.
On top of the state layer, the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) lists HUD-approved housing counselors in every state who provide free or low-cost pre-purchase guidance, and the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) sets the conforming loan limit that determines when a loan needs jumbo financing. The practical takeaway is the same in all 50 states: check your state HFA before you start shopping lenders — it's often the cheapest financing you'll qualify for. ClearValue Lending does not originate mortgages; it helps borrowers compare financing options.
Housing Finance Agency, by state
All 50 states. The agency column links to each state's own HFA — use it to check current income limits, purchase-price caps, and participating lenders. States with a dedicated ClearValue Lending state guide are linked in the first column.
| State | Housing Finance Agency | First-time buyer / DPA program |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA) | AHFA's Step Up program provides down-payment assistance to first-time and repeat buyers who meet income and purchase-price limits. Visit ahfa.com for current program terms; income and price limits change annually. HUD-approved housing counselors in Alabama are listed at hud.gov/states/alabama. |
| Alaska | Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) | AHFC's First Home Program offers below-market interest rates to qualifying first-time buyers. The agency also runs the Refinance Program and Veterans Mortgage Program. Visit ahfc.us for income limits and current rates; Alaska's high construction costs and rural geography make AHFC programs especially impactful. |
| Arizona | Arizona Department of Housing (ADOH) / Home Plus Program | The Arizona Home Plus program provides DPA as a forgivable grant (no repayment if you remain in the home for a set period) alongside a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage. Income and purchase-price limits apply. Visit housing.az.gov for program details; terms update annually. |
| Arkansas | Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA) | ADFA's Move-Up Program offers below-market 30-year fixed rates plus optional DPA for first-time and repeat buyers in Arkansas. The DPA component helps cover down payment and closing costs. Visit adfa.org for income limits, purchase-price caps, and approved lenders. |
| California | California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) | CalHFA's MyHome Assistance Program provides a deferred-payment loan for down payment and/or closing costs. The Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan provides up to 20% of the home price — borrowers share a portion of future appreciation with CalHFA on resale. Both programs require a CalHFA-approved first mortgage. Visit calhfa.ca.gov for current program status; Dream For All has had limited-round releases due to high demand. |
| Colorado | Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) | CHFA offers both a DPA Grant (no repayment required) and DPA Loan for qualifying buyers. The CHFA Preferred loan pairs with DPA for first-time and repeat buyers meeting income limits. Visit chfainfo.com for income limits, eligible counties, and approved lenders. |
| Connecticut | Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) | Connecticut CHFA offers below-market fixed-rate mortgages and a Downpayment Assistance Program (DAP) — a secondary loan to cover down payment and closing costs. First-time buyer requirement applies (no ownership in past 3 years, with exceptions for targeted areas). Visit chfa.org for income limits and approved lenders. |
| Delaware | Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA) | DSHA's Welcome Home program offers below-market 30-year fixed mortgages with optional DPA grants for qualifying first-time buyers. Visit destatehousing.com for income limits, purchase-price caps, and approved lenders. |
| Florida | Florida Housing Finance Corporation (Florida Housing) | Florida Housing's Florida Assist provides a deferred second mortgage (0% interest, no monthly payment) for down payment and closing costs alongside a Florida Housing first mortgage. The Florida Hometown Heroes program serves frontline workers. Visit floridahousing.org for income limits, county purchase-price caps, and approved lenders. |
| Georgia | Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) | Georgia Dream provides a 30-year fixed first mortgage plus the Georgia Dream Down Payment Assistance (DPA) — a second loan at 0% interest for down payment and closing costs. Special DPA amounts apply for qualifying public protectors, educators, and healthcare workers. Visit dca.ga.gov/homeownership for income limits and approved lenders. |
| Hawaii | Hawaii Housing Finance and Development Corporation (HHFDC) | Hawaii's extreme home prices make DPA programs highly competitive and quickly exhausted. HHFDC manages state-assisted housing programs for qualifying buyers. Visit hhfdc.hawaii.gov for current program status. HUD-approved counselors at hud.gov/states/hawaii can help navigate both state and federal programs (FHA, USDA for eligible rural areas). |
| Idaho | Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA) | IHFA offers the Idaho Mortgage program — a 30-year fixed first mortgage paired with optional down-payment assistance. The First Loan and Second Loan combo allows qualifying buyers to reduce cash-to-close. Visit ihfa.org for income limits and approved lenders. |
| Illinois | Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) | IHDA's Access programs offer forgivable DPA grants (no repayment if you stay in the home for the required period) alongside 30-year fixed mortgages. The Opening Doors grant targets buyers at very low income levels. Visit ihda.org for income limits, purchase-price caps by county, and approved lenders. |
| Indiana | Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA) | IHCDA's First Place program is designed for first-time buyers; Next Home is for repeat buyers. Both provide DPA alongside a 30-year fixed mortgage. Visit in.gov/ihcda for income limits, purchase-price caps, and approved lenders. |
| Iowa | Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) | IFA's FirstHome program offers reduced-rate mortgages for first-time buyers; Homes for Iowans serves both first-time and repeat buyers. The IFA DPA program provides a grant or second loan for down payment. Visit iowafinanceauthority.gov for income limits and approved lenders. |
| Kansas | Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) | KHRC's First Time Homebuyer Program provides below-market mortgage rates and DPA for qualifying Kansas buyers. Visit kshousingcorp.org for income limits, purchase-price caps, and approved lenders. |
| Kentucky | Kentucky Housing Corporation (KHC) | KHC's Regular DPA and Affordable DPA programs provide second mortgages for down payment and closing costs alongside KHC first mortgages. Welcome Home Kentucky targets workforce buyers. Visit kyhousing.org for income limits, purchase-price caps, and approved lenders. |
| Louisiana | Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) | LHC offers mortgage programs paired with DPA for qualifying buyers. Visit lhc.la.gov for income limits and approved lenders. Hazard insurance costs in Louisiana are a significant ongoing cost — factor insurance into total monthly payment estimates. |
| Maine | Maine State Housing Authority (MaineHousing) | MaineHousing's Advantage program offers a DPA grant up to a set percentage of the purchase price — no repayment required. Salute ME provides enhanced benefits for veterans. First Home Loans require completion of a homebuyer education course. Visit mainehousing.org for current program terms. |
| Maryland | Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) / Maryland Mortgage Program | MMP's Partner Match program provides DPA equal to a set amount per dollar contributed by an employer or partner — creating a powerful match incentive. The 1st Time Advantage loan provides competitive rates for first-time buyers. Visit mmp.maryland.gov for income limits by county, purchase-price caps, and approved lenders. |
| Massachusetts | MassHousing | MassHousing's DPA program provides a loan for up to a set percentage of the purchase price — allowing buyers to purchase with minimal cash to close. Workforce Advantage targets moderate-income first-time buyers. Visit masshousing.com for income limits, purchase-price caps, and approved lenders. |
| Michigan | Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) | MSHDA's MI Home Loan DPA provides a second mortgage up to a set dollar amount for down payment and closing costs. MI Home Loan is for first-time buyers; MI Home Loan Flex is for repeat buyers in select targeted areas. Visit michigan.gov/mshda for income limits, eligible zip codes, and approved lenders. |
| Minnesota | Minnesota Housing Finance Agency (Minnesota Housing) | Start Up pairs a competitive first mortgage with optional Monthly Payment Loan DPA for first-time buyers. Step Up serves move-up buyers. Monthly Payment Loan is a fully amortizing second mortgage — not deferred — adding a predictable monthly payment but also building equity. Visit mnhousing.gov for income limits and approved lenders. |
| Mississippi | Mississippi Home Corporation (MHC) | MHC's Smart6 program provides a 30-year fixed mortgage at below-market rates plus a second loan for down payment and closing costs. Visit mshomecorp.com for income limits, purchase-price caps, and approved lenders. |
| Missouri | Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) | MHDC's First Place Loan provides below-market rates plus cash assistance for first-time buyers; Next Step serves repeat buyers meeting income requirements. Cash assistance is provided as a non-repayable grant in some scenarios. Visit mhdc.com for income limits, purchase-price caps, and approved lenders. |
| Montana | Montana Board of Housing (MBOH) | MBOH offers reduced-rate first mortgages plus the MBOH Plus DPA (a second loan at 0% interest for down payment and closing costs). First-time buyer requirement applies for most programs. Visit housing.mt.gov for income limits and approved lenders. |
| Nebraska | Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA) | NIFA's HBA program provides a second loan for down payment and closing costs alongside a NIFA first mortgage. First-time buyer requirement applies in most Nebraska counties (exceptions for targeted areas). Visit nifa.org for income limits and approved lenders. |
| Nevada | Nevada Housing Division (NHD) | NHD's Home Is Possible (HIP) program provides a DPA grant (no repayment required after meeting residency period) alongside a 30-year fixed mortgage. HIP Heroes serves veterans and active military. Visit housing.nv.gov for income limits, purchase-price caps, and approved lenders. |
| New Hampshire | New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority (NHHFA) | NHHFA's Home Flex and Home Preferred programs offer below-market fixed-rate mortgages with optional DPA. The Cash Assistance option provides funds for down payment and closing costs. First-time buyer requirement applies in most areas. Visit nhhfa.org for income limits and approved lenders. |
| New Jersey | New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency (NJHMFA) | NJHMFA's DPA provides a forgivable second loan (no repayment after meeting residency terms) alongside a first mortgage for first-time buyers. The Police and Firemen's Retirement System (PFRS) Mortgage serves public safety workers. Visit njhousing.gov for income limits and approved lenders. |
| New Mexico | New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) | MFA's First Home program provides below-market rates and DPA for first-time buyers. HomeNow offers DPA as a forgivable loan for buyers under income thresholds. Visit housingnm.org for income limits and approved lenders. |
| New York | New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR) / State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA) | SONYMA's Down Payment Assistance Loan (DPAL) provides up to a set percentage of the purchase price for down payment and closing costs — repayable when you sell or refinance. Achieving the Dream targets lower-income first-time buyers. Visit hcr.ny.gov/sonyma for income limits by county and approved lenders. |
| North Carolina | North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) | NCHFA's NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment provides a deferred second mortgage for first-time buyers and military veterans. The NC Home Advantage Mortgage is available to both first-time and move-up buyers. Visit nchfa.com for income limits and approved lenders. |
| North Dakota | North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) | NDHFA's Start program provides below-market rates plus DPA for qualifying first-time buyers. Homeownership Connect provides gap funding for buyers who need additional assistance. Visit ndhfa.org for income limits and approved lenders. |
| Ohio | Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) | OHFA's Your Choice! DPA offers either a forgivable grant (no repayment after 7 years) or a repayable second loan at a lower interest rate. Ohio Heroes offers enhanced rates for teachers, healthcare workers, firefighters, police, and veterans. Visit myohiohome.org for income limits and approved lenders. |
| Oklahoma | Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) | OHFA's Gold program provides below-market first mortgages plus a DPA grant (no repayment required) for qualifying Oklahoma buyers. Visit ohfa.org for income limits and approved lenders. |
| Oregon | Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) | OHCS's Oregon Bond Cash Advantage option provides cash assistance for down payment and/or closing costs alongside a first mortgage. Rate Advantage offers a lower rate instead of cash. Visit oregon.gov/ohcs for income limits and approved lenders. |
| Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) | PHFA's K-FIT Down Payment and Closing Cost Loan provides 5% of the lesser of the purchase price or appraised value as a forgivable second loan — cancelled at 20% per year (fully forgiven at 5 years of residency). Visit phfa.org for income limits and approved lenders. |
| Rhode Island | Rhode Island Housing (RIHousing) | RIHousing's Extra Assistance and 10kDPA programs provide second loans for down payment and closing costs alongside RIHousing first mortgages. 10kDPA provides $10,000 for qualifying buyers at very low income levels. Visit rihousing.com for income limits and approved lenders. |
| South Carolina | South Carolina State Housing Finance and Development Authority (SC Housing) | SC Housing's Forgivable Down Payment Assistance provides a forgivable second loan for down payment and closing costs alongside a SC Housing first mortgage. The Palmetto Home Advantage program serves move-up and first-time buyers. Visit schousing.com for income limits and approved lenders. |
| South Dakota | South Dakota Housing Development Authority (SDHDA) | SDHDA's First-Time Homebuyer Loan provides below-market rates plus optional DPA for qualifying buyers. Visit sdhda.org for income limits and approved lenders. |
| Tennessee | Tennessee Housing Development Agency (THDA) | THDA's Great Choice Plus provides a second loan at 0% interest for down payment and closing costs alongside a Great Choice first mortgage. The loan is deferred — no monthly payments until you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage. Visit thda.org for income limits and approved lenders. |
| Texas | Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA) | TDHCA's My First Texas Home provides a 30-year fixed mortgage plus DPA (a second loan at 0% interest, deferred until sale or refinance) for first-time Texas buyers. My Choice Texas Home serves repeat buyers meeting income requirements. Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCC) from TDHCA provide federal income tax credits. Visit tdhca.state.tx.us for income limits and approved lenders. |
| Utah | Utah Housing Corporation (UHC) | UHC's Score, HomeAgain, and FirstHome loans include a DPA second loan to cover down payment and closing costs. FirstHome is for first-time buyers; HomeAgain serves repeat buyers; Score targets buyers with limited credit history. Visit utahhousingcorp.org for income limits and approved lenders. |
| Vermont | Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) | VHFA's MOVE program offers competitive first mortgage rates and optional DPA for first-time buyers. MCC (Mortgage Credit Certificate) provides a federal income tax credit. Visit vhfa.org for income limits and approved lenders. |
| Virginia | Virginia Housing (formerly Virginia Housing Development Authority / VHDA) | Virginia Housing's DPA Grant provides a grant (no repayment) for down payment and closing costs alongside a Virginia Housing first mortgage. Virginia Housing Plus combines first and second mortgages for buyers needing greater financing leverage. Visit virginiahousing.com for income limits and approved lenders. |
| Washington | Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC) | WSHFC's Home Advantage DPA provides a second loan at 0–4% interest for down payment. House Key Opportunity is for buyers at 80% or below area median income. Visit wshfc.org for income limits and approved lenders. Homebuyer education is required. |
| West Virginia | West Virginia Housing Development Fund (WVHDF) | WVHDF's Movin' Up program provides reduced-rate first mortgages plus optional DPA for qualifying buyers. Visit wvhdf.com for income limits and approved lenders. |
| Wisconsin | Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA) | WHEDA's Easy Close DPA provides a second loan for down payment and closing costs alongside a WHEDA first mortgage. Capital Access DPA targets buyers at lower income levels with enhanced assistance. Visit wheda.com for income limits and approved lenders. |
| Wyoming | Wyoming Community Development Authority (WCDA) | WCDA's Standard First Mortgage with Home$tretch DPA provides a second loan at 0% interest for down payment and closing costs. First-time buyer requirement applies (no ownership in past 3 years) in most areas. Visit wyomingcda.com for income limits and approved lenders. |
Source: each state's own Housing Finance Agency (linked above), cross-referenced with HUD's homebuyer resources. Not legal or financial advice — confirm any specific program's current income limits, purchase-price caps, and eligibility with the agency linked before relying on it for a transaction.
The one step every buyer skips: checking your state HFA first
Most first-time buyers shop lenders before ever checking whether their state HFA offers a below-market rate or down-payment assistance they'd qualify for — and by the time they've picked a lender, they've often locked themselves out of stacking HFA assistance with that lender's loan. HFA programs typically work through a network of participating lenders, so the order matters: check your state's program and income/price limits first, then shop lenders that participate in it.
- Check your state HFA's income and purchase-price limits before you start touring homes — they cap what you can qualify for.
- Ask every lender you shop whether they participate in your state's HFA program; not all do.
- Talk to a free HUD-approved housing counselor (listed at hud.gov) before signing anything — they can flag stacking rules you'd otherwise miss.
- Compare at least 3 lenders on rate, points, and closing costs — HFA assistance covers the down payment, not the rate you're offered.
- Confirm your county's conforming loan limit at fhfa.gov if you're borrowing near the baseline — going over it means jumbo underwriting.
Mortgage programs by state — common questions
What is a state Housing Finance Agency? +
Every state runs a Housing Finance Agency (HFA) — a state-chartered authority that offers below-market mortgage rates, down-payment assistance, and mortgage credit certificates to help residents (often first-time buyers) afford a home. The table on this page lists the specific agency, its program name, and its website for all 50 states. HFA programs are layered on top of — not instead of — a conventional, FHA, VA, or USDA loan; you still apply through a participating lender.
Does every state offer down-payment assistance? +
Nearly every state HFA runs some form of down-payment or closing-cost assistance, but the structure varies a lot: some are forgivable grants, some are second mortgages (repaid or forgiven over time), and eligibility depends on income limits, purchase-price caps, and sometimes a first-time-buyer requirement. Verify current terms directly with the agency linked in the table — they update income and price limits annually.
What is the current national mortgage rate? +
As of 2026-08-20, the Federal Reserve reported the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate at 6.65% (5.95% for a 15-year fixed). That's a national benchmark, not a personalized or state-specific rate — your actual rate depends on your credit score, down payment, loan type, and the lender.
What credit score do I need for a mortgage? +
Conventional loans typically require a 620+ FICO score for the best availability, with the sharpest pricing reserved for 740+. FHA loans allow scores as low as 580 with 3.5% down, or 500–579 with 10% down. Credit-score floors are set by the loan program and lender, not by state law, so they're broadly consistent nationwide — what changes state to state is which HFA down-payment programs you can layer on top.
What is a conforming loan limit and does it vary by state? +
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) sets a baseline conforming loan limit each year that applies in most U.S. counties; a smaller number of high-cost counties (concentrated in states like Alaska, Hawaii, California, and parts of the Northeast) qualify for a higher limit. Loans above the applicable limit require jumbo financing with stricter qualification standards. Check the current limit for your county at fhfa.gov before assuming a loan amount is conforming.
How often is this page updated? +
This page was last reviewed 2026-08-23. The HFA names, programs, and scope are cross-checked against each state's own agency; the national rate figures refresh automatically from the Federal Reserve. State HFA programs change income and price limits annually — confirm current terms with the agency linked in the table before relying on it for a transaction.
Sources & methodology
- State Housing Finance Agency names, programs, and scope: each state's own HFA (linked in the table above).
- National benchmark mortgage rates: Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED), refreshed automatically.
- Homebuyer counseling and program guidance: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; conforming loan limits: Federal Housing Finance Agency.
- No per-state rate, income limit, or approval figure is fabricated on this page — HFA program terms change annually and vary by household, and this page states that honestly rather than inventing a single number per state.
Editorial disclaimer: Information on this page reflects the sources cited above as of August 23, 2026. State HFA programs and income/price limits change — confirm current terms with the agency linked before relying on this page for a transaction. All financing is subject to lender partner approval. ClearValue Lending is a business & personal financing platform — not a lender, broker, or financial advisor. Not legal, tax, or financial advice.
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