Down Payment Scout

← Program Finder

You might not need to save the full down payment.

How much down payment help could you get?

Enter your details below to estimate assistance from grants, forgivable loans, and other programs in your area.

$
$
💰

Enter Your Details to See Estimates

Select your county and enter your estimated home price to see how much down payment assistance may be available to you.

What is down payment assistance?

Down payment assistance (DPA) programs help homebuyers cover the upfront costs of purchasing a home. These programs are offered by state agencies, counties, cities, and nonprofits. Assistance typically comes in the form of grants (free money), forgivable loans (forgiven after a set period), or deferred loans (repaid when you sell or refinance).

Many buyers don't realize they qualify for assistance. Programs vary by location, income level, profession, and whether you're a first-time buyer. Assistance amounts can range from 3% to 20% of the purchase price, and some programs offer flat dollar amounts up to $150,000 or more.

Common types of assistance:

  • • Grants — Free money that doesn't need to be repaid
  • • Forgivable loans — Forgiven after 3-10 years of living in the home
  • • Deferred loans — No payments until you sell, refinance, or move
  • • Shared appreciation — Repay a percentage of the home's appreciation when you sell
  • • Repayable seconds — Standard second mortgage at below-market rates

Program data sourced from HUD, state housing agencies, and local government programs. Updated regularly.

Estimates are for informational purposes only. Final eligibility depends on program rules and lender approval.