This list is not all-inclusive, and funds for these programs may be available for a limited time. Contact your local Ameris Bank mortgage banker for more details.
Alabama
Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA)
AHFA’s programs offer a variety of options for buyers such as down payment assistance, closing cost assistance and mortgage credit certificates, which reduce the amount of federal income tax homebuyers must pay. Visit the AHFA website to learn more.
Florida
Salute Our Soldiers Military Loan Program
Administered by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, The Salute our Soldiers Military Loan Program offers military service personnel and veterans 30-year, fixed-rate first mortgage loans with several down payment assistance options. This program is available in all 67 counties throughout the State of Florida to borrowers who are purchasing a primary residence, meet income and purchase price limits, can qualify for a first mortgage loan, and successfully complete a homebuyer education course.
Jacksonville Head Start to HOME Ownership (H2H) Program
The H2H program provides financial aid in the form of down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible families and/or individuals in Duval County. Families and/or individuals who do not currently own a house, who will reside in the home as their primary residence and who meet household income criteria will be eligible for assistance pending funding availability.
Florida Housing’s First-Time Homebuyer (FTHB) Program
This program offers 30-year fixed-rate loans to first-time homebuyers through participating lenders and lending institutions across the state of Florida. Eligible borrowers may also participate in one of Florida Housing’s second mortgage programs to assist borrowers with down payment assistance and closing costs. Click here for more information.
Georgia
Georgia Dream Homeownership Program
Georgia's Department of Community Affairs helps homebuyers finance their new homes through the Georgia Dream program. This program is available to eligible first-time homebuyers in all Georgia counties and non-first-time homebuyers in certain counties. Along with first mortgage loans and homebuyer education, the program helps homebuyers afford decent housing by providing them with down payment assistance. All homebuyers who qualify for the program are eligible for down payment assistance of up to $5,000. Protectors, Educators, & Nurses (PEN) may be eligible for up to $7,500.
Housing Authority of Cobb County
The Authority works to help finance the cost of providing an adequate supply of housing for residents of Cobb County. Qualified applicants may be able to receive a down payment grant of 2, 3, or up to 4%* towards purchasing or refinancing a home in Cobb County, Georgia based on the type of loan selected.
DeKalb County Workforce Enhancement (WE DeKalb)
The WE DeKalb program provides a down payment grant of 3, 4, or 5% to qualified applicants interested in purchasing or refinancing a home in DeKalb County, Georgia, based on the type of loan selected. The program is especially ideal for those who may exceed earning limits to qualify for affordable housing subsidies, but need help with down payment and closing costs. Visit the WE DeKalb website to learn more.
Invest Atlanta
Invest Atlanta offers multiple assistance programs and incentives to help make the dream of homeownership possible within the City of Atlanta. Incentives can be used toward down payment and closing costs. Click here to visit the Invest Atlanta website.
Maryland
Maryland Mortgage Program (MMP)
The Maryland Mortgage Program helps homebuyers in Maryland achieve their dream of homeownership through a range of home loan programs that make purchasing and owning a home more affordable. For more information Click here to visit the MMP website.
North Carolina
North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) Home Advantage programs
The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) offers several Home Advantage programs to help homebuyers secure mortgages and down payment assistance. Program incentives are available for eligible first-time homebuyers, move-up homebuyers and military veterans. Click here to visit the NCHFA website.
Community Partners Loan Pool (CPLP)
Another option from the NCHFA, the Community Partners Loan Pool offers no-interest deferred second mortgages for up to 20 percent of the sales price, not to exceed $30,000 when used in conjunction with the NC Home Advantage Mortgage™, or up to 10 percent when combined with a USDA Section 502 loan. CPLP may be combined with other down payment assistance programs, including the NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment. Click here to visit the CPLP website.
Forsyth Affordable Homeownership Opportunity Program - HOME (AHOP HOME)
The Affordable Homeownership Opportunity Program provides funds to assist with the down payment and closing costs associated with the purchase of a home by a first-time homebuyer with low or moderate income in Forsyth County.
Winston-Salem Home Ownership Assistance Program
Administered by the Community Development Department of the City of Winston-Salem, the Home Ownership Assistance Program provides financial and technical assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers..
South Carolina
SC Housing
SC Housing offers competitive mortgage loans and down payment assistance (DPA) to help families and individuals become homeowners. They offer competitive fixed rate mortgage loans combined with money to help cover down payment and closing costs.
Richland County Home Ownership Assistance
Richland County Community Development offers its Home Ownership Assistance program to help make homeownership possible in unincorporated Richland County. The assistance is given in the form of forgivable loans, up to $10,000, to be applied to the down payment and/or closing costs for the purchase of a single-family home.
Lexington County Homebuyer Assistance Program
Lexington County’s Homebuyer Assistance Program provides qualified low- and moderate-income (LMI) first-time homebuyers with down payment and/or closing cost assistance. Assistance will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis in amounts not to exceed $5,000 per applicant.
Tennessee
Tennessee Housing Development Agency
The Great Choice Home Loan program is designed to make homeownership available and affordable for Tennesseans of middle/moderate income. Homebuyers who qualify for the Great Choice Home Loan can also apply for down payment assistance in the form of a Great Choice Plus second loan to help with your down payment and/or closing costs. Great Choice Plus is a second mortgage loan on your home, that is paid in monthly payments over 15 years at an interest rate that is the same as the first mortgage rate. Additional financing incentives are available for military members through the Homeownership for the Brave Program. Visit the THDA website for details.
The Housing Fund
The Housing Fund, a private non-profit organization, offers loans up to $35,000 for down payment, prepaids and closing costs to individuals and families. Click here for criteria
Virginia
Virginia Housing Development Authority (VHDA)
With Virginia Housing Development Authority’s (VHDA) Down Payment Assistance Grant, qualified first-time homebuyers may receive a percentage of the purchase price to help with the down payment. Click here to learn more.
Contact your Ameris Bank mortgage banker today for additional details on the above DPA programs.
By: Marlene Sheard
Marlene is the mortgage marketing representative for Ameris Bank and previous sales and marketing president for her local Home Builders Association. She enjoys sharing her experiences for the buying, selling and financing of homes.
The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual.
All loans subject to credit approval. This document is not a complete description of all eligibility requirements. Additional program restrictions and limitations may apply.