From Seattle to Sarasota: How First-Timers Can Land Free Down-Payment Money in 9 States
The 10 programs at a glance
| # | Where does the money comes from | How much help? | Credit score | Pay-back rule | Quick note |
| 1 | Washington — Home Advantage | ≈ 4 % of loan | 580 | Pay when you sell/refi | Works with FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional |
| 2 | California — CalHFA MyHome | Up to $15k | 620 | 1 % simple interest later | Pairs with 3 % down conventional |
| 3 | Arizona — HOME Plus grant | 3–5 % of loan | 640 | Forgiven | Statewide |
| 4 | Arizona — Pathway to Purchase | Max $20k | 640 | Pay at sale | Select ZIP codes |
| 5 | North Dakota — Start | 3 % credit | 620 | No payments | Covers down + closing |
| 6 | Indiana — First Place | ~6 % (≈ $8k) | 620 | Pay at sale | Silent second |
| 7 | Kentucky — Regular DAP | $10k | 620 | $100/mo or 3.75 % | 10-year term |
| 8 | Ohio — YourChoice! | 2.5 % or 5 % | 640 | Forgiven after 7 yrs | Any loan type |
| 9 | Pennsylvania — K-FIT | 5 % of price | 620 | Forgiven in 10 yrs | No dollar cap |
| 10 | National — Lakeview “4 % Booster” | Up to 4 % of price (no cap) | 660 | Monthly interest-only; due at sale/refi | Works in most states; income ≤ 140 % of AMI; pairs with FNMA HomeReady, Freddie Home Possible, or standard conventional loans |
How the new national “4 % Booster” works
- The second mortgage equals 4 % of the home price (or less if you need less).
- 30-year term, interest-only payments that match your first mortgage rate.
- Not forgivable, but you repay only when you refinance, sell, or pay off the first loan.
- Income cap: must be under 140 % of your area’s median income.
- FICO 660 minimum; DU or LPA approval required; max debt-ratio 50 %.
- Usable for both down payment and closing costs.
For example, buy in Arizona with the HOME Plus grant (5 % forgiven) and add the Lakeview 4 % Booster. That’s up to 9 % of the price—often enough to go zero-out-of-pocket and still buy your rate down.
Jenna & Jake’s new plan
- State pick: Washington Home Advantage (≈ 4 %).
- Add-on: Lakeview 4 % Booster to cover closing costs.
- Out-of-pocket: ≈ $1,800 (inspection + appraisal).
- Monthly payment trimmed by $90 by using leftover seller credit for a rate buydown.
Fast path to the cash
- 15-minute call – soft credit pull, no score ding. (in Most Cases)
- Apply online
- Free online class (if your state requires it). Framework Homebuyer Education Course – Framework
- The pre-approved letter is in hand. Shop with confidence.
Ready to see your numbers?
Click the link below, answer six quick questions, and I’ll email your personal down-payment game plan—often the same day.
[Check My Down-Payment Options]
Real dollars. Real easy. No jargon.
