Down payment assistance programs

Turn years from now into today

dpa hero image
dpa hero image

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.

dpa down payment
dpa down payment

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 $5,250** 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 $1,000 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 $5,250) 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.

**Borrowers below 50% AMI qualify up to $5,250. Borrowers 51-80% AMI qualify up to $4,000.

† 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

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