Down payment assistance (DPA) programs are state-run initiatives designed to help homebuyers cover their down payment and sometimes closing costs. Most people don't know these programs exist, and that's a problem, because they can save you thousands.
💡 Think You Might Qualify?
Most people leave money on the table because they didn't know to ask. Whether you're in Colorado or Wisconsin, a five-minute conversation is all it takes to find out if DPA can work for you. No cost, no obligation.
🚀 Check If You Qualify
✅ Got It!
Triston will review your DPA options and reach out within 24 hours, usually much sooner.
CHFA FirstStep
The flagship CHFA program. Provides a below-market interest rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage, plus down payment assistance as a second mortgage.
- Up to 3% of the first mortgage amount as DPA
- Second mortgage at 0% interest, deferred payments
- Available for FHA, VA, and conventional first mortgages
- Income limits vary by county and household size
CHFA FirstStep Plus
Same structure as FirstStep, but with a higher assistance amount for buyers who need more help getting to closing.
- Up to 4% of the first mortgage amount as DPA
- Slightly higher interest rate than standard FirstStep
- Great for buyers with limited savings
CHFA Grant
A true grant that does not have to be repaid. This is free money toward your down payment or closing costs.
- Grant amount varies by program year
- No second mortgage, no repayment
- Can be combined with CHFA's below-market rate
WHEDA Advantage Conventional
A conventional mortgage with competitive rates, paired with WHEDA's down payment assistance for qualifying buyers.
- Up to 6% of the purchase price for DPA + closing costs
- Second mortgage with low or deferred payments
- Income and purchase price limits by county
WHEDA Advantage FHA
FHA financing combined with WHEDA's down payment and closing cost assistance. Great for buyers who need credit flexibility.
- FHA's lower credit requirements + WHEDA assistance
- Up to 6% toward down payment and closing costs
- 30-year fixed rate
Capital Access / Easy Close Advantage
Additional WHEDA programs that provide closing cost assistance on top of the Advantage products. Ask me about current availability and eligibility.
- Can further reduce out-of-pocket costs
- Available in conjunction with Advantage products
- Program availability changes. I stay current on what's active
HOME+PLUS DPA (Standard)
Arizona's flagship statewide DPA program. Pairs a 30-year fixed first mortgage with down payment and closing cost assistance as either a forgivable second or a non-repayable option depending on the structure.
- Up to 5% of the first mortgage amount as assistance
- Compatible with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional (HFA Preferred / HFA Advantage)
- No first-time homebuyer requirement
- Available statewide (city and county income/price limits apply)
HOME+PLUS Fannie HFA Preferred / Freddie HFA Advantage
When paired with a conventional first mortgage, HFA Preferred (Fannie) and HFA Advantage (Freddie) offer reduced MI coverage, meaning lower monthly PMI than a standard conventional loan at the same down payment.
- 3% minimum down (can be fully covered by the DPA)
- Reduced mortgage insurance vs. standard conventional
- PMI drops off at 78% LTV (unlike FHA's lifetime MIP)
- Great long-term value for buyers with 640+ credit
HOME+PLUS VA + DPA
Veterans buying in Arizona can combine a $0-down VA loan with HOME+PLUS DPA to cover closing costs and prepaids. With a service-connected disability rating, the VA funding fee is also waived, making this one of the strongest combos available in the state.
- $0 down on the first mortgage
- Up to 5% DPA applied to closing costs and prepaids
- Funding fee waived with VA disability rating
💬 Want to Know Which Program Fits?
✅ On It!
Triston will review the programs available to you and reach out within 24 hours.
Down payment assistance doesn't replace your mortgage. It layers on top of it. Here's how different loan types combine with DPA:
🎖 VA Loan + DPA
VA already offers $0 down. Stack DPA on top to cover closing costs, and you could walk into your new home with almost nothing out of pocket. If you have a VA disability rating, the funding fee is waived too, making this the most powerful combo available.
🏠 FHA + DPA
FHA requires 3.5% down, but CHFA, WHEDA, and HOME+PLUS can cover that entirely. Add seller concessions for closing costs, and your out-of-pocket can be close to zero. FHA also has more flexible credit requirements, great for buyers rebuilding credit.
📈 Conventional + DPA
Conventional loans go as low as 3% down. DPA can cover part or all of it. Conventional also drops PMI once you hit 20% equity (unlike FHA's permanent MIP). For buyers with good credit, this can be the best long-term value.
| Without DPA | With DPA | |
|---|---|---|
| FHA Down Payment (3.5%) | $12,250 out of pocket | $0 (covered by DPA) |
| Closing Costs (~3%) | $10,500 out of pocket | $0–$4,000 (seller concessions + DPA) |
| Total Cash Needed | ~$22,750 | $0–$4,000 |
| Savings | - | $18,000+ |
🌟 Ready to See Your Options?
Every situation is different. I'll look at your income, location, credit, and goals, then tell you exactly which programs you qualify for and which combo saves you the most. No cost. No obligation. Just real numbers.
🚀 Let's Run Your Numbers
✅ Let's Go!
Triston will review your situation and reach out within 24 hours with your DPA options.