Hey there! If you're thinking of buying a home for the first time, and haven't saved up for a down payment, you still might be able to get it done.

Before I jump into the programs, let me briefly explain how down payment assistance works.

How it works

Down payment assistance comes in two forms: a grant, or a loan

A grant doesn't require repayment.

A loan does require repayment, but there are 3 different ways:

Monthly repayment. This is where they charge you interest and a monthly payment until the loan is paid off

Silent second. This is where they don't charge you interest, they don't charge you monthly payments, they just require that you pay it back when you sell the home.

Forgivable. This is where they forgive the loan as long as you meet certain criteria. A common requirement is that you live in the home as your primary residence for a set number of years. Once you've completed the timeframe, they forgive your loan and you don't need to pay it.

Approved lenders only

These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. If you would like help from a local realtor familiar with the programs and lenders with access, fill out this form here and I will connect you with one.

Now that we have that out of the way, let's jump in! Below are the local programs available to help make homeownership more accessible.

New Hampshire Housing Home First Program

  • What It Offers: Provides up to $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.

  • Who Qualifies: First-time homebuyers with a minimum credit score of 620.

  • Income Limits: Varies by county and household size.

  • Repayment: 0% interest loan, forgiven after five years if the buyer remains in the home.

  • More Information: New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority (NHHFA)

City of Nashua – HOME Program

  • Assistance: Deferred, no-interest loans for down payment and closing cost assistance.

  • Terms: Loan is forgivable after a specified period if the borrower continues to occupy the property as their primary residence.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers meeting income and purchase price limits; completion of a homebuyer education course is required.

  • More Information: https://www.nashuanh.gov/1594/First-Time-Homebuyer-Assistance-Program

City of Portsmouth – HomeTown Program

Note: Program availability, eligibility criteria, and assistance amounts can change. It's recommended to contact the respective program administrators directly to obtain the most current information and application procedures

These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. If you would like help from a local realtor familiar with the programs and lenders with access, fill out this form here and I will connect you with one.