Last update: 01/15/2026

These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. You should have enough info to go it alone, but to make it easier, fill out this form here and I can connect you to a local realtor familiar with the programs, and a lender with access.

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How Down Payment Assistance Works

I need to give a quick overview of how down payment assistance works. After that, the programs are listed.

With down payment assistance, you'll run into two different types:

• A grant
• A loan

A Grant

If we meet the qualifications up front, then it's money that does not need to be repaid.

A Loan

If the down payment assistance comes in the form of a loan, then pay attention to the three different types:

• Repayable
• Deferred
• Forgivable

Repayable is just as most imagine. It charges interest over a certain amount of time, with monthly payments until it's paid off.

Deferred loans usually don't require a monthly payment, and typically don't charge interest. It's due in full when you refinance, sell the home, or when it ceases to be your primary residence.

Forgivable loans will disappear if you meet the criteria, which usually comes down to keeping the home as your primary residence for a specific amount of time.

Okay with that, here are the programs!

Delaware

Delaware State Housing Authority (DSHA)

• First State Home Loan
  • 0% second loan (up to 3% of mortgage) for down payment/closing costs
  • Available to first-time and repeat buyers
  • Deferred repayment until sale/refinance/move
• Diamond in the Rough
  • 0% second loan (up to 5%) for homes needing limited rehab (FHA 203(k) Limited)
  • Deferred repayment
• Link to both programs: https://kissyourlandlordgoodbye.com/help-for-homebuyers/

New Castle County

• Down Payment and Settlement Assistance Program (DPS)
  • Up to $10,000 loan (0% interest, deferred 2 years, 15-year term)
  • For first-time buyers (outside Wilmington), income limits apply
  • https://www.newcastlede.gov/1268/Down-Payment-Settlement-Assistance-Progr

Sussex County

• Housing Trust Fund Homebuyer Assistance
  • $10,000–$30,000 soft second mortgage
  • Forgiven over 10 years
  • For first-time and repeat buyers under 120% AMI
  • https://sussexcountyde.gov/Housing-Trust-Fund-Homebuyers

City of Wilmington

• First Start Homebuyer Program
  • Up to $15,000 (grant + 0% loan), forgivable over 10 years
  • For first-time buyers within city limits
  • https://www.wilmingtonde.gov/government/city-departments/real-estate-and-housing/first-start-homebuyer-program

First Front Door (FFD) Grant

• Up to $15,000 grant (3-to-1 match on buyer’s $1,500)
• Forgiven after 5 years; must use participating lender
• https://www.fhlb-pgh.com/ffd

Last update: 01/15/2026

These programs can only be handled by approved lenders. You should have enough info to go it alone, but to make it easier, fill out this form here and I can connect you to a local realtor familiar with the programs, and a lender with access.