Updated 1/22/2026

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

I've included all of the links and contact info needed to do this on your own, the form is meant to make it easier.

Connect with a DPA team

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!

Michigan

Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) MI Home Loan Program

• What It Offers: Provides up to $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.
• Who Qualifies: First-time homebuyers statewide and repeat homebuyers in targeted areas.
• Income Limits: Based on county and household size.
• Repayment: 0% interest loan, due upon sale or refinance.
• Website: https://www.michigan.gov/mshda/pathway-to-housing/mi-home-loan

MSHDA MI 10K DPA Loan

• What It Offers: Provides up to $10,000 in down payment assistance for homes in certain locations.
• Who Qualifies: First-time and repeat homebuyers with a minimum credit score of 640.
• Income Limits: Varies by county.
• Repayment: Deferred-payment second mortgage due when the home is sold, refinanced, or paid off.
• Website: https://www.michigan.gov/mshda/pathway-to-housing/mi-10k-dpa-loan

Detroit Down Payment Assistance Program

• What It Offers: Provides up to $25,000 for down payment and closing costs.
• Who Qualifies: Homebuyers purchasing within Detroit city limits who meet income requirements.
• Income Limits: Based on HUD guidelines.
• Repayment: Forgivable loan after a set period.
• Website: https://detroitmi.gov/departments/housing-and-revitalization-department/homebuyers/detroit-down-payment-assistance-program

Wayne County (Excluding Detroit)

• Assistance: Provides up to $13,999 in down payment and closing cost assistance.
• Eligibility: First-time buyers purchasing in Wayne County suburbs (excludes Detroit, Dearborn, Livonia, and other entitlement cities).
• Repayment: Forgivable after 5 years of occupancy.
• Website: https://nationalfaith.org/dpa/wayne/

City of Lansing Down Payment Assistance

• Assistance: Up to $14,999 for down payment and closing costs.
• Eligibility: First-time homebuyers purchasing within Lansing city limits.
• More Information: https://www.lansingmi.gov/366/Down-Payment-Assistance

City of East Lansing Homeownership Assistance

• Assistance: Up to $30,000.
• Eligibility: Homebuyers purchasing within East Lansing city limits.
• Requirements:
  • Income & asset limits apply.
  • Buyer must invest 1% of the purchase price.
  • Deed restrictions: Home must remain owner-occupied for 30 years.
  • Completion of a Homebuyer Education course.
• More Information: https://www.cityofeastlansing.com/2456/Current-CDBG-Programs

Genesee County Down Payment Assistance

• Assistance: Available through participating financial institutions.
• Eligibility: Homebuyers purchasing within Genesee County.
• Requirements:
  • Must meet income and asset limits.
  • Completion of a Homebuyer Education course.
• More Information: https://gcmpc.org/down-payment-assistance/

City of Grand Rapids Homebuyer Assistance Fund

• Assistance: Up to $7,500 for low- and moderate-income homebuyers.
• Eligibility: Homebuyers purchasing within Grand Rapids city limits.
• Requirements:
  • Must meet income limits.
  • Funds can be used for down payment, closing costs, and prepaid expenses.
• More Information: https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Government/Programs-and-Initiatives/Homebuyer-Assistance-Fund

Kalamazoo

• Assistance: Provides up to **$7,000** total ($5,000 from the County Treasurer + $2,000 from partner lenders like Independent Bank).
• Eligibility: Buyers with household income at or below 120% AMI purchasing a primary residence.
• Website: https://www.kalcounty.gov/1448/Homebuyer-Assistance-Program

Battle Creek

• Assistance: Provides assistance for down payment and necessary code-compliance repairs.
• Eligibility: Low- to moderate-income families purchasing within the city.
• https://www.battlecreekmi.gov/642/BCPS-Housing-Incentive-Program

Updated 1/22/2026

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

I've included all of the links and contact info needed to do this on your own, the form is meant to make it easier.