Updated 1/23/2026

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!

Mississippi

Mississippi Home Corporation (MHC) Smart6 & Easy8 Programs

  • Smart6: Provides a $6,000 loan for down payment and closing costs.

  • Easy8: Provides an $8,000 loan for down payment and closing costs.

  • Who Qualifies: First-time homebuyers (or those who haven't owned in 3 years), veterans, or buyers in targeted areas.

  • Repayment: Both are 0% interest deferred loans. Repayment is due only upon sale, refinance, or payoff of the first mortgage.

  • Website: https://www.mshomecorp.com/programs/

Housing Assistance for Teachers (HAT) Program

  • What It Offers: Provides up to $6,000 in forgivable assistance for teachers purchasing homes in underserved areas.

  • Who Qualifies: Teachers working in qualifying school districts.

  • Income Limits: Based on program-specific guidelines.

  • Repayment: Forgivable after three years if the teacher remains employed in the district.

  • Website: https://www.mshomecorp.com/programs/

Jackson First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program

  • Assistance: Provides up to $15,000 (or sometimes more depending on funding availability) in down payment assistance.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers purchasing within city limits with income at or below 80% AMI.

  • Repayment: A 0% interest forgivable loan (forgiven over 5 to 10 years depending on the amount).

  • Website: https://www.jacksonms.gov/homebuyer-assistance-program/

Biloxi

  • Assistance: Provides up to $30,000 in assistance for down payment and closing costs.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers (or no ownership in 3 years) who have lived in Biloxi for at least one year prior to applying.

  • https://biloxi.ms.us/pdf/dpaguidelines.pdf

City of Vicksburg

Hattiesburg

  • Assistance: Provides a forgivable loan of up to $20,000 for down payment and closing costs.

  • Eligibility: First-time homebuyers purchasing within the city limits with income at or below 80% AMI.

  • Repayment: 0% interest loan, forgiven over a 5 to 10-year affordability period.

  • Website: https://www.hattiesburgms.com/community-development/

Updated 1/23/2026

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.