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!

North Dakota 

North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance (DCA) Program

  • Assistance: Provides 3% of the first mortgage loan amount (or a minimum of $3,000) to cover down payment and closing costs.

  • Terms:
    • DCA: 0% interest deferred loan. No monthly payments; repayment is due only when you sell, refinance, or pay off the mortgage.

    • Start: Similar terms, designed for moderate-income buyers who may exceed standard DCA income limits.

  • Eligibility:
    • DCA: Low-income first-time homebuyers.

    • Start: Low-to-moderate income first-time and repeat buyers.

  • More Information: https://www.ndhfa.org/index.php/homeownership-programs/dca-income-limits/

FirstHome Program (NDHFA)

HomeAccess Program (NDHFA)

NDHFA North Dakota Roots (New Addition)

  • What It Offers: Market-rate mortgages that can be combined with the "Start" down payment assistance.

  • Who Qualifies: Repeat homebuyers or those who make too much money for the FirstHome program. It is designed to help people move up or relocate to North Dakota.

  • https://www.ndhousing.nd.gov/homeownership

Lewis & Clark Development Group DREAM Fund (New Addition)

  • Assistance: Provides "gap financing" second mortgages to cover down payment and closing costs when traditional financing falls short.

  • Eligibility: Available in a 10-county region (Burleigh, Emmons, Grant, Kidder, McLean, Mercer, Morton, Oliver, Sheridan, and Sioux).

  • Terms: Flexible terms tailored to affordability; often used to bridge the gap between what a bank will lend and the purchase price.

  • More Information: LCD Group DREAM Fund

City of Fargo Down Payment Assistance Program

  • Assistance: The City of Fargo primarily directs first-time homebuyers to the NDHFA DCA and Start programs listed above.

  • Note: While Fargo historically had local CDBG-funded assistance, they currently utilize the state-level agency (NDHFA) to administer these funds for residents.

  • More Information: Fargo Down Payment Assistance

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.