Down Payment Assistance

Buy Your Home with Less Out of Pocket

North Carolina offers excellent down payment assistance programs for qualifying buyers. We'll help you navigate the options and maximize your savings.

NC Home Advantage Mortgage™

Offers down payment assistance up to 5% of the loan amount as a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage for qualifying buyers across North Carolina.

NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment

Provides up to $15,000 in down payment help for first-time buyers and military veterans purchasing in North Carolina.

Community Partners Loan Pool

Local programs through Wake County and the City of Raleigh offering additional assistance for income-qualified buyers in the Triangle.

FHA & USDA Low Down Payment Options

Federal loan programs with as little as 0–3.5% down, which can be combined with state assistance programs for maximum benefit.

Check Your Eligibility

See what assistance programs you may qualify for.

Martin Mortgage Group

Down Payment Assistance FAQ

Common questions about DPA programs in North Carolina

Several programs are available including the NC Home Advantage Mortgage (up to 5% assistance), NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment (up to $15,000 for first-time buyers), and local programs through Wake County and the City of Raleigh. Our team stays current on all available programs and can determine which ones you qualify for.

Not always. While some programs like the NC 1st Home Advantage are specifically for first-time buyers and veterans, the NC Home Advantage Mortgage is available to both first-time and repeat buyers. Income limits and other criteria may apply depending on the program.

Income limits vary by program and county. The NC Home Advantage Mortgage generally has a household income limit that varies by county. The NC 1st Home Advantage has its own thresholds. We’ll review your income and help you identify every program you qualify for.

Yes! Many down payment assistance programs can be layered with FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional loans. This combination can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs at closing. Our team specializes in structuring these combinations to maximize your savings.

It depends on the program. Some programs are structured as forgivable second mortgages (forgiven after you live in the home for a certain period), while others are deferred-payment loans that are due when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage. We’ll explain the terms of each program so you can make an informed decision.