✦ Limited program · NC only · subject to qualification
I help qualified buyers across Charlotte, Concord, Gastonia, and Monroe stack state, federal, and lender-backed assistance — putting real money toward homeownership instead of out of your pocket.
✦ How it works
I'm not a lender — I'm your real estate agent and your guide. I know the programs, I know the participating lenders, and I know how to combine them so you get the maximum benefit. Then I help you find the home.
We talk about your situation — income, credit, savings, family size, where you want to live. No commitment, no fee. From this conversation I can tell you which programs likely fit.
I introduce you to a participating mortgage consultant — could be Wells Fargo Home Mortgage for the Homebuyer Access® grant, or one of the participating NCHFA lenders for the NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment, or another based on your situation.
The lender reviews your finances and confirms which programs you qualify for and the assistance amount. Now you know exactly what you can buy and what's coming toward your down payment.
This is where I shine. We tour homes in your approved range, in the neighborhoods that fit your life. I write the offer, negotiate the deal, manage inspections, and walk you through closing — all in your preferred language.
The down payment assistance and closing-cost credits are applied at the closing table — meaning you bring less to the table and walk out with the keys.
✦ Programs I help clients access
These are programs available to qualifying NC buyers right now. We'll figure out which combination works best for your situation.
$15,000 in down payment assistance for first-time home buyers and qualifying military veterans, structured as a 0% deferred second mortgage that's forgiven 20% per year between years 11–15 — fully forgiven by year 15.
Eligibility
$10,000 down payment grant from Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. Never has to be repaid. Available in eligible areas of Charlotte and surrounding NC counties for buyers using a Wells Fargo fixed-rate conventional loan.
Eligibility
Up to $5,000 in closing cost credits from Wells Fargo Home Mortgage. Can be used for processing fees, appraisal, and other one-time closing costs. Combinable with the Homebuyer Access® grant.
Eligibility
FHA loans backed by the U.S. Federal Housing Administration allow down payments as low as 3.5%, more flexible credit guidelines, and the ability to use gift funds toward your down payment.
Eligibility
VA loans for qualified veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses. Up to 100% financing — meaning $0 down for those who qualify. No private mortgage insurance required.
Eligibility
USDA loans for buyers purchasing in eligible rural and suburban areas — including parts of Cabarrus, Gaston, and Union counties. Up to 100% financing for qualified applicants.
Eligibility
✦ Honest answers
The NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment program offers $15,000 to eligible first-time home buyers (those who haven't owned a primary residence in the past three years) and military veterans, with annual income up to $152,000 and a credit score of 640 or higher. The home must be in North Carolina, a primary residence, and priced at or below $495,000.
Most NC down payment assistance is structured as a 0% deferred second mortgage. It's forgiven 20% per year between years 11–15, with complete forgiveness by year 15. If you sell, refinance, or transfer the home before year 15, you'll need to repay the prorated amount.
Yes — many programs can be stacked. For example, the Wells Fargo Homebuyer Access® grant ($10,000) can be combined with the Wells Fargo Dream. Plan. Home.® closing cost credit (up to $5,000), as well as non-Wells Fargo down payment assistance programs. We work together to identify the best combination for your situation.
Most programs require you to be a U.S. citizen or qualifying non-citizen (such as a permanent resident with a green card, or someone with refugee or asylee status). DACA recipients may qualify for FHA loans. We'll review your specific situation.
On average, identifying a program, getting pre-approved, and reaching closing takes 45–60 days. We start with a free consultation, connect you with a participating lender, get you pre-approved, then begin home shopping with your assistance amount in mind.
Some are — the NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment is restricted to first-time buyers and military veterans. But the standard NC Home Advantage Mortgage™ (up to 3% DPA) is open to both first-time and move-up buyers. The Wells Fargo programs have their own eligibility criteria. We'll figure out which combination works best for you.
Tell me a little about your situation. Free, no commitment, bilingual response within 24 hours.
(704) 380-7185 · berenicecruz@kw.com
— sí, hablamos español
Important: Berenice Cruz is a real estate agent, not a mortgage loan originator. All down payment assistance and closing-cost credit programs are provided by participating lenders and government agencies, subject to eligibility, income, location, credit, and underwriting requirements. Programs may change or end without notice. Qualification is determined by the lender, not by Berenice Cruz or https://mihogarcharlotte.com. Always review official program details directly with the participating lender or program administrator before making decisions. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage NMLSR ID 399801. Equal Housing Opportunity.