Casa con Alma Berenice Cruz · Realtor® Keller Williams Realty · Ballantyne Area

✦ Down payment & closing-cost assistance programs · NC only · subject to qualification

Up to $15,000 for your down payment
for eligible buyers, through participating lenders.

I help qualified buyers across Charlotte, Monroe, Indian Trail, Waxhaw, Concord, Kannapolis, Salisbury, Midland, Albemarle and Gastonia learn about the state, federal and lender-backed assistance programs — for the down payment and for closing costs — that may apply to their situation. Eligibility is determined by the participating lender, and not every program can be combined with another.

Explore your options ✦ Call (704) 380-7185
— sí, hablamos español

✦ How it works

Real money toward your home

I'm not a lender — I'm your real estate broker and your guide. I know the programs and the participating lenders, and I help you understand which ones may apply to your situation. Not every program can be combined with another; the lender confirms eligibility and which combinations are possible. Then I help you find the home.

1

Free consultation

We talk about your homeownership goals, your budget, your timeline and where you want to live. No commitment, no fee. I explain the assistance programs that exist, and a participating lender evaluates your eligibility.

2

Connect you with a participating lender

I introduce you to a participating mortgage consultant — could be a lender that offers a homebuyer grant, or one of the participating NCHFA lenders for the NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment, or another based on your situation.

3

Get pre-approved

The lender reviews your finances and confirms which programs, if any, you qualify for and the assistance amount. Then you know what you can buy and what may come toward your down payment.

4

Find your home

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.

5

Apply assistance at closing

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

Six real programs

These are programs available to qualifying NC buyers right now. We'll look at which ones may apply to your situation — the participating lender confirms eligibility and which combinations are possible.

State program (NCHFA) $15,000

NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment

$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

  • First-time buyer (no primary residence owned in the past 3 years), military veteran, or purchase in a targeted census tract
  • Income limits vary by county and household size
  • Credit score 640 or higher
  • Home in North Carolina as your primary residence
  • Purchase price limit up to $525,000, subject to current NCHFA guidelines. Loan amount, income, credit, and other eligibility restrictions may apply. Final eligibility is determined by a participating lender.
  • Always paired with an NC Home Advantage Mortgage™ and replaces (does not add to) that mortgage's 3% assistance; not every program can be combined — the lender confirms
Read official program details ↗ Full program guide →
Lender programs Grant

Lender-backed homebuyer grant

Some participating lenders offer down payment grants that never have to be repaid, in eligible areas of Charlotte and the surrounding NC counties. The amount, the areas and the loan type depend on each lender and can change.

Eligibility

  • Property or borrower in an eligible area
  • Income limits based on property location
  • Only with certain loan types from that lender
  • Primary residence requirement
  • Possible 1099-MISC tax implications — consult a tax advisor
Ask which lenders offer it on your free call →
Lender programs Credit

Lender closing-cost credit

Some participating lenders offer closing-cost credits for processing fees, appraisal and other one-time closing costs. In some cases they can be combined with the same lender's down payment grant. The amount depends on the lender and the program.

Eligibility

  • Income limits may apply based on property location
  • Available in certain areas
  • Not available with all loan types
  • Primary residence
Ask which lenders offer it on your free call →
Federal program 3.5% down minimum

FHA Loans (3.5% down)

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

  • Credit score typically 580+ for 3.5% down
  • Debt-to-income ratio guidelines
  • Property must meet FHA standards
  • Mortgage insurance required
Read official program details ↗ Full program guide →
Federal program 0% down available

VA Loans (0% down for veterans)

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

  • Active-duty service member, veteran, or eligible surviving spouse
  • Certificate of Eligibility (COE) required
  • Property must be primary residence
  • VA funding fee may apply
Read official program details ↗ Full program guide →
Federal program 0% down available

USDA Rural Development Loans

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

  • Property in USDA-eligible area
  • Income limits based on household size and county
  • Primary residence only
  • U.S. citizen or qualifying non-citizen
Read official program details ↗ Full program guide →

More guides, subject to qualification: NC Home Advantage Mortgage™ · Community Partners Loan Pool · ITIN mortgages · HouseCharlotte · compare all eight programs

✦ Free tools

Before you call, run your numbers

Two educational tools that run in your browser without asking for personal details: a 9-question quiz to see whether down payment help is worth reviewing, and a price-range calculator with county property taxes.

Do I qualify for down payment help? ✦How much home can I afford?

✦ Honest answers

Frequently asked questions

Who qualifies for $15,000 down payment assistance in NC?

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 income limits that vary by county and household size, and a credit score of 640 or higher. The home must be in North Carolina, a primary residence, and priced at or below $525,000.

Do I have to pay back the down payment assistance?

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.

Can I combine multiple down payment programs?

Yes — many programs can be stacked. For example, a participating lender's down payment grant can sometimes be combined with that same lender's closing-cost credit, and with state programs such as the NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment. Each combination is confirmed by the lender. We work together to identify the best option for your situation.

Do I have to be a U.S. citizen to qualify?

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). Since May 25, 2025, FHA loans are limited to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, with narrow exceptions. We'll review your specific situation.

How long does the down payment assistance process take?

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.

Are these programs only for first-time buyers?

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. Each lender's programs have their own eligibility criteria. We'll figure out which combination works best for you.

✦ Get in touch ✦

Let's explore your homebuyer assistance options

Tell me a little about your situation and we'll look together at which programs might apply — free, no commitment, no pressure. Every case is different, which is why I'd rather talk it through with you.

(704) 380-7185 · berenicecruz@kw.com

— sí, hablamos español

Privacy notice: what you submit through this form is used only to respond to your inquiry and coordinate your consultation; it is never sold. Please do not include sensitive financial information — Social Security or ITIN numbers, account or card numbers, or income documents. Those details are reviewed privately, directly with a participating lender. Privacy policy.

Important: Berenice Cruz is a North Carolina real estate broker, 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://berenicecruzrealty.com. Always review official program details directly with the participating lender or program administrator before making decisions. Equal Housing Opportunity.

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