All eight programs, side by side
Each row is a program, and each column answers a practical question: who it's for, how much it provides, whether you must be a first-time buyer, what credit it needs, which income or price limits apply, how repayment works and where you apply. Cells are summaries; each program guide lists the full requirements with source and date.
Everything here is subject to qualification. Terms and funding can change; your lender confirms them. For a first pass, try the down payment help screener or the home affordability calculator, and read our article on down payment assistance in 2026.
| Program | Who it’s for | Amount | First-time only? | Credit | Limits | Repayment | How to apply |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment | First purchase in 3 years, veterans, or targeted tract | $15,000 | Yes, except veterans and targeted tracts | 640 (660 manufactured) | $525,000 price; income by county and household | Deferred, interest-free; forgiven at end of year 15 | NCHFA participating lender |
| NC Home Advantage Mortgage™ | First-time and move-up buyers | Up to 3% of the loan | No | 640 (660 manufactured) | $158,000 income; no NCHFA price cap | Deferred, interest-free; forgiven at end of year 15 | NCHFA participating lender |
| Community Partners Loan Pool (CPLP) | Income below 80% of county AMI | Up to 25% of price or $50,000 (lesser) | Not stated on NCHFA's page | Set by the first mortgage; ask your lender | Income and price by county | Interest-free; forgiveness not published | CPLP member organization |
| USDA loan | Buyers in an eligible rural area | Up to 100% of the price | No | No USDA minimum; lenders may set one | Income up to 115% of median; eligible address | 30-year fixed loan | USDA-approved lender |
| FHA loan | Limited savings or credit still rebuilding | Loan with as little as 3.5% down | No | 580 for max financing; 500–579 with 10% down | County loan limit | Loan with upfront and annual MIP | FHA-approved lender |
| VA loan | Eligible veterans and service members | Up to 100% if price ≤ appraisal | No | No VA minimum; lender sets it | Service requirements and COE | No PMI; funding fee applies | Lender, with VA COE |
| ITIN mortgages | Buyers who file taxes with an ITIN | Varies by lender | Varies by lender | Set by each lender | Vary by lender | Terms vary; compare in writing | Lender offering portfolio or non-QM products |
| HouseCharlotte | First-time buyers inside Charlotte city limits | Up to $80,000 | Yes | Not published by the city; ask your lender | $365,000 price; income up to 110% of median | 30-year deferred; forgivable in year 31 | Your lender, on your behalf |
One guide per program
NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment
The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency's NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment puts $15,000 toward the down payment for first-time buyers, military veterans and anyone buying in a targeted census tract, subject to qualification.
NC Home Advantage Mortgage™
The NC Home Advantage Mortgage™ is the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency's 30-year mortgage, and it can come with down payment assistance of up to 3% of the loan amount, subject to qualification.
Community Partners Loan Pool (CPLP)
NCHFA's Community Partners Loan Pool (CPLP) lends up to 25% of the sales price or $50,000, whichever is less, interest-free, to buyers whose income is below 80% of the county's area median, subject to qualification.
USDA loan
USDA's Section 502 loan guarantee program lets qualified buyers finance 100% of the price, with no down payment, when the home sits in an eligible rural area, subject to qualification.
FHA loan
An FHA loan, insured by HUD, lets you buy with as little as 3.5% down, subject to qualification, and it accepts gifts from relatives and assistance programs toward that down payment.
VA loan
A VA purchase loan lets eligible veterans and service members buy with no down payment, as long as the price doesn't exceed the appraised value, and with no private mortgage insurance, subject to qualification.
ITIN mortgages
Mortgages for people who file taxes with an ITIN are generally non-agency products, meaning portfolio or non-QM loans, with terms that vary from lender to lender, subject to qualification.
HouseCharlotte
HouseCharlotte is the City of Charlotte's program offering deferred, forgivable loans of up to $80,000 to first-time homebuyers, subject to qualification.
Frequently asked questions
Which program is the best fit for me?
It comes down to four things: whether you've owned a home in the last three years, your income, your credit score and where the home is. HouseCharlotte, for instance, only works inside Charlotte city limits, and USDA only at eligible rural addresses. The site's screener gives you a first pass; your lender makes the final call, subject to qualification.
Can I combine programs?
Some are designed to go together: NC 1st Home Advantage is always paired with an NC Home Advantage Mortgage™, and CPLP pairs with that mortgage or with USDA 502 Direct. HouseCharlotte's administrator says it can often be combined with CPLP. Not every program can be combined: for example, NC 1st Home Advantage ($15,000) replaces, rather than adds to, the NC Home Advantage Mortgage™'s own 3% assistance. Any other combination needs to be confirmed by your participating lender.
Do I have to be a first-time buyer?
Not always. The NC Home Advantage Mortgage™ welcomes buyers who have owned before. NC 1st Home Advantage requires no ownership in three years, except for veterans and purchases in targeted census tracts. HouseCharlotte is for first-time buyers. The official FHA, VA and USDA sources we reviewed don't set that condition.
What are my options if I file taxes with an ITIN?
FHA and USDA require lawful status, NCHFA's assistance requires U.S. legal residency, and for VA, check with your lender. ITIN mortgages are generally private portfolio or non-QM products, with terms that vary by lender. Our ITIN guide explains what the official sources say and what to ask before you apply, subject to qualification.
Where do I apply for each program?
NCHFA programs go through a participating lender, which you can search for on NCHFA's site. CPLP goes through a member organization on the official list. USDA goes through a USDA-approved lender. HouseCharlotte goes through your lender, who applies for you. If you'd like help sorting it out, book a free 20-minute call.
Next step: The complete guide to buying a home in North Carolina · Town guides
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