Homebuyer Assistance
Programs
Buying a new construction home in Charlotte and surrounding areas may cost less out of pocket than you think. I have compiled every active assistance program available to NC buyers, from federal loans to local grants, regardless of your financing type.
17+
Programs Listed
FHA, VA, USDA, Conv.
Loan Types Covered
Up to $50,000
Max DPA Available
6 Counties
Counties Covered
Disclaimer: Program details, income limits, and funding availability change frequently. All information is provided for educational purposes only and is not guaranteed to be current. Always verify program details directly with the administering agency before making financial decisions.
Statewide NC Programs
Available to buyers anywhere in North Carolina
NC Home Advantage Mortgage
Source: NC Housing Finance Agency
Up to 3% of loan amount
Down payment assistance fully forgiven after 15 years
+3 more eligibility criteria
NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment
Source: NC Housing Finance Agency
$15,000
Fixed $15,000 deferred down payment assistance
+3 more eligibility criteria
Community Partners Loan Pool (CPLP)
Source: NC Housing Finance Agency
Up to 25% of sales price or $50,000
Zero-interest subordinate loan - most generous DPA in NC
+1 more eligibility criteria
NC SECU Home Advantage Grant
Source: NC State Employees Credit Union
Up to $17,500
True grant - does not need to be repaid
+2 more eligibility criteria
Rebuild NC Homeownership Assistance Program (HAP)
Source: NC Office of Recovery and Resiliency
Varies by program round
Down payment and closing cost assistance for first-generation buyers
+1 more eligibility criteria
Federal Programs
Government-backed loans and assistance programs
USDA Section 502 Guaranteed Loan
Source: USDA Rural Development
100% financing - no down payment
Zero down payment; competitive fixed rates; no PMI
+2 more eligibility criteria
USDA Section 502 Direct Loan
Source: USDA Rural Development
100% financing - payment subsidy available
Government-issued loan with interest rate as low as 1% with subsidy
+2 more eligibility criteria
VA Home Loan
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
100% financing - no down payment, no PMI
Zero down payment; no private mortgage insurance; competitive rates
+2 more eligibility criteria
FHA Loan
Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
3.5% down payment (580+ credit)
3.5% down with 580+ credit; 10% down with 500-579 credit
+2 more eligibility criteria
Fannie Mae HomeReady
Source: Fannie Mae
3% down payment
Low down payment conventional loan with reduced PMI
+2 more eligibility criteria
Freddie Mac Home Possible
Source: Freddie Mac
3% down payment
Low down payment conventional loan with flexible income sources
+1 more eligibility criteria
Good Neighbor Next Door (HUD)
Source: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
50% discount on HUD-owned homes
Half-price purchase of HUD REO homes in revitalization areas
+3 more eligibility criteria
Local and County Programs
City and county-specific assistance programs
House Charlotte Program
Source: DreamKey Partners / City of Charlotte
Varies by income tier
0% deferred loan for down payment, closing costs, and/or rate buy-down
+2 more eligibility criteria
City of Concord Down Payment Assistance
Source: City of Concord
Up to $25,000
5-year forgivable loan for down payment and closing costs
+2 more eligibility criteria
City of Gastonia Homebuyer Assistance Program
Source: City of Gastonia
Up to $15,000 (pilot program)
Down payment and closing cost assistance; HUD HOME-funded
+1 more eligibility criteria
Monroe-Union County CDC Homebuyer Assistance
Source: Monroe-Union County CDC
Varies by program availability
Financial assistance for income-eligible first-time buyers in Union County
+1 more eligibility criteria
Habitat for Humanity Charlotte Region
Source: Habitat for Humanity Charlotte Region
Affordable mortgage; no down payment
Zero-interest or low-interest mortgage through SHLP; sweat equity required
+2 more eligibility criteria
I'll Help You Stack Programs to Maximize Your Benefits
Many of these programs can be combined. For example, a first-time buyer using an FHA loan can layer the NC Home Advantage Mortgage DPA on top, and if purchasing in Charlotte, add the House Charlotte program as well. The right combination depends on your income, credit, and target community.
As your buyer's agent, I work with you and your lender to identify every program you qualify for before you go under contract.
Ready to find out what you qualify for?
Schedule a buyer consultation and I will walk you through every program that applies to your situation.
Aaron Dicks, REALTOR® - Licensed Agent, Lifestyle International Realty
Free HUD-Approved Housing Counseling
Many assistance programs require homebuyer education. HUD-approved counselors in the Charlotte area offer free or low-cost education and one-on-one counseling sessions. Community Link (704-943-9490) and DreamKey Partners (704-342-0933) are two local HUD-approved agencies.