Down payment assistance programs are among the most dynamic products in mortgage lending. Income limits adjust with AMI changes. Funding pools exhaust mid-year and get replenished. Program structures shift from forgivable loans to deferred seconds and back. An MLO who knew a DPA program well in 2024 may be working from outdated information in 2026.
The Core Framework Across All State HFAs
Nearly every state housing finance agency offers at least one form of DPA. The most common structures are: outright grants (no repayment), deferred second mortgages (repaid only on sale or payoff), and forgivable loans (forgiven over a period of years if the borrower stays in the home). Income limits typically scale with area median income. Purchase price caps vary by county.
Programs with Notable 2026 Activity
- ✦Massachusetts: MassHousing DPA up to $50,000 in high-cost counties. ONE Mortgage SoftSecond remains active.
- ✦New York: SONYMA DPAL up to $15,000. NYC HPD HomeFirst up to $100,000 for eligible city residents.
- ✦Connecticut: CHFA DAP up to $15,000 deferred second. Verify current terms with CHFA directly.
- ✦Florida: Florida Housing FL Assist $10,000 deferred. HFA Preferred Grant 3-4% for eligible borrowers.
- ✦Texas: TSAHC Homes for Texas Heroes 3-5% grant. TDHCA My First Texas Home for first-time buyers.
How to Stay Current
The only reliable source for current program terms is the state HFA itself or an approved participating lender. Aria knows the program structures and typical terms for all 50 states, but program funding and income limit changes happen without announcement. Always verify before quoting a borrower.
Aria can tell you which programs exist in any state, how they are typically structured, and what income and credit requirements generally apply. Always confirm current availability with the HFA or a participating lender.
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