First-generation home buyer grants
A first-generation home buyer is usually someone whose parents never owned a home. A handful of states set money aside for these buyers, on top of their regular first-time buyer help.
- State programs for first-generation buyers
- 6 in 6 states
- Largest open amount
- $25,000, Rhode Island
State programs for first-generation buyers
| Program | State | Amount | Grant or loan |
|---|---|---|---|
| California Dream For All Shared Appreciation Loan. Only for first-generation homebuyers (at least one borrower). | California | Up to 20% of the price, at most $150,000. Waiting list only | Deferred loan |
| RIHousing FirstGenHomeRI. Only for first-generation homebuyers currently living in Central Falls, East Providence, Pawtucket, Woonsocket, parts of Providence (not 02906) or one Newport census tract. | Rhode Island | Up to $25,000 | Forgivable loan |
| New Jersey Smart Start Plus First-Generation Program. Only for first-generation homebuyers (all borrowers must sign an affidavit of first-generation eligibility). | New Jersey | Up to $22,000 | Forgivable loan |
| Vermont First Generation Homebuyer Program. Only for first-generation buyers: at least one titleholder was in foster care, or whose parents or guardians never owned a home or lost it to foreclosure. | Vermont | Up to $15,000 | Grant |
| Maine First Generation Program. Only for borrowers who never lived in a home owned by their parents or legal guardians, or who were in foster care as children. | Maine | Up to $10,000 | Grant |
| New Hampshire 1st Generation Homebuyer (1stGenHomeNH). Only for first-generation homebuyers. | New Hampshire | Up to $10,000 | Deferred loan |
Each program's own page gives its income limit, credit score and how to apply. There is no federal first-generation down payment grant to apply for; the programs below are run by state housing agencies. In every other state, first-generation buyers can use the same first-time buyer help as everyone else: pick your state or compare all states.
Talk to a lender that works with programs for first-generation buyers
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