Start with the Homebuyer Assistance Finder
This site maintains a Homebuyer Assistance Finder with the program information used across the site. Because program rules and funding change, that tool is the right starting point rather than a static list in an article.
Check which programs may apply to your situation with the Homebuyer Assistance Finder.
Open the Homebuyer Assistance FinderTypes of assistance
Assistance is usually structured in one of these ways:
- Repayable second mortgage — assistance is a second loan with its own payment terms.
- Deferred second mortgage — no monthly payment, repaid on sale, refinance or another triggering event.
- Forgivable loan — forgiven over time if the program's conditions, such as continued occupancy, are met.
- Grant — does not require repayment, but grants are less common and often limited in funding.
- Lender or employer programs — offered by specific institutions with their own criteria.
Where programs come from
The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency administers statewide homebuyer programs delivered through participating lenders. Counties and municipalities in the Triangle may also operate their own assistance programs, and some lenders offer proprietary options.
Each source sets its own eligibility rules. A buyer who qualifies for one program is not automatically eligible for another.
Practical next steps
Review current programs, then speak with a lender approved to originate the specific program you are considering. Ask how the assistance is structured, whether it must be repaid, how it affects your monthly payment, and whether it changes the purchase price limits or property types you can consider.
Frequently asked questions
- Do I have to be a first-time buyer?
- Not always. Some programs are limited to first-time buyers as the program defines that term, while others are not. Requirements vary by program.
- Does assistance have to be repaid?
- It depends on the structure. Repayable and deferred second mortgages are repaid under their terms; forgivable loans are forgiven only if program conditions are met.
- Can I use assistance with any lender?
- Generally no. Most programs require an approved participating lender to originate the loan.
Sources & references
Important notice
This guide is general educational information. It is not financial, tax or lending advice, and it is not a loan commitment or an offer of credit. Program availability, requirements, rates and costs vary by lender, program and borrower, and change over time. Confirm details with a licensed lender or tax professional.