Down Payment Assistance Programs

• Up to 100% financing of the appraised value available for eligible first-time homebuyers 
• Mortgage insurance not required 
• Owner-occupied, primary residence only 
• Borrower required to contribute a minimum of $500 
• Gifted funds permitted 
• Income and location restrictions apply 

• As little as 3% down payment (all can be gifted)
• Mortgage insurance required
• One-unit primary residence

FHLB Grants and Assistance 
This program offers funds for the purchase of an existing unit by a first-time homebuyer (have not owned a home in the last 3 years).  

Program Highlights:  

• Must be primary residence with forgivable loan options after 5 years 
• Homebuyer counseling required 
• Grant funds can be used for down payment and closing costs 
• Household income limits may apply 

FHLB Community Partners 
We offer a unique financial opportunity for current or retired law enforcement officers, educators, health care workers, firefighters and other first responders who are purchasing a home. 

Program Highlights: 

• Maximum assistance is $15,000, homebuyer must contribute at least $1,000 
• Eligible homebuyers include veterans and active-duty military, or their surviving spouse, essential workers, law enforcement officers, educators, healthcare workers, firefighters or any other first responders 
• Eligible for primary residence purchases 
• Income limits apply 
• Homebuyer education course required 

FHA Loan 
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) leads the way in affordable home financing with low down payment options and flexible qualifying guidelines. 

Program Highlights: 

• As little as 3.5% of the appraised value for down payment 
• Gift funds may be used for down payment assistance 
• Fixed-rate mortgage
• Seller can pay closing cost up to 6% 

FHA Construction-to-Permanent Loan 
This loan program combines the purchases of your lot, construction costs and permanent mortgage financing into a single loan-ensuring you have the funds to build your dream home in one closing.  

Program Highlights: 

• Down payments as little as 3.5% of the appraised value 
• Maximum loan amount based on county loan limits set by Federal Housing Administration (FHA) 
• Maximum debt-to-income (DTI) ratio of 50% allowed 
• Required reserves of at least two months of principal, interest, taxes, insurance and association dues 
• 12-month construction phase 
• Available for primary residences only 

US Department of Agriculture (USDA) loans are a popular option for many first-time homebuyers who may not meet the traditional 5-20% down payment requirement. 

Program Highlights: 

• No down payment required 
• Up to 100% financing of the appraised home value available 
• One-time guarantee fee may be rolled into the loan amount 
• Restrictions based on income and location may apply 
• Eligibility restrictions apply 
• Mortgage insurance required 

We are proud to serve those who have served our country. Through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), we offer a special financing option for our veterans, available with little to no down payment. 

Program Highlights: 

• Loan amounts up to $1,250,000 for eligible borrowers 
• Up to 100% financing of the appraised home value available for qualified borrowers; based on entitlement remaining for the veteran 
• No monthly mortgage insurance 
• Funding fee may be financing into the loan 
• Closing costs can be paid with gift funds, with available grants, or by seller 
• Seller concessions allowed up to 4% 

Alabama Housing Finance Authority (AHFA)  
AHFA’s programs offer a variety of options for buyers such as down payment assistance, closing cost assistance and mortgage credit certificates, which reduce the amount of federal income tax homebuyers must pay. Visit the AHFA website to learn more. 

Ameris Choice
Ameris Choice provides qualified borrowers with up to $20,000 in assistance to purchase a new house or refinance their current home in the Jacksonville, Florida area. Click here to see a map of eligibility areas and learn more about the program.

Salute Our Soldiers Military Loan Program 
Administered by the Florida Housing Finance Corporation, The Salute our Soldiers Military Loan Program offers military service personnel and veterans 30-year, fixed-rate first mortgage loans with several down payment assistance options. This program is available in all 67 counties throughout the State of Florida to borrowers who are purchasing a primary residence, meet income and purchase price limits, can qualify for a first mortgage loan, and successfully complete a homebuyer education course. 

Jacksonville Head Start to HOME Ownership (H2H) Program 
The H2H program provides financial aid in the form of down payment and closing cost assistance to eligible families and/or individuals in Duval County. Families and/or individuals who do not currently own a house, who will reside in the home as their primary residence and who meet household income criteria will be eligible for assistance pending funding availability. 

Florida Housing’s First-Time Homebuyer (FTHB) Program 
This program offers 30-year fixed-rate loans to first-time homebuyers through participating lenders and lending institutions across the state of Florida. Eligible borrowers may also participate in one of Florida Housing’s second mortgage programs to assist borrowers with down payment assistance and closing costs. Click here for more information. 

Freddie Mac BorrowSmart Access
Through contributions from Ameris Bank and Freddie Mac, BorrowSmart
Access provides qualified first-time homebuyers in the Atlanta area with $3,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. Click here for more information.

Georgia Dream
GA Dream offers a way for qualified homebuyers to obtain affordable first mortgage financing and down payment assistance to purchase a home. Learn more here.

Housing Authority of Cobb County
The Authority works to help finance the cost of providing an adequate supply of housing for residents of Cobb County. Qualified applicants may be able to receive a down payment grant towards purchasing or refinancing a home in Cobb County, Georgia.

DeKalb County Workforce Enhancement (WE DeKalb) 
The WE DeKalb program provides a down payment grant to qualified applicants interested in purchasing or refinancing a home in DeKalb County, Georgia. The program may be especially ideal for those who may exceed earning limits to qualify for affordable housing subsidies, but need help with down payment and closing costs. Visit the WE DeKalb website to learn more. 

Invest Atlanta 
Invest Atlanta offers multiple assistance programs and incentives to help make the dream of homeownership possible within the City of Atlanta. Incentives can be used toward down payment and closing costs. Click here to visit the Invest Atlanta website. 

Baltimore City First-Time Home Buyer Incentive Program 
Offered by the Office of Homeownership, this program helps homebuyers in Baltimore. Buyers are assisted with a variety of incentives that can make purchasing a home more affordable. Learn more about Baltimore City First Time Home Buyer Incentive Program. 

Vacants to Value Booster 
The Vacants to Value Booster offers down payment and closing costs to homebuyers purchasing abandoned homes with the intent to renovate the property using a rehabilitation loan.  

Baltimore County SELP 
The Settlement Expense Loan Program (SELP) provides assistance to income-eligible first-time homebuyers to help pay closing costs required in the purchase of an existing home within the designated Community Conservation Areas of Baltimore County. 

Montgomery County Revolving Closing Cost Assistance Program (RCCAP) “5 for 5” 
This program provides qualified homebuyers who work in Montgomery County, Maryland, with a second mortgage that can be used to assist in closing costs and/or down payments. Learn more about this Closing Cost Assistance Program. 

Prince George’s County Pathway to Purchase 
Pathway to Purchase in Prince George County helps eligible homeowners get an affordable home loan with generous down payment assistance. This program can provide up to $25,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. The borrower must get pre-approval from Maryland Mortgage Program and can combine benefits of both programs to purchase a home. 

North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) Home Advantage programs 
The North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) offers several Home Advantage programs to help homebuyers secure mortgages and down payment assistance. Program incentives are available for eligible first-time homebuyers, move-up homebuyers and military veterans. Click here to visit the NCHFA website. 

Community Partners Loan Pool (CPLP) 
Another option from the NCHFA, the Community Partners Loan Pool offers no-interest deferred second mortgages. CPLP may be combined with other down payment assistance programs, including the NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment. Click here to visit the CPLP website. 

Forsyth Affordable Homeownership Opportunity Program - HOME (AHOP HOME) 
The Affordable Homeownership Opportunity Program provides eligible homebuyers in Forsyth County, North Carolina, with funds to assist with the down payment and closing costs associated with purchasing their first home. Click here to learn more.

Winston-Salem Home Ownership Assistance Program 
Administered by the Community Development Department of the City of Winston-Salem, the Home Ownership Assistance Program provides financial and technical assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers.

SC Housing
SC Housing offers competitive mortgage loans and down payment assistance (DPA) to help families and individuals become homeowners. They offer competitive fixed-rate mortgage loans combined with funds to help cover down payment and closing costs.

Richland County Home Ownership Assistance 
Richland County Community Development offers its Home Ownership Assistance program to help make homeownership possible in unincorporated Richland County. 

Lexington County Homebuyer Assistance Program 
Lexington County’s Homebuyer Assistance Program provides qualified first-time homebuyers with down payment and/or closing cost assistance. For information and eligibility requirements, visit Lexington County’s website.  

Tennessee Housing Development Agency 
The Great Choice Home Loan program is designed to make homeownership available and affordable for Tennesseans. Homebuyers who qualify for the Great Choice Home Loan can also apply for down payment assistance in the form of a Great Choice Plus second loan to help with your down payment and/or closing costs. Additional financing incentives are available for military members through the Homeownership for the Brave Program. Visit the THDA website for details.

The Housing Fund 
The Housing Fund, a private non-profit organization, offers loans for down payment, prepaids and closing costs to individuals and families. Click here for criteria 

VHDA Down Payment Assistance Grant 
With Virginia Housing Development Authority’s (VHDA) Down Payment Assistance Grant, qualified first-time homebuyers may receive a percentage of the purchase price to help with the down payment. Click here to learn more.

DC Opens Doors  
DC Open Doors provides several mortgage programs and down payment assistance options that help make homeownership more accessible and affordable in the District of Columbia. Click here for more information on D.C. Open Doors.

DHCD Employer-Assisted Housing Program  Administered by the DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), the Employer-Assisted Housing Program (EAHP) offers eligible District government employees deferred, 0% interest loan and a matching funds grant for down payment and closing costs to purchase their first single family home, condominium, or cooperative unit in the District. Click here to learn more.

DHCD Home Purchase Assistance Program 
Ameris Bank proudly offers the Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) in partnership with the DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). This program offers interest-free loans and closing cost assistance to qualified applicants to purchase single family houses, condominiums, or cooperative units in the District.

Live Near Your Work 
Live Near Your Work Program is a partnership between the District of Columbia and participating employers to encourage residents to live in walking and/or transit distance to their work. The District will match employers up to $8,000 in assistance for employee homebuyers. This program is a helpful recruitment tool for employers, encourages higher employee performance and less turnover.