First Home Program
If someone is wanting to buy their very first home or if it’s been more than three years since they’ve owned a home, the First Home Program is a perfect fit.
The First Home Program is for buyers who don’t qualify for our Military Home Program and don’t need down payment and closing cost assistance. All buyers in this program must meet NIFA’s first-time homebuyer eligibility requirement.
First Home Targeted Program
The First Home Targeted Program is for buyers who purchase a home located in a target area and do not need down payment and closing cost assistance. Buyers do not need to meet NIFA's first-time homebuyer requirement. Maximum household income and purchase price limits are higher when a home is located in a target area.
Important Memo: Update #24-2 Target Areas & Maps
Target areas are designated by the federal government. The following counties have targeted census tracts:
Geocoding/Mapping System
You can use NIFA's Geocoding/Mapping System to help you identify whether or not a specific home is located in a target area. To use the map:
- Click the magnifying glass symbol in the top right corner of the map.
- Type your property address into the "Find address or place" search field, press Enter.
- The map will zoom to the exact property location.
- TARGET area properties will be within a purple shaded area.
NON-TARGET areas are shaded light tan.
To search additional properties, close the "search result" box by clicking the X in the top right corner, and type a new address into the "Find address or place" search field.
Loan Options & Helpful Links
Loan type options are a conventional-insured, FHA-insured, USDA Rural Development-guaranteed or VA-guaranteed. NIFA doesn’t require mortgage insurance if the down payment is 20% or more and if buyers qualify for a conventional loan.
