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NDHFA FirstHome Program
The North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) started the FirstHome Program providing mortgage loans to low- to moderate-income first-time homebuyers with the FirstHome Program.
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be first-time homebuyers; those who have not owned a home (including a manufactured home) in the last three years.
- Meet income limits (shown below) that vary based on county and family size.
- Meet normal credit underwriting standards
- Occupy the property as their principal residence
- Make a minimum contribution of $500 from their own funds.
NDHFA HomeAccess program
NDHFA’s HomeAccess program isn’t solely for first-time homebuyers, but like the FirstHome program, it comes with low rates and down payment assistance. However, this program is geared toward specific groups:
- A single parent with at least one dependent child who lives with the parent at least 50 percent of the time
- An honorably discharged veteran (either the borrower or the borrower’s spouse)
- A borrower either living with a permanent disability or who has a dependent or spouse living with a permanent disability who also lives with the borrower
- A borrower aged 65 years or older, or who has a dependent or spouse aged 65 years or older who also lives with the borrower
NDHFA North Dakota Roots program
NDHFA’s North Dakota Roots loan program can be an option for first-time and repeat homebuyers whose incomes exceed the FirstHome program’s limits. The North Dakota Roots income limits vary by county.
NDHFA Targeted Area Loan
If you’re interested in buying a home in the following counties, you could also qualify for a low-interest rate Targeted Area Loan through NDHFA:
- Benson County
- McKenzie County
- Rolette County
- Sioux County
You don’t need to be a first-time homebuyer to take advantage of this loan, though you’ll need to meet income and purchase price limits. These limits are higher than the limits for the FirstHome and HomeAccess programs, and the purchase price is up to $346,315.
| County | Family of Less Than 3 | Family of 3 or More |
| Benson, Rolette, Sioux | $108,120 | $126,140 |
| McKenzie | $118,320 | $138,040 |
| County | Purchase Limit |
| Benson, McKenzie, Rolette, Sioux | $381,308 |
National First-Time Homebuyer Loan Programs
- FHA Loans – FHA home loans are very popular with first-time homebuyers cause they require a 580 credit score with just a 3.5% down payment. Debt-to-income ratios up to 50% are allowed making them perfect for low-income borrowers.
- Conventional Loans – Conventional loans require a 620 credit score and a 5% to 20% down payment. If you put 20% or more down, mortgage insurance will not be required.
- USDA Loans – USDA mortgage loans are for low-to-median income borrowers buying a home located in a USDA-eligible rural area. They provide 100% financing with a 620 or higher credit score. Mortgage insurance is required but the rate is the lowest of any type of mortgage program available.
- VA Loans – Veterans of the U.S. military may be eligible for a VA home loan. No down payment or mortgage insurance is required and veterans with a 580 to 620 credit score are eligible.
- HomeReady and Home Possible Loans – Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae created the HomeReady and Home Possible loan programs for low-income first-time homebuyers whose income does not exceed 100% of the area median income requiring just a 3% down payment and a 620 credit score.
Helpful Resources
Statewide Programs
Eastern North Dakota
- Fargo Housing
- Fargo – SE North Dakota Community Action Agency – serving Steele, Traill, Cass, Ransom, Sargent, and Richland counties
- Grand Forks – Red River Valley Community Action Agency – serving Nelson, Pembina, Walsh, and Grand Forks counties
- Jamestown – Community Action Region VI – serving Barnes, Dickey, Foster, Griggs, McIntosh, Stuttsman, and Wells counties
Western North Dakota
- Bismarck – Community Action Program Region VIII – serving Burleigh, Emmons, Grant, Kidder, McLean, Mercer, Morton, Oliver, Sheridan, and Sioux counties
- Dickinson – Community Action and Development Program – serving Adams, Billings, Bowman, Divide, Dunn, Golden Valley, Hettinger, McKenzie, Slope, Stark and Williams counties
- Minot – Community Action Opportunities – serving Bottineau, Burke, McHenry, Mountrail, Pierce, Renville, and Ward counties (701) 839-7221 or (800) 726-8645 or TDD (701) 852-3028
- Williston – Community Action and Development – serving Divide, McKenzie, and Williams counties (701) 572-8191
Tribal agencies
- Fort Berthold Housing Authority – New Town – (701) 627-4731
- Spirit Lake Housing Authority – Fort Totten – (701) 766-4131
- Standing Rock Housing Authority – Fort Yates – (701) 854-3891
- Turtle Mountain Housing Authority – Belcourt – (701) 477-5673
Getting Started
- Education – learn about buying and maintaining your home
- Housing counseling agencies – free or low-cost counseling services for buying, renting, defaults, foreclosures, credit issues and reverse mortgages
- Predatory lending – beware if you’re buying or refinancing your home; don’t become a victim of unfair lending practices
Buying a Home
Owning and Maintaining Your Home
Other North Dakota Resources
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