02/26/2026
Most first-time buyers have no idea how much free money is available to them right now. And honestly, most agents never even bring it up.
These are real grant programs available in 2026 that help cover your down payment and closing costs. And you do not have to pay them back.
National Homebuyers Fund (NHF) Up to 5% of your loan amount as a grant. Works with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans. You don’t even have to be a first-time buyer to qualify.
Bank of America Down Payment Grant Up to $10,000 toward your down payment in select markets. No repayment required. Must finance through Bank of America.
Wells Fargo Homebuyer Access Grant Up to $10,000 toward your down payment. Plus up to $5,000 in closing cost credits through their Dream Plan Home program. No repayment on either.
Chase Homebuyer Grant Up to $5,000 in select communities. Can be used for down payment, closing costs, or to buy down your interest rate.
HUD Good Neighbor Next Door Teachers, police officers, firefighters, and EMTs can purchase HUD-owned homes at a 50% discount in designated areas. That is not a typo.
If you’re in Mahoning, Trumbull, or Columbiana Counties There is More...
The At Home In Youngstown program offers up to $10,000 for down payments and closing costs, plus up to $15,000 for repairs, to help residents buy homes and improve energy efficiency. Funded by $5 million in ARPA funds, it aims to boost homeownership and neighborhood stability. Synonyms include Youngstown homebuyer assistance and residential property improvement grant. My City is Showing Up For The People.
Mahoning County Land Bank "Buy a House to Renovate": Allows qualified buyers to purchase homes at a lower cost, with the requirement to complete renovations
Welcome Home Ohio Program, offering up to $20,000 for down payments, and the Warren-Trumbull HOME Consortium, providing up to $10,000 for low-to-moderate income homebuyers. Additional options include Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) programs (3-3.5% down payment assistance) and the Grants for Grads program.
• Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA) Down Payment Assistance: Provides 2.5% or 5% of the purchase price for conventional or government loans.
• Grants for Grads (OHFA): Down payment assistance specifically for recent college graduates.
• Welcome Home Ohio (WHO): Provides grants for purchasing, rehabilitating, or constructing affordable homes.
• Affordable Housing Developments: The Columbiana County Land Reutilization Corporation is building affordable, under-$180k homes in Leetonia and rehabilitating homes in East Palestine.
Curious 👀 Reach Out
•• Most of these programs require a homebuyer education course, income qualifications, and working with an approved lender. Your agent and loan officer should be walking you through every single option you qualify for before you start shopping for homes. That is the bare minimum standard of service you deserve.
Save this as reference if you are looking to buy 🏡
••• Then Call Us ☎️ or Message US 💌
Jess Hartzell - Realtor on The Erica Winner-Sauceman Team KW Legacy Group
330-402-9595
Are You a Lender? Have another Program and want to be added to the list? Inbox me the details
