Secure a forgivable grant that covers your full down payment and jumpstart your path to homeownership today.
Verify Your Empowered DPA Program Eligibility
The Empowered Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Program is a grant-based initiative that helps qualified homebuyers overcome one of the biggest barriers to homeownership: the initial down payment.
This program provides up to 3.5% of the home’s purchase price as a non-repayable grant, meaning recipients are not required to pay it back as long as they remain in the home for at least six months.
It is tailored for first-time buyers and professionals in essential fields such as education, healthcare, emergency response, and government service.
Up to 3.5% of purchase price covered — fully forgivable after 6 months.
No repayment required if conditions are met.
Covers entire down payment for FHA loans.
Interest rate reduction may be available, lowering long-term costs.
Open to buyers earning up to 140% of Area Median Income (AMI).
Supports buyers in underserved census tracts.
Available to key professions: military, educators, first responders, medical staff, and government employees.
Allows multiple property types: single-family homes, duplexes, manufactured homes, FHA-approved condos, and PUDs.
No second lien required — the assistance is structured as a grant.
No recapture tax upon resale or refinance.
Simplified qualification and application process through approved lenders.
First-time homebuyers, or those who haven’t owned a home in the past 3 years.
OR applicants must be current or former members of eligible professions (military, healthcare, education, first responders, or government service).
Income must not exceed 140% of AMI for the area where the home is located.
Minimum credit score of 620.
Must purchase a primary residence only — no investment properties.
Maximum debt-to-income (DTI) ratio of 48.99%.
Must complete an approved homebuyer education course prior to closing.
Eligible properties include single-family homes, duplexes, manufactured homes, FHA-approved condominiums, and PUDs.
Answer a few quick questions to see if you qualify based on income, profession, and credit.
Work with a participating lender who will guide you through the application process and match you with the right loan.
Once approved, your grant is applied at closing—covering your FHA down payment with no repayment required.
The Empowered Down Payment Assistance Program provides eligible borrowers with a forgivable grant of up to 3.5% of the home’s purchase price, intended exclusively for use as down payment assistance on FHA-insured mortgage loans.
The grant is not a second lien and does not require monthly repayment.
To receive full forgiveness, the borrower must maintain the home as their primary residence and retain the original mortgage for a minimum of six (6) consecutive months following the closing date.
Failure to meet this occupancy or loan retention requirement may result in the grant being converted into a repayable obligation at the lender’s discretion.
All loans are subject to credit approval, underwriting guidelines, and eligibility verification by an approved participating lender.
Here are answers to the most common questions homebuyers have about the Empowered Down Payment Assistance Program.
The Empowered DPA Program is a grant that helps eligible buyers cover their down payment on an FHA loan by providing up to 3.5 percent of the purchase price.
No repayment is required as long as you keep the home and loan for at least six months.
First-time buyers and individuals in eligible professions such as military service, teaching, healthcare, first response, or government roles may qualify if their income meets the program guidelines.
A credit score of at least 620 is required to be eligible.
Yes, the grant can fully cover the 3.5 percent down payment needed for an FHA loan.
Eligible properties include single-family homes, duplexes, manufactured homes, FHA-approved condos, and planned unit developments.
The program allows a maximum debt-to-income ratio of 48.99 percent.
Yes, applicants must complete an approved homebuyer education course before closing.
In most cases, yes. The Empowered DPA grant can often be used alongside other down payment or closing cost assistance programs.
Begin by verifying your eligibility online and then work with an approved mortgage specialist to complete the application process.
We bring decades of mortgage experience and a genuine commitment to helping people achieve homeownership.
Our team has funded over $1 billion in home loans and supported thousands of families through every step of the process.
We don’t just help you access programs like the Empowered DPA, and we take time to explain your options, answer your questions, and build a loan plan that fits your life.
From free consultations to ongoing support after closing, we’re here to make sure you feel confident and cared for.
When you work with us, you’re not just applying for a loan, you’re gaining a partner who’s invested in your success.
