Step Up
What This Looks Like for a $350,000 Home in Alabama
How Alabama's First-Time Homebuyer Programs Work
Alabama Housing Finance Authority offers Step Up to qualifying first-time buyers in Alabama. Most Alabama buyers pair this with an FHA, VA, USDA, or Conventional 97 loan, using the DPA to cover the down payment, closing costs, or both. The DPA is structured as second mortgage.
Eligibility requirements
Most Alabama HFA programs require: (1) you haven't owned a primary residence in the last 3 years, (2) household income under ~$130,000 (county-dependent), (3) minimum FICO score of 640-680, (4) the home is your primary residence, (5) you complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course (typically online, ~6-8 hours).
How to apply for Step Up
You don't apply directly through Alabama Housing Finance Authority — you apply through one of their participating lenders. The agency lists approved lenders on their website. Get pre-approved with at least 2-3 of them: rates and fees vary, even within the same DPA program.
Combining Alabama DPA with federal loans
Pair Step Up with FHA (3.5% down, 580+ FICO) for the easiest qualifying. Veterans should use VA loans (0% down) — DPA still helps with closing costs. Rural buyers should check USDA (0% down). Buyers with 3-5% down and good credit can use Conventional 97 or HFA Preferred for lower mortgage insurance.
Other Alabama buyer benefits
Beyond DPA, ask your lender about: Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCC) for federal tax credits up to $2,000/year, employer-assisted housing programs (some Alabama employers offer additional grants), and city/county DPA stacking (cities like the largest metros in Alabama often add their own programs on top of state DPA).