FirstHome + DCA
What This Looks Like for a $350,000 Home in North Dakota
How North Dakota's First-Time Homebuyer Programs Work
North Dakota Housing Finance Agency offers FirstHome + DCA to qualifying first-time buyers in North Dakota. Most North Dakota 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 grant.
Eligibility requirements
Most North Dakota HFA programs require: (1) you haven't owned a primary residence in the last 3 years, (2) household income under ~$115,000 (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 FirstHome + DCA
You don't apply directly through North Dakota Housing Finance Agency — 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 North Dakota DPA with federal loans
Pair FirstHome + DCA 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 North Dakota 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 North Dakota employers offer additional grants), and city/county DPA stacking (cities like the largest metros in North Dakota often add their own programs on top of state DPA).