Move + ASSIST
What This Looks Like for a $350,000 Home in Vermont
How Vermont's First-Time Homebuyer Programs Work
Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) offers Move + ASSIST to qualifying first-time buyers in Vermont. Most Vermont 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 Vermont HFA programs require: (1) you haven't owned a primary residence in the last 3 years, (2) household income under ~$137,000 (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 Move + ASSIST
You don't apply directly through Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) — 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 Vermont DPA with federal loans
Pair Move + ASSIST 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 Vermont 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 Vermont employers offer additional grants), and city/county DPA stacking (cities like the largest metros in Vermont often add their own programs on top of state DPA).