48 Meriden Rd, Suite 1, Middlefield, CT 06455
844.788.7237
info@northeast-mortgage.com

Down Payment Assistance and Low Down Payment Programs

Talk to one of our Mortgage Professionals about our Down Payment Assistance Options. 

Call us 7 days a week at 844.788.7237.

Having Trouble Viewing on Mobile? – Download Our Free DPA Comparison  

NEF Logo


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click on any image or use the menu for more detail on each program.  If you need help please call us at 844.788.7237.  We are available 7 days a week and here to answer any questions you may have.

Housing Development Fund’s (HDF) SmartMove will help eligible first-time homebuyers in Connecticut overcome the obstacle of the 20% downpayment with a low-interest second mortgage.

What does it cover?

Up to 20% of the sales price in the form of a repayable 2nd mortgage.

Can you use this assistance to cover closing costs as well?

No

Min Buyer Contribution

1% in downpayment from the borrower’s own funds.

  • Closing costs do not count toward the 1% requirement
  • Cannot include gift funds

Max Seller Concession to help cover Closing Costs

6%

Min FICO

660

Debt to Income Limits
Housing Ratio / Total Expense Ratio

33 / 41

Borrower Eligibility

First-time homebuyers purchasing in CT service areas whose household income is at or below the respective income limits.

  • HDF’s definition of a first-time homebuyer is someone who has not owned a home in the last 3 years.
  • Additional guidelines will apply

Property Eligibility

Single family dwellings
2 – 4 unit dwellings
Condos
PUDs
Co-ops are not allowed

Max Mortgage Loan Amount for 1st Mortgage

Forgivable

No

Repayable

20-Year Term, Fixed Rate Mortgage (FRM)

Additional Considerations

Borrowers must have funds available for borrower contribution of at least 1% of the purchase price plus pre-closing costs, and emergency reserves.
Borrowers must have a steady work history for the past 2 years in the same industry.
Borrowers must be U.S. citizens, or permanent residents, or have unexpired visas and unexpired work permits.
See list of acceptable visas
No funds can be returned at closing.
Property inspections may not have health or safety hazards.

Disclaimer

This is detail is for informational purposes only. All guidelines are subject to change. All lenders have additional guidelines and criteria that must be met to qualify. All loans are subject to underwriting approval Please contact a Northeast Financial Loan officer to discuss your options and to determine your eligibility for this program.

Chenoa Fund is a national down payment assistance program provided through CBC Mortgage Agency. CBC Mortgage Agency’s mission is to increase nationwide affordable and sustainable homeownership, with a focus on creditworthy, low and moderate-income individuals.

What does it cover?

Up to 5% Down Payment Assistance in the form of forgivable or repayable 2nd mortgage.

Can you use this assistance to cover closing costs as well?

Yes – But often there will need to be some sellers concession given as well to cover all closing costs.

Min Buyer Contribution

0%

Max Seller Concession to help cover Closing Costs

6%

Min FICO

600

Debt to Income Limits
Housing Ratio / Total Expense Ratio

Per AUS
Ranging from
31 / 43
to
46.9 / 56.9

Borrower Eligibility

In order to qualify for Chenoa Fund™ DPA for FHA loans, the borrower must qualify for an FHA loan and meet Chenoa Fund’s minimal product overlays, which include a minimum credit score of 600.

Property Eligibility

Single Family Residence (includes modular)
1-2 Unit
HUD Approved Condos
PUDs Attached and Detached
One of the borrowers must occupy the property as their primary residence. All other FHA Guidelines apply

FHA Condo Search

https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/condlook.cfm

Max Mortgage Loan Amount for 1st Mortgage

Follow FHA Loan Level Limits (HUD.GOV Link)
https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/hicostlook.cfm

Forgivable

This loan has a 30-year term with an interest rate of 0% (0% APR). This loan does not require a monthly payment on the second mortgage. Forgiveness is determined by the DPA amount:

  • 3.5%: Forgivable after 36 consecutive, on-time payments on the FHA first mortgage. This forgiveness period resets if the borrower makes a late payment, but the borrower has the full 30-year term to meet the forgiveness conditions. This loan may also be forgiven at the end of the 30-year term if the previous forgiveness condition has not been met.
  • 5%: Forgivable after the initial 120 consecutive, on-time payments on the FHA first mortgage. This forgiveness period is terminated if the borrower has a payment that is 60+ days late, but the loan will remain with a 30-year term, 0% interest rate (0% APR), and no monthly payment.

Repayable

This 2nd mortgage loan has a 10-year term with an interest rate 2% higher than the interest rate on the FHA first mortgage.

Additional Considerations

Additional Guidelines May Apply

Disclaimer

This is detail is for informational purposes only. All guidelines are subject to change. All lenders have additional guidelines and criteria that must be met to qualify. All loans are subject to underwriting approval Please contact a Northeast Financial Loan officer to discuss your options and to determine your eligibility for this program.

USDA is a great program for borrowers in rural areas with up to 100% financing.

What does it cover?

One loan financing up to 100% of the property appraised value

Can you use this assistance to cover closing costs as well?

Yes as long as the home appraises for more than the agreed purchase price

Min Buyer Contribution

0%

Max Seller Concession to help cover Closing Costs

6%

Min FICO

640

Debt to Income Limits
Housing Ratio / Total Expense Ratio

Per AUS
Ranging from
29 / 41
to
34 / 46

Borrower Eligibility

US Citizens qualified Permanent Resident Aliens, and qualified Non-Permanent Resident Aliens are eligible with supporting documentation.
Foreign Nationals, borrowers with temporary residency status, and borrowers with diplomatic immunity are not eligible.

Applicants must meet income eligibility for a direct loan.

https://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/incomeEligibilityAction.do?pageAction=state

Property Eligibility

To determine if a property is located in an eligible USDA area, visit
http://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov

All dwellings must provide decent, safe, and sanitary at a modest cost (a dwelling with a purchase price not exceeding the FHA Single Family mortgage limit for its county is considered modest), Owner Occupied Only. 1 Unit, PUD’s, Condos, Manufactured Homes that meet all RD requirements (See Manufactured Homes section below), Modular Homes, and Leaseholds. Hawaiian properties are permitted in Lava Zones 3 through 9 with valid homeowner’s insurance coverage.

Max Mortgage Loan Amount for 1st Mortgage

Forgivable

No

Repayable

30yr Fixed Rate Mortgage

Additional Considerations

Additional Guidelines May Apply

Disclaimer

This is detail is for informational purposes only. All guidelines are subject to change. All lenders have additional guidelines and criteria that must be met to qualify. All loans are subject to underwriting approval Please contact a Northeast Financial Loan officer to discuss your options and to determine your eligibility for this program.

VA home financing to those who serve and have served our country, VA are specifically designed with exclusive Veterans benefits for Veterans, Active members, and spouses of those who have served.

What does it cover?

One loan 100% Financing based on the lower of appraised value or purchase price

Can you use this assistance to cover closing costs as well?

No

Min Buyer Contribution

0%

Max Seller Concession to help cover Closing Costs

4%

Min FICO

580

Debt to Income Limits
Housing Ratio / Total Expense Ratio

Per AUS

Borrower Eligibility

Qualified Veterans and Surviving Spouses that meet the minimum requirements

Learn more here:

https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/eligibility/

Property Eligibility

1-4 unit primary residence
Manufactured home
VA Approved Condos
PUD’s

VA Condo Search:

https://lgy.va.gov/lgyhub/condo-report

Max Mortgage Loan Amount for 1st Mortgage

No Published Max

Forgivable

No

Repayable

30yr Fixed Rate Mortgage

Additional Considerations

Additional Guidelines May Apply

Disclaimer

This is detail is for informational purposes only. All guidelines are subject to change. All lenders have additional guidelines and criteria that must be met to qualify. All loans are subject to underwriting approval Please contact a Northeast Financial Loan officer to discuss your options and to determine your eligibility for this program.

DPA Advantage is designed to provide down payment assistance in the form of a grant equal to 2% or 3.5% of the home price on an eligible FHA purchase.

What does it cover?

2% or 3.5% Down Payment Assistance in the form of a gift grant

Can you use this assistance to cover closing costs as well?

No

Min Buyer Contribution

0%

Max Seller Concession to help cover Closing Costs

6%

Min FICO

620

Debt to Income Limits
Housing Ratio / Total Expense Ratio

Per AUS
Ranging from
31 / 43
to
46.9 / 56.9

Borrower Eligibility

An eligible borrower can meet one of the following:
Is equal to or less than 140% of the state or county median income
https://ami-lookup-tool.fanniemae.com/amilook-uptool/

First responders (police officer, firefighter, public safety officer, paramedic, emergency medical technician (EMT), including volunteers, or similar), Educators, Medical personnel (nurse, doctor, phlebotomist, health ambassador, or hospital, American Red Cross worker, or similar), Civil servant in a federal, state, or local municipality, Military personnel, First-Time home buyer,
or
Subject property is located in an underserved census tract

Underserved Census Tract
https://www.afrcorp.com/zip-code-lookup/

Property Eligibility

1-4 unit primary residence
Manufactured home
FHA Approved Condos
PUD’s

FHA Condo Search

https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/condlook.cfm

Max Mortgage Loan Amount for 1st Mortgage

Follow FHA Loan Level Limits (HUD.GOV Link)
https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/hicostlook.cfm

Forgivable

Yes – This Down Payment assistance comes in the form of a Grant

Repayable

No – Only the First Mortgage is repayable. The down payment assistance comes in the form of a Grant.

Additional Considerations

Additional Guidelines May Apply

Disclaimer

This is detail is for informational purposes only. All guidelines are subject to change. All lenders have additional guidelines and criteria that must be met to qualify. All loans are subject to underwriting approval Please contact a Northeast Financial Loan officer to discuss your options and to determine your eligibility for this program.

Empowered DPA is designed to provide down payment assistance in the form of a grant equal to 2% or 3.5% of the home price on an eligible FHA purchase.

What does it cover?

2% or 3.5% Down Payment Assistance in the form of a gift grant

Can you use this assistance to cover closing costs as well?

No

Min Buyer Contribution

0%

Max Seller Concession to help cover Closing Costs

6%

Min FICO

620

Debt to Income Limits
Housing Ratio / Total Expense Ratio

48.99 / 48.99

Borrower Eligibility

Must meet 1 of 3 options:

  1. First-time home buyer
  2. Equal to or less than 140% of medium household income limits,
    1. https://ami-lookup-tool.fanniemae.com/amilook-uptool/
  3. Must be current/retired employment or volunteered/non-paid member

Non-occupant co-borrower’s are allowed. Only the occupying borrower must meet the eligibility requirements for the DPA. Follow FHA guides

Property Eligibility

1-2 unit primary residence
Manufactured home
FHA Approved Condos
PUD’s

FHA Condo Search

https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/condlook.cfm

Max Mortgage Loan Amount for 1st Mortgage

Follow FHA Loan Level Limits (HUD.GOV Link)
https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/hicostlook.cfm

Forgivable

Yes – This Down Payment assistance comes in the form of a Grant

Repayable

No – Only the First Mortgage is repayable. The down payment assistance comes in the form of a Grant.

Additional Considerations

Additional Guidelines May Apply

Disclaimer

This is detail is for informational purposes only. All guidelines are subject to change. All lenders have additional guidelines and criteria that must be met to qualify. All loans are subject to underwriting approval Please contact a Northeast Financial Loan officer to discuss your options and to determine your eligibility for this program.

Down Payment Assistance for FHA Borrowers

What does it cover?

3.5% of Sales Price or Appraised Value (lessor of) in the form of a repayable 2nd mortgage

Can you use this assistance to cover closing costs as well?

No

Min Buyer Contribution

0%

Max Seller Concession to help cover Closing Costs

6%

Min FICO

600

Debt to Income Limits
Housing Ratio / Total Expense Ratio

Per AUS
Ranging from
31 / 43
to
46.9 / 56.9

Borrower Eligibility

Eligible Borrowers: Must have legal residency and valid Social Security Number US Citizens, Permanent Residents and Non-Permanent Resident Aliens (DACA allowed) Inter-Vivos Revocable Trusts
All borrowers must have a credit score

Income Limits:

Up to 160% of SMI or AMI, whichever is greater

Exceptions over 160% will be granted with comment by the Underwriter on the 92900-LT

Underwriter must notate borrower’s income % compared to income limit on Form 92900LT per

Use Individual Median Family Income

Search by State and County in which the property is located

https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/il.html

Property Eligibility

1-2 unit primary residence
Manufactured home
FHA Approved Condos
PUD’s

FHA Condo Search

https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/condlook.cfm

Max Mortgage Loan Amount for 1st Mortgage

Follow FHA Loan Level Limits (HUD.GOV Link)
https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/hicostlook.cfm

Forgivable

No

Repayable

This 2nd mortgage loan has a 10-year term with an interest rate 2% higher than the interest rate on the FHA first mortgage.

Additional Considerations

Additional Guidelines May Apply

Disclaimer

This is detail is for informational purposes only. All guidelines are subject to change. All lenders have additional guidelines and criteria that must be met to qualify. All loans are subject to underwriting approval Please contact a Northeast Financial Loan officer to discuss your options and to determine your eligibility for this program.

The $100 Down Program was developed to help turn foreclosed HUD REO homes into owner-occupied residences. The program covers one to four unit residential properties and waives the usual 3.5% down payment requirement. Borrowers are only required to make a $100 minimum down payment.

What does it cover?

One loan financing of purchase price leaving only $100 for down payment

Can you use this assistance to cover closing costs as well?

No

Min Buyer Contribution

$100

Max Seller Concession to help cover Closing Costs

6%

Min FICO

580

Debt to Income Limits
Housing Ratio / Total Expense Ratio

Per AUS
Ranging from
31 / 43
to
46.9 / 56.9

Borrower Eligibility

Eligible Borrowers: Must have legal residency and valid Social Security Number US Citizens, Permanent Residents and Non Permanent Resident Aliens (DACA allowed) Inter-Vivos Revocable Trusts
All borrowers must have a credit score

Property Eligibility

1-4 unit primary residence
Manufactured home
FHA Approved Condos
PUD’s

FHA Condo Search

https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/condlook.cfm

Max Mortgage Loan Amount for 1st Mortgage

Follow FHA Loan Level Limits (HUD.GOV Link)
https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/hicostlook.cfm

Forgivable

No

Repayable

10, 15, 20, 25, and 30yr Fixed

Additional Considerations

IMPORTANT REMINDER: The sales contract (form HUD-9548) will establish the eligibility for $100 down and purchase price. $100 DOWN PROGRAM

Additional Guidelines May Apply

Disclaimer

This is detail is for informational purposes only. All guidelines are subject to change. All lenders have additional guidelines and criteria that must be met to qualify. All loans are subject to underwriting approval Please contact a Northeast Financial Loan officer to discuss your options and to determine your eligibility for this program.

Ralph Anthony profile picture
Ralph Anthony
April 13, 2026
Zillow star 1Zillow star 2Zillow star 3Zillow star 4Zillow star 5Verified
Clear, thorough guidance every step of the wayReview for Member: Dotty Owens Clear, thorough guidance every step of the way Great experience overall. Dotty was very thorough in going over every step of the process and made sure I knew exactly what to expect at closing—no surprises at all. Communication was clear and consistent, which made everything much less stressful. From the very first conversation, she was responsive, knowledgeable, and genuinely committed to helping me find the best possible loan option for my situation. Lastly, we were able to close this deal very quick. I highly recommend Dotty to anyone looking to for a reliable, trustworthy and supportive partner.
Posted on Zillow Zillow
Christine profile picture
Christine
March 6, 2026
Zillow star 1Zillow star 2Zillow star 3Zillow star 4Zillow star 5Verified
Stephanie was a life saver!Review for Member: Stephanie Smith Stephanie was a life saver! My husband and I found our ideal home before we even had our current house on the market. Stephanie was able to offer us a product that let us make a cash offer, which secured us getting the new home. Stephanie was fabulous to work with throughout the process. She was readily available, answered all our questions and was very invested in making our process successful. Stephanie is very professional, organized and extremely knowledgeable. I would highly recommend Stephanie.
Posted on Zillow Zillow
Kyle Waddell profile picture
Kyle Waddell
March 4, 2026
Zillow star 1Zillow star 2Zillow star 3Zillow star 4Zillow star 5Verified
Stephanie made a complicated process very easy!Review for Member: Stephanie Smith Stephanie made a complicated process very easy! Stephanie helped us with a VA one-time-close new construction project, which is a complicated loan process overall. She was happy to help every step of the way, always going above and beyond to make sure things were moving and being very patient with all parties involved. I would highly recommend her over any other loan officer!
Posted on Zillow Zillow
pscowenhoven profile picture
pscowenhoven
February 2, 2026
Zillow star 1Zillow star 2Zillow star 3Zillow star 4Zillow star 5Verified
GreatReview for Member: Stephanie Smith Great Stephanie did a great job with a complicated situation and worked thru ups and downs to get it done! I think some would have dropped but Stephanie stuck with it! Thank you.
Posted on Zillow Zillow
ashleyngartner profile picture
ashleyngartner
January 21, 2026
Zillow star 1Zillow star 2Zillow star 3Zillow star 4Zillow star 5Verified
Helpful in a Unique SituationReview for Member: Stephanie Smith Helpful in a Unique Situation We had a unique situation going on with the house that my husband and I just bought a few months ago. Financially a little tricky, but when I explained to Stephanie what we needed to fix she got right on it. She worked in an efficient and timely manner (even during the holidays!) and we were able to refinance our house in about 2 months during a busy time of the year. I would recommend working with her whenever you were unsure about anything questioning your loan or a tight situation.
Posted on Zillow Zillow
robert05schneider profile picture
robert05schneider
January 18, 2026
Zillow star 1Zillow star 2Zillow star 3Zillow star 4Zillow star 5Verified
Stephanie was great!Review for Member: Stephanie Smith Stephanie was great! Stephanie was fantastic to work with—clear communication, fast responses, and a smooth process from start to finish. Highly recommend her for any mortgage needs.
Posted on Zillow Zillow
Shannon profile picture
Shannon
January 6, 2026
Zillow star 1Zillow star 2Zillow star 3Zillow star 4Zillow star 5Verified
Amazing!Review for Member: Stephanie Smith Amazing! Stephanie Smith was so great! Made the whole process so easy because of all her knowledge and attention to detail! Would recommend her to anyone thinking of refinancing or buying a home!
Posted on Zillow Zillow
john urgo profile picture
john urgo
September 26, 2025
Trustindex star 1Trustindex star 2Trustindex star 3Trustindex star 4Trustindex star 5
Look no further, Chris is the broker you want to hire. Our home buying process started with Chris Neilson, and I couldn’t be more grateful that it did. Chris not only guided us through financing, but also recommended our realtor, who turned out to be fantastic as well. Chris and his team set us up with financing options that gave us the edge to compete with cash buyers, which was absolutely crucial in winning the purchase of our home. Throughout the process, they were always on the ball, answering questions quickly and keeping everything moving smoothly. What impressed us most was their efficiency — our mortgage was fully ready 10 days before the closing date. That kind of preparation made the entire process stress-free and gave us total confidence. Chris and his team are professional, responsive, and go above and beyond for their clients. Highly recommended!
Posted on Trustindex Trustindex
Amanda Condon profile picture
Amanda Condon
September 8, 2025
Zillow star 1Zillow star 2Zillow star 3Zillow star 4Zillow star 5Verified
She was goodShe was good She answered my question but didnt complete the sale for me. The properi want is still available so i will still be pushing forward. There is nothing to really complain about.
Posted on Zillow Zillow
Elena Lombardi profile picture
Elena Lombardi
July 30, 2025
Trustindex star 1Trustindex star 2Trustindex star 3Trustindex star 4Trustindex star 5
Amazing service and support Chris Neilson has been amazing to work with. After having some complexities that were preventing me from getting approved with other lenders, Chris took the time to explain to me what I needed to do to get an approval. Sure enough, he was able to get me an approval. He is always available to answer my questions and explains everything to me in a way that I can understand. I did not think there would be hope to buy again anytime soon and Chris has come in and saved the day, showing me it is possible. If you think you are unable to own your own home, please contact Chris. He will get you on the right path to homeownership again or even if its your first time buying.
Posted on Trustindex Trustindex
wckamp profile picture
wckamp
May 13, 2025
Zillow star 1Zillow star 2Zillow star 3Zillow star 4Zillow star 5Verified
Reverse Mortgage CompletedReverse Mortgage Completed I recently obtained a reverse mortgage thru Northeast Financial LLC and could not be more pleased with the servicer I received from them. Chris Neilson followed thru on everything, and kept me informed during the entire process. No surprises, no delays.
Posted on Zillow Zillow
user19112 profile picture
user19112
November 2, 2024
Zillow star 1Zillow star 2Zillow star 3Zillow star 4Zillow star 5Verified
Stephanie G Smith for the win!Review for Member: Stephanie Smith Stephanie G Smith for the win! I had a challenging situation and Stephanie was able to guide us down the right path, pick the right mortgage for us and explain all the details along the way. Stephanie and team did an excellent job making our first home purchase as painless as it could be during a stressful time.
Posted on Zillow Zillow