# Idaho Down Payment Assistance Programs - Complete Reference > Last updated: May 2026 | https://www.idahodownpaymentprograms.com This document contains comprehensive information about all down payment assistance (DPA) programs available to Idaho homebuyers in 2026. --- ## Table of Contents 1. [What is Down Payment Assistance?](#what-is-dpa) 2. [Types of Assistance](#types-of-assistance) 3. [Eligibility Requirements](#eligibility) 4. [Active Programs](#active-programs) 5. [Programs by Location](#by-location) 6. [Frequently Asked Questions](#faq) 7. [How to Apply](#how-to-apply) --- ## What is Down Payment Assistance? {#what-is-dpa} Down payment assistance (DPA) programs help homebuyers cover their down payment and closing costs. In Idaho, these programs are offered by: - **Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA)** - Statewide programs - **Counties** - Ada, Canyon, Bonneville, Kootenai - **Cities** - Boise HOP ### Key Statistics (2026) - **9** active programs in Idaho - **Up to 8% of sales price** in combined assistance available - **4 priority counties + statewide IHFA** covered statewide - **$30,000-$50,000** typical assistance for qualifying buyers --- ## Types of Assistance {#types-of-assistance} ### 1. Grants - **Free money** - no repayment required - IHFA no longer offers forgivable grants as of 2026 - Examples: Idaho Heroes (up to 8% DPA for nurses, teachers, and first responders) ### 2. Forgivable Loans - **Forgiven after a set occupancy period** in some local programs - Less common in Idaho since IHFA shifted to repayable second mortgages - Examples: Boise HOP (deferred — repaid on sale or refinance) ### 3. Deferred Loans - **No monthly payments** - Repaid when you sell, refinance, or pay off mortgage - Examples: Boise HOP ($45,000–$65,000 in city limits) ### 4. Second Mortgages - **Monthly payments** alongside your first mortgage - IHFA's primary DPA — up to 8% of sales price - Example: IHFA DPA (up to 8% of sales price or appraised value), Idaho Heroes (same 8% with $500 waived) --- ## Eligibility Requirements {#eligibility} ### Income Limits Most programs use Area Median Income (AMI) limits: | AMI Level | Family of 4 (Approximate) | |-----------|---------------------------| | 80% AMI | $70,000 - 8% of sales price/year | | 100% AMI | $88,000 - $106,000/year | | 120% AMI | $105,000 - $130,000/year | *Limits vary by county. Ada and Canyon counties (Treasure Valley) share Boise metro limits.* ### Credit Requirements - Minimum credit score: **620-680** (varies by program) - Some programs allow lower with FHA loans - Stable employment history required ### Property Requirements - Must be **primary residence** - Purchase price limits apply (typically $400,000-$600,000) - Single-family homes, condos, townhomes usually qualify - Investment properties do NOT qualify ### First-Time Buyer Status - Many programs require first-time buyer status - Definition: Have not owned a home in **past 3 years** - Some programs available to repeat buyers (IHFA DPA, IHFA First Loan) ### Education Requirements - Most programs require **Finally Home! homebuyer education** (finallyhome.org) - Online courses available (2-8 hours) - Cost: $50-100 (sometimes reimbursed) --- ## Active Programs {#active-programs} ### IHFA Down Payment & Closing Cost Assistance - **Amount**: Up to $56,000 - **Type**: Second Mortgage - **Agency**: Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA) - **Location**: Statewide - **Buyer Types**: All buyers - **Income Limit**: 120% AMI - **Funding Status**: ✅ Open **Terms**: 15-year fixed-rate second mortgage up to 8% of the lesser of sales price or appraised value (within MI LTV/CLTV limits). Interest rate = first mortgage rate plus 2.00%. Toward down payment and/or closing costs. Finally Home!® homebuyer education required. Purchase transactions for the standard 15-year product. Minimum $500 of the borrower's own funds required. Open to first-time and repeat buyers. Household income up to $170,000 (exceptions on specialized First Loan Tax Exempt products). Manufactured homes allowed per agency guidelines. **How to Apply**: 1. Complete Finally Home!® homebuyer education at finallyhome.org (required for IHFA DPA). 2. Find an IHFA-approved lender (directory at idahohousing.com/homebuyers/find-a-lender/). 3. Get pre-approved for an IHFA first mortgage (Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA/RD, or HFA Preferred). 4. Tell your lender you want IHFA down payment and closing cost assistance. 5. Contribute at least $500 of your own funds into the transaction. 6. Both loans close simultaneously — up to 8% assistance applied at closing. **Website**: https://www.idahohousing.com/partners/lenders-realtors/loan-product/ --- ### IHFA First Loan + DPA Combo - **Amount**: Up to $56,000 - **Type**: first_mortgage - **Agency**: Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA) - **Location**: Statewide - **Buyer Types**: All buyers - **Income Limit**: 120% AMI - **Funding Status**: ✅ Open **Terms**: IHFA first mortgage products (HFA Preferred, HFA Advantage, FHA/RD, VA, Conventional, and First Loan Tax Exempt on select purchases) paired with up to 8% DPCC second mortgage assistance. Household income up to $170,000 for standard programs. No first-time buyer requirement on FHA/RD, VA, and HFA Preferred/Advantage purchases. Manufactured homes allowed per agency guidelines on eligible products. **How to Apply**: 1. Complete Finally Home!® education if using IHFA DPA or if required by AUS. 2. Choose an IHFA-approved lender from the directory. 3. Get pre-approved for the IHFA first loan product that fits your scenario. 4. Apply for the 15-year DPCC second mortgage (up to 8%) simultaneously. 5. Your lender packages both loans together at closing. **Website**: https://www.idahohousing.com/partners/lenders-realtors/loan-product/ --- ### Idaho Heroes 15 Year Second Mortgage - **Amount**: Up to $56,000 - **Type**: Second Mortgage - **Agency**: Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA) - **Location**: Statewide - **Buyer Types**: All buyers - **Income Limit**: 120% AMI - **Funding Status**: ✅ Open **Terms**: Purchase-only 15-year fixed second mortgage for nurses, teachers, and first responders (firefighters, police, paramedics, and EMTs). Up to 8% of the lesser of sales price or appraised value. Interest rate = first mortgage rate plus 2.00%. $500 borrower contribution waived. First mortgage DPA rate add-on waived. Finally Home!® education required. Household income up to $170,000. **How to Apply**: 1. Confirm you qualify as a nurse, teacher, or first responder. 2. Complete Finally Home!® homebuyer education. 3. Work with an IHFA-approved lender and request the Idaho Heroes second mortgage. 4. No $500 minimum contribution required for eligible heroes. 5. Receive up to 8% assistance at closing on eligible purchase transactions. **Website**: https://www.idahohousing.com/partners/lenders-realtors/loan-product/ --- ### Boise Homeownership Opportunity Program (HOP) - **Amount**: Up to $65,000 - **Type**: Deferred Loan - **Agency**: City of Boise Housing & Community Development - **Location**: Boise - **Buyer Types**: All buyers - **Income Limit**: 80% AMI - **Funding Status**: ⚠️ Limited funds **Terms**: City of Boise deferred mortgage assistance: up to $45,000 for fee-simple properties or up to $65,000 for deed-restricted/land trust properties. Income must be 50–80% AMI. Can pay down payment, closing costs, or buy down the first mortgage. Deferred subordinate loan repaid on sale or refinance. Can stack with IHFA programs in many cases. **How to Apply**: 1. Verify income is 50–80% of Ada County AMI. 2. Contact NeighborWorks Boise or LEAP Housing to start application. 3. Complete homebuyer education if required. 4. Get pre-approved with a mortgage lender. 5. Find a home within Boise city limits. 6. Receive HOP funds as deferred mortgage at closing. **Website**: https://www.cityofboise.org/departments/planning-and-development-services/housing-and-community-development/ --- ### Treasure Valley Down Payment Assistance - **Amount**: Up to $65,000 - **Type**: Second Mortgage - **Agency**: Multiple (IHFA + local partners) - **Location**: Ada, Canyon - **Buyer Types**: All buyers - **Income Limit**: 120% AMI - **Funding Status**: ✅ Open **Terms**: Treasure Valley (Ada + Canyon counties) buyers can combine IHFA 15-year DPCC assistance (up to 8% of sales price or appraised value) with local programs like Boise HOP ($45,000–$65,000 in Boise city limits). Most Treasure Valley buyers start with IHFA — the primary path for Boise, Meridian, Nampa, and Caldwell. **How to Apply**: 1. Take our quiz to see IHFA + local program matches. 2. Start with an IHFA-approved lender for statewide DPA. 3. If buying in Boise city limits, also contact NeighborWorks Boise or LEAP Housing for HOP. 4. Stack programs where lender guidelines allow. **Website**: https://www.idahohousing.com/partners/lenders-realtors/loan-product/ --- ### Canyon County Homebuyer Assistance - **Amount**: Up to $56,000 - **Type**: Second Mortgage - **Agency**: Canyon County / IHFA - **Location**: Canyon - **Buyer Types**: All buyers - **Income Limit**: 120% AMI - **Funding Status**: ✅ Open **Terms**: Canyon County buyers (Nampa, Caldwell, Middleton) primarily use IHFA 15-year DPCC assistance — up to 8% of the lesser of sales price or appraised value with $500 minimum contribution. No active county-wide DPA program; IHFA is the main resource for Canyon County homebuyers. **How to Apply**: 1. Complete Finally Home! homebuyer education. 2. Find an IHFA-approved lender. 3. Get pre-approved for IHFA First Loan + DPA. 4. Purchase in Nampa, Caldwell, or elsewhere in Canyon County. **Website**: https://www.canyoncounty.id.gov/ --- ### Idaho Falls Area Homebuyer Assistance - **Amount**: Up to $56,000 - **Type**: Second Mortgage - **Agency**: IHFA + Bonneville County partners - **Location**: Bonneville - **Buyer Types**: All buyers - **Income Limit**: 120% AMI - **Funding Status**: ✅ Open **Terms**: East Idaho buyers in Idaho Falls and Bonneville County use IHFA 15-year DPCC assistance — up to 8% of sales price or appraised value toward down payment and closing costs. $500 minimum contribution. Household income up to $170,000. Local city programs are limited; IHFA carries most of the value in this market. **How to Apply**: 1. Complete Finally Home! homebuyer education. 2. Connect with an IHFA-approved lender serving East Idaho. 3. Get pre-approved for IHFA loan + DPA combo. 4. Purchase in Idaho Falls or Bonneville County. **Website**: https://www.idahohousing.com/partners/lenders-realtors/loan-product/ --- ### Kootenai County / Coeur d'Alene Assistance - **Amount**: Up to $56,000 - **Type**: Second Mortgage - **Agency**: IHFA + North Idaho partners - **Location**: Kootenai - **Buyer Types**: All buyers - **Income Limit**: 120% AMI - **Funding Status**: ✅ Open **Terms**: North Idaho buyers in Coeur d'Alene and Kootenai County use IHFA 15-year DPCC assistance — up to 8% of sales price or appraised value. $500 minimum out-of-pocket. Open to first-time and repeat buyers. Income limit up to $170,000 household. Competitive market — get pre-approved early. **How to Apply**: 1. Complete Finally Home! homebuyer education. 2. Find an IHFA-approved lender serving Kootenai County. 3. Get pre-approved before house hunting in North Idaho's competitive market. 4. Apply for IHFA DPA with your first mortgage. **Website**: https://www.idahohousing.com/partners/lenders-realtors/loan-product/ --- ### IHFA HFA Preferred / Conventional - **Amount**: Up to $56,000 - **Type**: first_mortgage - **Agency**: Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA) - **Location**: Statewide - **Buyer Types**: All buyers - **Income Limit**: 120% AMI - **Funding Status**: ✅ Open **Terms**: Fannie Mae HFA Preferred and Freddie Mac HFA Advantage purchase programs through IHFA. Up to 97% LTV. No first-time buyer requirement. Standard MI required above 80% AMI. Pair with DPCC second mortgage up to 8%. Lower rates on loan amounts $350,000 or less. AUS approval required. Manufactured homes allowed per agency guidelines. **How to Apply**: 1. Complete Finally Home!® education if using IHFA DPA or if required by AUS. 2. Work with an IHFA-approved lender on HFA Preferred or HFA Advantage. 3. Get AUS approval (DU for Fannie, LPA for Freddie). 4. Add the 15-year DPCC second mortgage (up to 8%) if desired. 5. Close with both loans packaged together. **Website**: https://www.idahohousing.com/partners/lenders-realtors/loan-product/ --- ## Currently Unavailable Programs The following programs are temporarily out of funds or closed: - **IHFA Forgiving DPA (Discontinued)** (Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA)) - Out of funds --- ## Programs by Location {#by-location} --- ## Frequently Asked Questions {#faq} ### What is down payment assistance in Idaho? Down payment assistance (DPA) programs in Idaho provide grants, forgivable loans, or low-interest second mortgages to help homebuyers cover their down payment and closing costs. Programs are offered by the state (Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA)), counties, and cities, with assistance amounts ranging from $2,500 to $60,000+ depending on the program. ### Who qualifies for Idaho down payment assistance? Eligibility varies by program but typically includes: - Income limits (usually 80-120% of Area Median Income) - Property location requirements - Minimum credit scores (typically 620-680) - Sometimes first-time homebuyer status - Some programs have special benefits for teachers, first responders, veterans, and healthcare workers ### How much down payment assistance can I get in Idaho? Idaho homebuyers can access up to 8% of the sales price through IHFA statewide, plus Boise HOP up to $65,000 in city limits. The exact amount depends on your location, income, and which programs you qualify for. ### Do I have to pay back down payment assistance? It depends on the program type: - **Grants**: No repayment required - **Forgivable loans**: Forgiven if you stay in the home for a set period (usually 5 years) - **Deferred loans**: Repaid when you sell, refinance, or pay off the mortgage - **Second mortgages**: Monthly payments but often at below-market rates ### Can I combine multiple DPA programs? Yes! IHFA DPA can often stack with Boise HOP when lender guidelines allow. Some Treasure Valley buyers combine statewide and city programs for $50,000+ in assistance. ### What credit score do I need? Most programs require a minimum credit score of 620-680. FHA loans (popular with DPA programs) allow scores as low as 580 with 3.5% down. Some programs help buyers with credit improvement. ### Do I need to be a first-time homebuyer? Not for IHFA! Idaho Housing down payment assistance is available to first-time AND repeat buyers with household income up to $170,000. Some local programs may have additional requirements. --- ## How to Apply {#how-to-apply} ### Step 1: Check Your Eligibility Take the free eligibility quiz at https://www.idahodownpaymentprograms.com/quiz to see which programs you may qualify for. No SSN or sensitive information required. ### Step 2: Complete Homebuyer Education Most programs require a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. Online courses take 2-8 hours and cost $50-100. Some programs reimburse this cost. ### Step 3: Get Pre-Approved Work with a lender experienced in DPA programs. They'll verify your income, credit, and eligibility for specific programs. Not all lenders offer all programs. ### Step 4: Find Your Home Search for homes within program price limits and geographic areas. Your lender can help you understand the limits for programs you're targeting. ### Step 5: Apply for DPA Programs Your lender submits applications on your behalf. Some programs like city grants require separate applications. Processing times vary from 1 day to 2+ weeks. ### Step 6: Close on Your Home DPA funds are disbursed at closing. You'll sign documents for your first mortgage plus any DPA loans. --- ## About This Resource Idaho Down Payment Programs is a free educational resource maintained by licensed Idaho mortgage professionals Tim Hawkes and Jake Peterson (The Tim Hawkes Team | Cornerstone Home Lending). **Contact**: - Email: jake@thetimhawkesteam.com - Phone: (801) 820-7620 / (801) 698-6071 - Website: https://www.idahodownpaymentprograms.com **Data Sources**: - Idaho Housing DPA: https://www.idahohousing.com/homebuyers/down-payment-closing-cost-assistance/ - IHFA Loan Products: https://www.idahohousing.com/partners/lenders-realtors/loan-product/ - HUD.gov - Individual city and county housing departments - Direct verification with program administrators **Last Updated**: May 2026 --- *This document is provided for informational purposes only. Program details, availability, and requirements may change. Always verify current information with program administrators and participating lenders.*