If you’re a first-time home buyer, getting enough money for a down payment can seem like a major hurdle. But there’s good news! The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) has a program that helps home buyers afford their down payment by loaning them up to $10,000 towards it.
This is what you need to know.
WHAT IS MSHDA?
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority “provides financial and technical assistance through public and private partnerships to create and preserve safe and decent affordable housing, engage in community economic development activities, develop vibrant cities, towns, and villages, and address homeless issues.” Part of its mission is to make owning a home in Michigan an affordable and realistic goal for as many people as possible. In addition to buying a home, it also offers programs for improving existing properties and dealing with foreclosure.
WHAT ASSISTANCE DOES MSHDA OFFER FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS?
The MI Home Loan and MI Home Loan Flex programs help first-time buyers with their downpayment. In addition to homebuyer education classes, these MSHDA products provide loans of up to $7,500 statewide. In many areas throughout the state, this amount can be increased to $10,000. (See this ZIP code list or state map to see which areas qualify for larger MI Home Loan amounts.)
WHO QUALIFIES FOR FIRST-TIME MSHDA HOME BUYER ASSISTANCE?
If this is your first time buying a home, you should look into the MI Home Loan and MI Home Loan Flex programs. To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:
- Complete Homebuyer Education classes.
- Have a minimum credit score of 640-660 (depending on the type of home).
- Meet household income limits based on area and household size.
Additionally, only homes that are priced $224,500 or less are eligible for assistance with downpayment.
IS MI HOME LOAN ONLY FOR FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS?
No – MI Home Flex is available to all home buyers that meet its criteria. And in certain targeted areas, MI Home Loan is available to both new and repeat home buyers.
SHOULD FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS CHOOSE MSHDA’S MI HOME OR MI HOME FLEX?
That depends on your financial and personal circumstances. MI Home Flex is a little more flexible and only requires one adult to apply (i.e. one partner out of a couple). Consult with a loan professional for more details – they will help you determine which best meets your needs.
As Michigan’s top MSHDA lender, Metro Mortgage is ready to help you understand what Michigan loan programs are right for you. We’ve helped many first-time home buyers navigate MSHDA’s Mi Home and MI Home Flex programs, and we can help you find answers to all your home-buying questions.
