June is Home Ownership Month, a time to celebrate the dream of owning a home and to help more people achieve it. What began as National Home Ownership Week in 1995 grew into a monthlong celebration in 2002, reflecting a national commitment to expanding access to home ownership. Each June real estate agents, loan officers, housing counselors, nonprofits and many more join forces to empower first-time buyers with the tools and support they need. In that spirit, we’re proud to share the resources we offer to help you take the next step toward making home a reality, because home is for everyone.
NC Home Advantage Mortgage™
The NC Home Advantage Mortgage™ offers down payment assistance up to 3% of the loan amount for first-time and move-up home buyers. In 2024, the NC Home Advantage Mortgage™ helped 5,030 home buyers secure an affordable mortgage option, giving them the support they need to purchase a home. This mortgage option comes with competitive rates and a statewide network of participating lenders (link). Visit the NC Home Advantage Mortgage™ webpage to learn more.
NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment
First-time home buyers and military veterans who qualify for the NC Home Advantage Mortgage™ could get an extra boost with the NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment, which offers $15,000 in down payment assistance. Last year, this program helped 4,060 buyers overcome the down payment barrier and move one step closer to owning their dream home. Visit NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment to learn more.
Community Partners Loan Pool (CPLP)
The CPLP is our most generous program, offering up to 25% down payment assistance or a maximum loan of $50,000 (whichever is less) for eligible low- and moderate-income home buyers. Assistance is provided as a zero-interest loan that must be combined with the NC Home Advantage Mortgage™ or a USDA Section 502 Direct loan. In 2024, CPLP helped 380 home buyers take an important step toward home ownership. Visit Community Home Buying Programs to learn more.
Self-Help Loan Pool (SHLP)
The SHLP works with participating Habitat for Humanity affiliates to provide zero-interest, shared mortgage financing to help eligible low- and moderate-income buyers purchase a Habitat home. Eligible buyers must participate in the construction or rehab of the home they are purchasing, as well as meet other requirements. In 2024, SHLP helped 140 Habitat for Humanity home buyers achieve home ownership. Visit Community Home Buying Programs to learn more.
The NC Housing Finance Agency is committed to providing safe, affordable housing opportunities to enhance the quality of life of North Carolinians. We have helped thousands of home buyers since our creation and will continue to provide resources to make home happen for home ownership hopefuls across the state.
Looking for more tools and resources to guide you on your home buying journey? Use our website to access helpful features like a mortgage calculator, affordability calculator and our handy Guide to Home Ownership . You will also find informative infographics and support to connect you with trusted mortgage lenders, housing counselors and real estate agents. We are here to help make your path to home ownership smoother. Start exploring today!
Home is for everyone.