North Dakota First-Time Buyer Programs

North Dakota Housing Programs:

North Dakota Housing (formerly NDHFA) offers several statewide homeownership programs through participating lenders, including FirstHome™, HomeAccess, North Dakota Roots, Start, DCA, and the Targeted Area Loan. These programs may provide below-market or affordable mortgage financing, plus down payment and closing cost assistance for eligible buyers. Program rules vary by loan type, household income, property location, and whether the buyer is a first-time purchaser. Verify current rates, income limits, purchase price limits, and lender participation at ndhousing.nd.gov/homeownership or with a participating lender.

North Dakota First-Time Homebuyer Mortgage Programs:

Eligibility: Program eligibility varies. North Dakota Housing says FirstHome™ primarily assists first-time buyers, while HomeAccess is geared toward single parents, veterans, and families with disabled or elderly household members. Buyers whose income exceeds FirstHome limits may still qualify under North Dakota Roots.
Offerings: Affordable 30-year mortgage financing through participating lenders, with separate options for buyers who need purchase assistance, specialized household eligibility, or more flexible income treatment.
Main Statewide Programs:

• FirstHome™: Primarily for first-time homebuyers who have not owned a principal residence in the last 3 years and who meet program eligibility limits.
• HomeAccess: Similar homeownership assistance for single parents, veterans, and families with disabled or elderly household members.
• North Dakota Roots: Designed for buyers who need help purchasing again or whose income exceeds FirstHome program limits; ND Housing says there are no income or purchase price limits under Roots, subject to loan insurer/guarantor limits.
• Targeted Area Loan: Special reduced-rate option for eligible homes located in designated targeted census tracts in Cass and Sioux counties, with published income and purchase price limits.

Typical Requirements:

• Income limits apply to several North Dakota Housing programs and vary by county and household size.
• Purchase price limits apply to certain programs, including the Targeted Area Loan.
• Homebuyer education is required for DCA borrowers and may be required or recommended for other program types depending on lender and loan structure.
• One- to two-unit properties may qualify under Start and DCA, provided one unit is occupied by the borrower.
• Loan approval is subject to lender underwriting, program guidelines, and any applicable FHA, VA, USDA/RD, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac rules.

Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Options:

Start: North Dakota Housing says Start provides low- to moderate-income buyers with affordable mortgage loans that include down payment and closing cost assistance. The assistance amount equals 3% of the first mortgage loan amount as a credit toward out-of-pocket cash requirements, including down payment, closing costs, and prepaid items.
DCA: North Dakota Housing says DCA provides low-income buyers with affordable mortgage loans that include down payment and closing cost assistance. The assistance amount also equals 3% of the first mortgage loan amount as a credit toward out-of-pocket cash requirements.
Important: North Dakota Housing states that Start and DCA cannot be combined with other down payment assistance programs.

Targeted and Special-Buyer Programs:

HomeAccess: Intended for eligible households that include single parents, veterans, or disabled/elderly family members.
Targeted Area Loan: Available for qualifying properties in designated census tracts in Cass and Sioux counties, subject to published income and purchase price limits.
North Dakota Roots: May help repeat buyers and higher-income households who do not qualify under FirstHome.

Local Programs (Examples):

Many North Dakota communities direct first-time buyers to North Dakota Housing's statewide programs rather than maintaining large separate city grant programs. Local availability can change, so always confirm with the city, county, local housing office, or your lender before relying on a local option.

Fargo / Cass County

Fargo Homebuyer Resources: The City of Fargo's housing pages direct first-time buyers to North Dakota Housing programs, including DCA, Start, FirstHome, HomeAccess, and North Dakota Roots. Buyers in Fargo should review both North Dakota Housing eligibility and any lender-specific requirements.

Bismarck / Burleigh County

Check Local and Lender Options: Bismarck does not appear to prominently advertise a standalone city-run first-time homebuyer down payment program on its main housing pages in the same way Fargo references ND Housing. Buyers should confirm whether any current local assistance, neighborhood, or rehabilitation-linked homeownership opportunities are available before purchase.

Minot / Grand Forks Area

Community Land Trust Opportunities: North Dakota Housing states that HOME Community Land Trust Homebuyer Assistance is currently available through the Minot and Grand Forks Community Land Trusts. Availability, property restrictions, and buyer eligibility should be confirmed directly with the applicable land trust or local housing partner.

Additional Information:

• USDA/RD Loans: May allow 0% down in eligible rural areas, subject to USDA household income and property eligibility rules.
• VA Loans: May allow 0% down for eligible veterans, service members, and certain surviving spouses.
• FHA Loans: Low down payment option commonly used by first-time buyers, subject to FHA underwriting rules.

North Dakota first-time buyers should compare statewide North Dakota Housing options carefully, because eligibility, income treatment, and assistance structure vary by program. Before making an offer, confirm the exact mortgage product, down payment help, education requirements, and current rates with a participating lender and North Dakota Housing. Seeking Agents® connects you with North Dakota agents who understand first-time buyer programs and can help you compare your options—free for buyers and sellers.