State Program
NDHFA Start Program | North Dakota Housing
NDHFA Start Program provides up to $20,000 and low‑rate financing to help North Dakotans buy, repair, or keep their homes.
Program Details
NDHFA Start Program is offered by the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) or a local housing partner
to expand access to affordable homeownership, rehabilitation, or mortgage relief. Qualified borrowers benefit
from up to $20,000 plus fixed‑rate financing and free homebuyer education. The program can pair with FHA, VA,
USDA, and conventional mortgages as well as NDHFA’s Mortgage Credit Certificate for up to $2,000 annual
federal tax savings. income and purchase‑price limits align with HUD guidelines and are updated annually.
Properties must serve as the borrower’s primary residence and meet NDHFA safety standards. Some assistance is
forgivable over time, reducing long‑term repayment obligations. Funds are reserved through an NDHFA‑approved
lender network and disbursed at closing or directly to service providers.
to expand access to affordable homeownership, rehabilitation, or mortgage relief. Qualified borrowers benefit
from up to $20,000 plus fixed‑rate financing and free homebuyer education. The program can pair with FHA, VA,
USDA, and conventional mortgages as well as NDHFA’s Mortgage Credit Certificate for up to $2,000 annual
federal tax savings. income and purchase‑price limits align with HUD guidelines and are updated annually.
Properties must serve as the borrower’s primary residence and meet NDHFA safety standards. Some assistance is
forgivable over time, reducing long‑term repayment obligations. Funds are reserved through an NDHFA‑approved
lender network and disbursed at closing or directly to service providers.
Eligibility Requirements
- Household income ≤ NDHFA limits for county and family size.
- Purchase price (or after‑rehab value) ≤ NDHFA cap for location.
- Minimum 640 credit score (higher for conventional/open‑access products); DTI ≤ 45%.
- Completion of HUD‑approved homebuyer education prior to closing.
- Property must be 1‑4 units, condo, or manufactured home on permanent foundation and used as primary residence.
- Purchase price (or after‑rehab value) ≤ NDHFA cap for location.
- Minimum 640 credit score (higher for conventional/open‑access products); DTI ≤ 45%.
- Completion of HUD‑approved homebuyer education prior to closing.
- Property must be 1‑4 units, condo, or manufactured home on permanent foundation and used as primary residence.
Program Benefits
- **Up to $20,000** applied to down payment, closing costs, rehab, or mortgage relief.
- Fixed 30‑year interest rates often below market (where applicable).
- May layer with NDHFA MCC for $2,000 annual tax credit.
- Free foreclosure‑prevention counseling statewide.
- Fixed 30‑year interest rates often below market (where applicable).
- May layer with NDHFA MCC for $2,000 annual tax credit.
- Free foreclosure‑prevention counseling statewide.
How to Apply
1. Review income & purchase‑price charts on ndhfa.org.
2. Obtain pre‑approval from NDHFA‑participating lender; reserve program funds.
3. Complete HUD‑approved education (online/classroom).
4. Sign purchase agreement or rehab contract; finalize underwriting.
5. Attend closing; NDHFA funds applied to eligible costs. Occupy within 60 days.
2. Obtain pre‑approval from NDHFA‑participating lender; reserve program funds.
3. Complete HUD‑approved education (online/classroom).
4. Sign purchase agreement or rehab contract; finalize underwriting.
5. Attend closing; NDHFA funds applied to eligible costs. Occupy within 60 days.
Program Overview
Category
State Program
Maximum Assistance
$20,000
Official Program Website
Information about this program is provided as a resource and may be subject to change. Always verify details with the official program website.
Important Note
Program availability, terms, and requirements may vary by lender and location. Additionally, programs are subject to change based on policy updates and market conditions. Always consult with a mortgage professional for the most current information and to determine eligibility for specific programs.