Finding a Lender for Down Payment Help
November 10, 2026
Most down payment assistance (DPA) programs only work with lenders the program has approved. The fastest way to find one is your state housing finance agency's participating-lender list, then ask those lenders whether they actively close loans with that specific program.
How DPA programs and lenders connect. State and local housing finance agencies run most DPA programs, often as grants, forgivable second mortgages or deferred loans. Each agency trains and approves participating lenders, and only those lenders can reserve the funds. Programs usually set income limits, purchase price limits, homebuyer education requirements and minimum credit scores, and they may only pair with certain first mortgages such as FHA, VA, USDA or conventional.
Choosing among participating lenders. Being on the list doesn't mean a lender closes these loans often. Ask how many DPA loans it closed recently, whether it adds overlays above the program minimums, and how long the agency's review usually adds to the timeline. Some programs have their own fees or a different rate on the first mortgage, so compare full Loan Estimates, not just the assistance amount. Also ask how the assistance is repaid if you sell or refinance.
Questions to ask and quick answers. Are you approved for my state's DPA program? Which first-mortgage types can I pair it with? Do you have a credit score or debt-to-income overlay above the program? Who reviews the file, and how long does it take? Is the assistance a grant or a loan, and when is it repaid? Can a broker help? Yes, if the broker's lender partners are approved for that program. Is DPA only for first-time buyers? Often, but not always; check each program's definition. See our posts on how to choose an FHA lender, first-time buyer lender search and lender overlays.
To use down payment assistance, you need a lender approved by that program. Start with your state housing finance agency's participating-lender list, confirm the lender actually closes these loans, and compare Loan Estimates including any program fees. Sources: HUD, local homebuying programs (hud.gov); National Council of State Housing Agencies member directory (ncsha.org); CFPB, Owning a Home (consumerfinance.gov). Program rules change; check the agency's current guide. General education only. LoFi Rate is an independent matching service, not a lender or mortgage broker. If you request a match, your information is shared with independent mortgage professionals licensed in your state.