Buying a home
The rules for buying a home changed in 2024, and North Carolina has its own way of doing things. I'll walk you through every step, in plain English, before you sign anything.
General information, not legal advice. I'll walk you through your actual contract.
These programs were verified on their official sites in October 2026. Eligibility, limits and funding change often, so a participating lender confirms the details.
| Program | What it offers | Key requirements (summary) |
|---|---|---|
| NC Home Advantage Mortgage™ (NCHFA) | Fixed-rate mortgage with down payment assistance of up to 3% of the loan amount, for first-time and move-up buyers | Household income up to $158,000; credit score 640+; participating lender; sales price limit applies |
| NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment (NCHFA) | $15,000 in down payment assistance | First-time buyers (no home owned in 3 years), military veterans, or buyers in targeted census tracts; income limits vary by county |
| Community Partners Loan Pool (NCHFA) | Up to 25% of the price, capped at $50,000, as a 0% deferred loan with an NC Home Advantage Mortgage | Income at or below 80% of area median; credit 640+; homebuyer education and counseling; contact a member before you sign a contract |
| FHA loan | As little as 3.5% down with a credit score of 580+ | Mortgage insurance applies; can pair with NCHFA assistance |
| VA loan | Can require no down payment with full entitlement | Eligible veterans, service members and surviving spouses with a Certificate of Eligibility |
| USDA guaranteed loan | 100% financing for eligible addresses | Property must be in a USDA-eligible area (some addresses outside town limits, including parts of Johnston County); income limits apply |
| City of Raleigh Homebuyer Assistance | 0% deferred loan up to $45,000 (up to $60,000 in the Enhanced program) | Inside Raleigh city limits; first-time buyers at or below 80% of area median income; class and approved lender |
| Wake County Affordable Homeownership (DHIC) | Forgivable assistance up to $50,000 | Wake towns outside Raleigh and Cary; first-time buyers at or below 80% of area median; credit 640+ |
| City of Durham Down Payment Assistance | Up to $80,000 through approved lenders | Inside Durham city limits; income at or below 80% of area median; while funds last |
Status check, October 2026: NCHFA's former mortgage credit certificate (NC Home Advantage Tax Credit) is no longer active. I didn't find a Town of Cary or Johnston County buyer-assistance program open to individual buyers; buyers there can still use the statewide NCHFA options.
Want the full details? My Relocation Guide and First Responder Guide break these programs down, and my Agent Interview Guide helps you choose the right agent (even if it isn't me).
Bring your own agent to the model home. The builder's sales consultant works for the builder. Many builders require your agent to register you at your first visit, so call me before you walk in.
Researched October 2026. Figures change; please verify with the source before relying on them.
Book a free buyer consult and I'll map out your budget, programs to ask a lender about, and a search plan that fits your schedule.
Call/Text (718) 419-0176 · Email sampncrealtor@gmail.com