Blog

Check Out Our Blog Posts!

Detroit

The 10 Best Down Payment Assistance Programs in Detroit (2025 Update)

December 03, 20252 min read

Detroit Has Some of the Most Generous Homebuyer Programs in the U.S.

Detroit offers some of the largest grant amounts in the country — including $10K, $15K, even $25K+ for eligible buyers.

Here are the top programs active right now, with links + images added.


1. Detroit Down Payment Assistance Program (Up to $25,000)

👉 Official Link: https://detroitdpa.org/

Detroit’s flagship DPA provides up to $25,000 toward your down payment and closing costs.

Key Benefits:

  • Large grant

  • No repayment if you meet rules

  • Works with many loan types


2. Detroit Housing Commission (DHC) Homebuyer Assistance

👉 Official Link: https://www.dhcmi.org/

own the roof homebuyer assistance

Designed for residents in public housing or using vouchers who want to transition into homeownership.

Why it matters:
Helps renters become owners with counseling + financial support.


3. Detroit Home Mortgage Program

👉 Official Link: https://detroithomemortgage.org/

own the roof detroit home mortgage program

Solves Detroit’s appraisal gap problem by allowing buyers to finance both purchase + renovation costs.


4. Wayne County Homebuyer Assistance Program

👉 Official Link: https://www.waynecounty.com/departments/econdev/homebuyer-assistance-program.aspx

own the roof Wayne county homebuyer assistance program

Provides $10,000–$14,999 to eligible buyers in participating cities — including many Detroit ZIP codes.


5. Bank of America Community Affordable Loan Program

👉 Program Info: https://www.bankofamerica.com/mortgage/affordable-loan-solution/

own the roof bank of America affordable loan program

Often includes zero down, reduced MI, and large lender credits for qualifying Detroit buyers.


6. Fifth Third Bank Down Payment Assistance

👉 Program Link: https://www.53.com/content/fifth-third/en/personal-banking/mortgage/down-payment-assistance.html

own the roof fifth third bank down payment assistance

Offers $7,500–$10,000 in qualifying Detroit census tracts.


7. Huntington Bank DPA + “Home Possible” Program

👉 Home Possible Info: https://www.huntington.com/mortgage/homepossible
👉 Huntington Assistance:
https://www.huntington.com/mortgage

own the roof Huntington down payment assistance

Provides $2,500–$7,500 in assistance plus low-MI and flexible credit options in Detroit.


8. MSHDA MI Home Loan (Detroit Eligible)

👉 Official Link: https://www.michigan.gov/mshda/homeownership

own the roof MSHDA MI home loan

Michigan’s most frequently used program — up to $10,000 in assistance for Detroit buyers.


9. USDA Zero-Down Loan (Detroit–Area Eligible Zones Only)

👉 Eligibility Map: https://eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov/eligibility/welcomeAction.do

own the roof USDA zero down loan

Does not apply inside Detroit city limits, but applies minutes away in nearby areas like Taylor, Romulus & Belleville.


10. VA Zero-Down Loan (Detroit Veterans & Military Families)

👉 VA Loan Info: https://www.va.gov/housing-assistance/home-loans/


own the roof VA zero down loan

The most powerful zero-down loan available — no MI, flexible credit, stackable with grants.


Bonus: Detroit Home Repair & Neighborhood Revitalization Grants

👉 Detroit Land Bank: https://buildingdetroit.org/
👉 Renew Detroit: https://detroitmi.gov/departments/renew-detroit


own the roof Detroit home repair

Detroit also offers major post-purchase grants for repairs, energy upgrades, and revitalization.


How to Know Which Detroit Programs You Qualify For

Each program has different rules for:

  • ZIP codes

  • Income limits

  • Credit scores

  • Property type

  • Funding rounds

  • Stackability

The fastest way to see the programs you qualify for is with:
👉
https://NoDownPayment.app
Your free database of 2,500+ assistance programs across Detroit and the entire U.S.


Final Thoughts

Detroit is one of the easiest cities in America to buy a home with $0–$2,000 out of pocket thanks to its unique mix of:

  • City grants

  • State programs

  • Bank DPA offers

  • VA + USDA zero-down loans

  • Appraisal gap solutions

  • Repair and revitalization incentives

If you’re renting in Detroit, you’re likely way closer to homeownership than you think.


detroit down payment assistancedown payment assistancegrantsfirst time homebuyerdetroit detroit michigan
Author of "No Down Payment? No Problem!", helping renters become homeowners regardless of financial challenges for 15 years.

John Collins

Author of "No Down Payment? No Problem!", helping renters become homeowners regardless of financial challenges for 15 years.

Back to Blog

The Truth About Down Payment Programs

Your Complete Coaching Guide by John Collins

"I've helped hundreds of people buy homes with down payment assistance regardless of their financial situation. Let me show you exactly how to

maximize your chances of approval and get those keys."

"I've helped over 500 California families secure CalHFA assistance. Let me show you exactly how tomaximize your chances of approval and get up to 3.5% in down payment help."

Coach's Personal Note

As someone who has guided hundreds of first-time buyers through this process, I can tell you these programs are a game-changer. But here's what most people don't know: timing and preparation are everything. The families who succeed follow a specific strategy that I've perfected over 15 years of coaching.

89%

Client Approval Rate

$12K

Average Assistance

Secured

45

Days Average Process

500+

Families Helped

My Proven Success Strategy

After working with hundreds of clients, I've identified the exact steps that lead to program approval. Here's the strategy I personally use with every client:

Pre-Qualification Assessment

Before we even touch the application, I run a comprehensive eligibility analysis. This includes income calculations,

credit optimization strategies, and identifying potential red flags before they become problems.

Document Strategy & Preparation

I provide you with a personalized document checklist and help you organize everything perfectly. Many applications get delayed because of document issues - we eliminate that risk completely.

Application Timing & Submission

Timing matters more than people think. I help you submit when funding levels are optimal and competition is lowest, significantly improving your approval odds.

Follow-Up & Advocacy

I don't disappear after submission. I actively monitor your application status and advocate directly with CalHFA when

needed. My clients get answers faster.

Program Overview

Coach's Insider Tip

These programs offers up to 3.5% of your home's purchase price in down payment assistance, but here's what they don't advertise: you can combine these with other programs. I regularly help clients stack with local city programs for even more assistance.

Income Limits (Updated 2025)

County

Detroit

Miami

Los Angeles

New York

1 Person

$35,350

$118,050

$93,300

$78,200

2 Person

$48,480

$134,900

$106,650

$89,400

3 Person

$54,060

$151,750

$120,000

$100,550

4+ Person

$60,600

$168,600

$133,350

$111,750

Working with John Collins was the best decision we made in our home buying journey. he helped us navigate MlFHA and secure $30,000 in assistance we didn't even know we qualified for. Without his guidance, we'd probably still be renting.

Working with the Down Payment Assistance Coach was the best decision we made in our home buying journey. She helped us navigate CalHFA and secure $15,000 in assistance we didn't even know we qualified for. Without her guidance, we'd probably still be renting.

- Maria & Carlos Rodriguez, Detroit

Frequently Asked Questions

How is coaching different from just applying myself?

Great question! While you can certainly apply on your own, my coaching dramatically increases your success rate. I know exactly what CalHFA looks for, how to position your application for maximum appeal, and I have direct relationships with program administrators. My clients get approved at an 89% rate vs. the general 67% approval rate.

What does your coaching service include?

My full-service coaching includes: eligibility assessment, credit optimization strategies, complete document preparation, application review, submission timing advice, ongoing status monitoring, and post-approval guidance. Plus, you get direct access to me throughout the entire process.

How much does coaching cost vs. the assistance I'll receive?

My coaching investment is typically 2-5% of the assistance you'll receive. For example, if you secure $15,000 in CalHFA assistance (which is average for my clients), your coaching investment is a fraction of that amount. Plus, I often help clients find additional programs that more than pay for the coaching cost.

What if I don't get approved? Do you offer a guarantee?

I'm so confident in my system that I offer a success guarantee. If you follow my complete process and don't get approved for ANY down payment assistance program (not just CalHFA), I'll refund your coaching investment. That's how certain I am that my strategy works.

Ready to Secure Your Assistance?

Don't leave $50,000+ on the table. Let me guide you through the process with my proven system.

Helping renters access thousands of down payment assistance programs & grants regardless of credit.

© 2025 OwnTheRoof, LLC. All Rights Reserved