Down payment assistance in Nebraska
Nebraska's primary statewide down payment assistance program, run by Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA). Numbers and eligibility reflect the program's published 2025 guidelines.
Homebuyer Assistance Program
Second mortgage- Maximum assistance
- Up to 5% of loan amount (cap $10,000)
- Income limit
- Up to $134,560
- Home price limit
- Up to $481,176
- First-time buyer
- Preferred (some products)
- Eligible loan types
- FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional
- •Second lien at 1% interest above the first mortgage rate, 10-year term.
- •Military Home program adds extra DPA for active-duty and veterans.
How Nebraska DPA fits into your purchase
Down payment assistance reduces the cash you need at the closing table. Nebraska's Homebuyer Assistance Program pairs with the standard FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional first mortgage from a participating lender; the DPA flows through the same closing.
Two things to budget for: most state DPA requires a homebuyer-education course (typically online, 6-8 hours, ~$75) and you usually have to use a lender on the agency's approved list. The agency keeps the list public on its website.
Common questions
Nebraska's primary statewide DPA is Homebuyer Assistance Program from Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA). Up to 5% of loan amount (cap $10,000). Many Nebraska cities and counties also run additional DPA layered on top.
Some product variants are first-time-buyer only; others are open to repeat buyers. Check the agency page for the current matrix.
Yes. Homebuyer Assistance Program works with these loan types: FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional. The DPA is layered behind your first mortgage as a separate lien (or grant), and both close together.
Yes. A second-mortgage DPA has a monthly payment, and that payment is included in your debt-to-income ratio when the lender qualifies you.
Deferred and second-mortgage DPAs are generally repaid in full when you sell, refinance, or pay off the first mortgage.