Down payment
The loan or assistance may cover the required down payment.
Charlotte · North Carolina · Bilingual guide
Programs that can change how much you need to buy.
Manuela helps her buyers identify, compare and organize questions about these paths. She represents the purchase; the participating lender and the program administrator verify documents, funds, eligibility and approval.
01 · The important difference
0% down does not always mean $0 to close.
Cash to close
Inspection, appraisal, due diligence, prepaid items, reserves and other costs may still apply.
02 · Six paths to review
First identify the program. Then confirm every condition.
USDA Guaranteed Loan
USDA allows approved lenders to finance up to 100% for eligible buyers. The address and income are reviewed separately.
May fit if
Primary residence at an eligible rural address and household within the applicable income limit.
Confirm
Review official source →
USDA address, household income, property and approved lender.
VA Home Loan
VA does not require a down payment and does not require PMI; a lender may still require a down payment in some scenarios and a funding fee may apply.
May fit if
Veterans, eligible service members and certain surviving spouses.
Confirm
Review official source →
Certificate of eligibility, entitlement, appraisal, lender and funding fee.
NACA Purchase Program
NACA advertises a mortgage with no down payment, closing costs, fees or mortgage insurance. Funds may still be needed for inspection, prepaid items and reserves.
May fit if
Buyers willing to complete financial counseling and NACA's documented process.
Confirm
Review official source →
Workshop, membership, occupancy, documents, payment history and minimum funds.
HouseCharlotte
The City publishes deferred and forgivable options for down payment, closing costs and interest-rate buy-down. The maximum depends on the category and eligible assistance that may match.
May fit if
First-time buyers purchasing inside Charlotte who meet income, price, education and occupancy requirements.
Confirm
Review official source →
City limits, published maximum price of $365,000, AMI by household, funds and education.
NC Home Advantage Mortgage™
NCHFA publishes assistance of up to 3% of the loan. It currently indicates a maximum annual income of $158,000 and a credit score of 640+ for general eligibility.
May fit if
First-time or repeat buyers purchasing a primary residence in North Carolina through a participating lender.
Confirm
Review official source →
Income, credit, loan type, price, occupancy within 60 days and participating lender.
NC 1st Home Advantage
It is a deferred 0% second mortgage, forgiven 20% per year at the end of years 11–15. Selling, refinancing or transferring earlier may trigger repayment.
May fit if
First-time buyers, certain veterans or buyers in targeted census tracts who meet additional requirements.
Confirm
Review official source →
First-time buyer definition, income, price, 640+ credit, occupancy and participating lender.
03 · Educational example
A $350,000 home with 3% equals $10,500 down.
Assistance of up to 3% could reduce much of that requirement if the buyer, loan and property qualify. HouseCharlotte or other compatible help could also change closing costs, but the exact combination must be approved by the lender and each program.
Estimate my starting point04 · Review with Manuela
Tell us which option you want to investigate.
This form does not apply for a loan or guarantee assistance. It helps Manuela prepare a real estate conversation and connect you with the appropriate professional.
Sources and limits
Information reviewed August 16, 2026. Amounts, rates, maps, allotments and rules can change. Always open the official source and confirm with the administrator and a participating lender before making an offer or moving money.