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For current info please visit detroitmi.gov

DPA Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I qualify?

To qualify for the Detroit Downpayment Assistance Program, you must have lived in the City of Detroit for the last 12 months, OR you must prove you lost a home to property tax foreclosure within the City of Detroit between 2010 and 2016.
Your household must be income eligible for the program based on the income limits in the table below based on family size.

1 Person 2 Person 3 Person 4 Person 5 Person 6 Person 7 Person 8 Person
$40,770 $54,930 $69,090 $83,250 $97,410 $111,570 $125,730 $139,890


Residents who get Downpayment Assistance through this program must purchase a home in Detroit. To apply for this program, you also will need to complete a HUD Homebuyer Education Course, be pre-qualified by a lender, and have a signed purchase agreement. More information on these requirements can be found in Step 2 of this website.

When should I apply?

Funding for this program will be distributed to households on a first-come, first-served basis. To apply for the program, you must have completed a Homebuyer Education course, be pre-qualified by a lender, and have a signed purchase agreement.

Does the money come directly to me?

The funding for the grant does not go directly to the homebuyer. The funding will be sent to the closing to cover all applicable required costs (i.e., downpayment, closing costs, and prepaids).

Do I automatically receive $25,000 if I qualify for assistance?

You will not automatically receive $25,000. Granted funds will be awarded up to $25,000 based upon multiple factors which include purchase price, prepaids including interest rate buy down, closing costs, and repairs financed into a renovation mortgage. The total amount of assistance cannot exceed 50% of the purchase price.

How long does it take to receive the downpayment assistance?

Once a complete file has been received the anticipated length of time for review and decision is 2-3 weeks.

Can I combine different forms of downpayment assistance?

Yes, you can have multiple forms of downpayment assistance; however, it must be acceptable to your lender.

Can I get this assistance if I am not a first-time homebuyer?

You are not eligible for this program if you currently own a home or have owned a home in the past three years. However, you can be eligible for this program if you can prove that you lost a home to property tax foreclosure within the City of Detroit between 2010 and 2016.

Can I use this assistance more than once?

No, you may not use this assistance more than once.

Are there any income restrictions on this assistance?

You have to meet income requirements in order to be eligible for this program.
Your household must be income eligible for the program based on the income limits in the table below based on family size.

1 Person 2 Person 3 Person 4 Person 5 Person 6 Person 7 Person 8 Person
$40,770 $54,930 $69,090 $83,250 $97,410 $111,570 $125,730 $139,890
Can I use a resource (Lender, Homebuyer Education, etc.) that is not listed on the site?

Yes, you can use resources other than those listed on our website. The resources list is for informational purposes only. They are not recommendations by the City of Detroit nor National Faith Homebuyers. Participants are free to select lenders, HUD approved homebuyer counseling agencies, and realtors of their choice.

Can I use a homebuyer counselor that is not listed on the site?

Yes so long as the homebuyer counseling agency is approved by HUD.

Do I have to work with a realtor to receive the downpayment assistance?

No, you do not have to work with a realtor to receive assistance if you qualify.