🏡 Unlocking Homeownership in Idaho: Down Payment Assistance Made Simple

Buying a home in Idaho is more achievable than ever thanks to Idaho down payment assistance in 2025. Whether you’re house hunting in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, or smaller towns like Caldwell and Twin Falls, Idaho Housing has powerful programs to reduce upfront costs - and at 1st Choice Mortgage, we're here to help you unlock them.

But here's the good news: You don't need 20% down. In fact, you don't even need 5%. Thanks to the Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA), eligible homebuyers can get significant help covering their down payment and even closing costs.

At 1st Choice Mortgage, we've helped hundreds of Idahoans unlock these programs and get into homes they thought were out of reach.

💰 What Is Idaho Housing's Down Payment Assistance?

IHFA offers two main types of Down Payment Assistance (DPA) programs:

✅ 1. Second Mortgage Assistance

• A 15-year fixed-rate loan (at an interest rate 2% higher than your main mortgage).

• Can cover up to 7% of the home's purchase price or appraised value.

• Funds can be used for both down payment and closing costs.

✅ 2. Forgivable Loan

• A 0% interest loan that is forgiven gradually the longer you live in the home.

• Requires no monthly payment.

• Also available for covering down payment and closing costs.

Either option can dramatically reduce your out-of-pocket expense at closing.

🏘️ Who Qualifies for DPA in Idaho?

Eligibility is broader than most people expect. You may qualify if:

• You’re buying a home to use as your primary residence (not a rental or vacation home).

• You complete the “Finally Home!” Homebuyer Education course.

• Your income is below $170,000 (some loan types have lower caps, income caps as of 06/01/2025).

• You contribute at least 0.5% of the purchase price from your own funds.

Good news: These programs are available to first-time AND repeat buyers in Idaho.

At 1st Choice Mortgage, we walk you through every step and make sure you don't miss a dollar of help you qualify for.

🦸 Idaho Heroes Program - Extra Perks for Our Community's Best

If you’re a teacher, healthcare worker, firefighter, law enforcement officer, active-duty military member, or veteran, you may qualify for the Idaho Heroes Second Mortgage.

Perks include:

• 0.5% minimum borrower contribution is waived

• Same second mortgage terms (15-year, fixed)

• Can be combined with other IHFA offerings

We're proud to support the people who serve Idaho every day - and this program is one small way to say thanks.

📍 Real Idaho Stories

Here are a few local examples of how these programs make a difference:

• A single mom in Meridian used the forgivable loan to move her family into a safe neighborhood with just $3,000 out of pocket.

• A veteran in Caldwell bought a home with zero down, thanks to the Heroes Program and a VA loan.

• A young couple in Nampa tapped IHFA’s DPA and closed with less than $2,000 total invested.

If they can do it - you can too.

📝 How to Get Started

The process is simpler than most think:

1. Contact 1st Choice Mortgage - We're an approved Idaho Housing lender.

2. Complete the Homebuyer Course - It's called Finally Home! and it's 100% online.

3. Apply for a Loan - We'll help match you with the right assistance program.

4. Close with Confidence - Use your assistance to lower your cash-to-close and move in!

🚪 Bottom Line: Down Payment Help Is Here

Whether you’re shopping in Boise, Kuna, Middleton, Star, Emmett, or even out in Twin Falls, Idaho's Down Payment Assistance programs can make homeownership achievable now, not "someday."

At 1st Choice Mortgage, we specialize in these programs. We don't just get you pre-approved - we get you pre-approved with a plan.

📞 Call us today or click to start your no-obligation pre-approval.