See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated April 8, 2026
Homebuyer Programs in Van Buren, AR (2026)
Van Buren is a historic city in Crawford County along the Arkansas River, just across from Fort Smith, with a median home price around $215,000. Buyers here benefit from the CSCDC American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI), which provides up to $10,000 as a forgivable loan for first-time homebuyers in Crawford County. The ADFA Down Payment Assistance Program adds $1,000 to $15,000 toward down payment and closing costs, and the Arkansas Dream Down Payment Initiative (ADDI) offers up to 10% of the purchase price as a forgivable state loan, capped at $10,000. The Southern Bancorp Wealth Builders DPA Program also provides up to $12,000 in forgivable loans. By stacking local, state, and federal programs, Van Buren buyers can potentially access over $30,000 in combined assistance.
County Programs in Crawford County
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CSCDC American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) | Forgivable Loan | Up to $10,000 (10% of purchase price, whichever is less) | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $10,000 (10% of purchase price, whichever is less)
- First-time only:
- Yes
State Programs in Arkansas
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADFA Down Payment Assistance Program | Repayable Loan | $1,000 to $15,000 for down payment and closing costs | No | View → |
| ADFA Move-Up Loan Program | Zero-Interest Loan | Affordable 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with competitive interest rates | No | View → |
| ADFA StartSmart First-Time Homebuyer Program | Zero-Interest Loan | Below-market interest rate (approximately 1% below market rate) on a 30-year fixed mortgage | Yes | View → |
| Arkansas Dream Down Payment Initiative (ADDI) | Forgivable Loan | Up to 10% of the sale price, not to exceed $10,000 | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Repayable Loan
- Amount:
- $1,000 to $15,000 for down payment and closing costs
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Affordable 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with competitive interest rates
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Below-market interest rate (approximately 1% below market rate) on a 30-year fixed mortgage
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to 10% of the sale price, not to exceed $10,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
Federal Programs
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FHA Loans | Government-Insured Mortgage | Up to FHA county loan limits ($541,287 floor to $1,249,125 ceiling for single-family in 2026) | No | View → |
| Good Neighbor Next Door (HUD) | Government Property Sale Program | 50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes | Yes | View → |
| Home Possible Mortgage (Freddie Mac) | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment | No | View → |
| HomeReady Mortgage (Fannie Mae) | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment | No | View → |
| HUD $100 Down Program | FHA-Financed HUD REO Purchase | Only $100 down payment required (vs. standard 3.5% FHA down payment). HUD may also pay up to 3% of buyer's closing costs. | No | View → |
| USDA Rural Development Loans | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | 100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value | No | View → |
| VA Loans | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement (0% down at any price); partial entitlement subject to conforming limits ($832,750 standard in 2026) | No | View → |
- Type:
- Government-Insured Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to FHA county loan limits ($541,287 floor to $1,249,125 ceiling for single-family in 2026)
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government Property Sale Program
- Amount:
- 50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- FHA-Financed HUD REO Purchase
- Amount:
- Only $100 down payment required (vs. standard 3.5% FHA down payment). HUD may also pay up to 3% of buyer's closing costs.
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- 100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement (0% down at any price); partial entitlement subject to conforming limits ($832,750 standard in 2026)
- First-time only:
- No
Nonprofit Programs
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Bancorp Wealth Builders DPA Program | Forgivable Loan | Up to $12,000 | No | View → |
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $12,000
- First-time only:
- No
How to Apply
Step 1: Check your eligibility. Review income limits for Crawford County under the CSCDC ADDI program and ADFA programs. You must be a low-income first-time homebuyer for the CSCDC program.
Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. An 8-hour HUD-approved homebuyer counseling class is required. Contact the Crawford-Sebastian Community Development Council at (479) 785-2303 to enroll in their homebuyer education program.
Step 3: Apply for the CSCDC ADDI program. Contact CSCDC at 1617 South Zero Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901. The program provides up to $10,000 as a forgivable loan with no interest and no monthly payments.
Step 4: Get pre-approved through an ADFA-approved lender. ADFA maintains a network of participating lenders who can originate StartSmart and Move-Up loans with state down payment assistance.
Step 5: Explore nonprofit options. Contact Southern Bancorp about the Wealth Builders DPA Program for up to $12,000 in forgivable loan assistance.
Step 6: Find a home within program limits. Ensure the property is in Crawford County and meets any purchase price requirements for the programs you are applying for.
Step 7: Submit your applications and close. Your lender will coordinate ADFA DPA with your mortgage, and CSCDC funds are disbursed at closing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Van Buren?+−
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?+−
What is the maximum home price I can pay?+−
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