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By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated April 10, 2026

Homebuyer Programs in Flint, MI (2026)

Population: 80,000 | Median home price: $50,000 | Est. closing costs: $1,000 - $1,500

Skyline of Flint, MI

Flint is located in Genesee County in central Michigan, about 65 miles northwest of Detroit, and is one of the most affordable housing markets in the state with a median home price around $50,000. While the City of Flint does not currently offer its own city-funded down payment assistance program, buyers here can take advantage of strong state-level programs including the MSHDA MI 10K DPA Loan (up to $10,000), the MSHDA First-Generation Down Payment Assistance (up to $25,000 for qualifying first-generation buyers), and the HomeBoost Down Payment Assistance (up to $15,000 as a grant). Locally, the Genesee County Land Bank Authority sells renovated and rehab-ready homes at deeply affordable prices, Genesee County Habitat for Humanity builds affordable homes with zero-interest mortgages, and Financial Plus Credit Union offers a $1,500 closing cost credit for first-time buyers. By combining state and local resources, Flint homebuyers can significantly reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs.

County Programs in Genesee County

Genesee County Land Bank Affordable Homeownership Program
Type:
Government Property Sale Program
Amount:
Homes available from as low as $1,000 (Ready for Rehab) to move-in-ready Featured Homes
First-time only:
No

State Programs in Michigan

HomeBoost Down Payment Assistance
Type:
Grant
Amount:
Up to $15,000 (up to $25,000 through some participating lenders)
First-time only:
Yes
MSHDA First-Generation Down Payment Assistance
Type:
Deferred Loan
Amount:
Up to $25,000
First-time only:
Yes
MSHDA MI 10K DPA Loan
Type:
Zero-Interest Loan
Amount:
Up to $10,000
First-time only:
Yes

Federal Programs

FHA Loans
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
Good Neighbor Next Door (HUD)
Type:
Government Property Sale Program
Amount:
50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes
First-time only:
Yes
Home Possible Mortgage (Freddie Mac)
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
HomeReady Mortgage (Fannie Mae)
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
HUD $100 Down Program
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
USDA Rural Development Loans
Type:
Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
Amount:
100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value
First-time only:
No
VA Loans
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

Financial Plus Credit Union First-Time Homebuyer Program
Type:
Grant
Amount:
$1,500 closing cost credit
First-time only:
Yes
Genesee County Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program
Type:
Zero-Interest Loan
Amount:
Affordable mortgage based on ability to pay
First-time only:
No
Metro Community Development Homebuyer Program
Type:
Grant
Amount:
Homebuyer education, financial coaching, and counseling services
First-time only:
No

How to Apply

Step 1: Check your eligibility. Review income limits for MSHDA programs, which vary by family size and county. Genesee County income limits are available on the MSHDA website. Most programs require a minimum credit score of 640.

Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. Enroll in a HUD-approved or MSHDA-approved homebuyer education course. Metro Community Development in Flint offers courses and one-on-one financial coaching. Genesee County Habitat for Humanity also provides free housing counseling.

Step 3: Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Contact an MSHDA-approved lender to get pre-approved for an MI Home Loan, which qualifies you for the MI 10K DPA Loan and potentially the First-Generation DPA. Financial Plus Credit Union at (800) 748-0451 is a local option that also offers a $1,500 closing cost credit for first-time buyers.

Step 4: Explore affordable homes. Browse the Genesee County Land Bank's Featured Homes (move-in-ready) and Ready for Rehab listings for deeply affordable options. Also check traditional listings within MSHDA purchase price limits for Genesee County.

Step 5: Apply for down payment assistance. Work with your MSHDA-approved lender to apply for the MI 10K DPA Loan or First-Generation DPA. These are processed as part of your mortgage application.

Step 6: Close on your home. Your lender will coordinate the DPA funds with your closing. Expect the process to take 30-60 days from accepted offer to closing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much down payment assistance can I get in Flint?+
Flint homebuyers can access several layers of assistance. The MSHDA MI 10K DPA Loan provides up to $10,000 as a zero-interest loan. First-generation buyers may qualify for up to $25,000 through the MSHDA First-Generation Down Payment Assistance program. The HomeBoost program offers up to $15,000 as a grant. Financial Plus Credit Union also provides a $1,500 closing cost credit for first-time buyers. Given Flint's low median home price of around $50,000, these programs can cover most or all of a buyer's upfront costs.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to get assistance in Flint?+
Not necessarily. The MSHDA MI 10K DPA Loan is available to first-time buyers statewide and repeat buyers in targeted areas. The MSHDA First-Generation DPA is specifically for first-generation homebuyers who have not had parents or guardians who owned a home. The Financial Plus Credit Union program does require first-time buyer status. The Genesee County Land Bank and Habitat for Humanity programs do not require first-time buyer status.
What is the maximum home price I can pay using assistance programs?+
MSHDA sets purchase price limits that vary by county. For Genesee County, check the current limits on the MSHDA website as they are updated periodically. The Genesee County Land Bank sells homes well below these limits, with Ready for Rehab properties starting as low as $1,000 and Featured Homes priced affordably.
What homebuyer education is required?+
Most programs require completion of a homebuyer education course from an MSHDA-approved or HUD-approved agency. In the Flint area, Metro Community Development offers homebuyer education courses and financial coaching through their Money Game program. Genesee County Habitat for Humanity also provides free housing counseling services to Genesee County residents.
Can I buy a home in Flint with no money down?+
Yes, it is very possible in Flint. With a median home price around $50,000, the MSHDA MI 10K DPA Loan alone could cover a 20% down payment. Combined with the HomeBoost grant of up to $15,000 or the First-Generation DPA of up to $25,000, buyers can potentially cover their entire down payment and closing costs with no out-of-pocket expense.
Is the Genesee County DPA program available in Flint?+
No. The Genesee County Metropolitan Planning Commission Down Payment Assistance Program specifically excludes properties within the City of Flint (as well as Clio, Otter Lake, and Lennon). However, Flint buyers can access MSHDA state programs, the Genesee County Land Bank, Habitat for Humanity, and Financial Plus Credit Union programs instead.

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