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Get Matched Free →Jackson, MI First-Time Homebuyer Programs & Down Payment Assistance 2026
Jackson is a vibrant city in Jackson County in south-central Michigan, offering affordable housing and a strong sense of community for first-time homebuyers. With a population of approximately 30,854 and a median home price around $187,000, Jackson provides an accessible path to homeownership. Several down payment assistance programs serve Jackson residents, including state-level MSHDA programs, the City of Jackson 100 Homes Initiative offering up to $25,000 in forgivable assistance, and Greater Jackson Habitat for Humanity.
City Programs in Jackson
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Jackson 100 Homes Program | Forgivable Loan | $25,000 | No | View → |
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- $25,000
- First-time only:
- No
State Programs in Michigan
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HomeBoost Down Payment Assistance | Grant | Up to $15,000 (up to $25,000 through some participating lenders) | Yes | View → |
| MSHDA First-Generation Down Payment Assistance | Deferred Loan | Up to $25,000 | Yes | View → |
| MSHDA MI 10K DPA Loan | Zero-Interest Loan | Up to $10,000 | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- Up to $15,000 (up to $25,000 through some participating lenders)
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $25,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $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 → |
| FHLBA Community Partners Product | Forgivable Loan | Up to $20,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs | No | View → |
| FHLBA First Time Homebuyer Product | Forgivable Loan | Up to $17,500 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs | Yes | View → |
| FHLBA Workforce Housing Plus+ | Forgivable Loan | Up to $15,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs | 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:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $20,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $17,500 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $15,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greater Jackson Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program | Repayable Loan | Affordable homes with zero or very little down payment; grant programs cover down payment and closing costs | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Repayable Loan
- Amount:
- Affordable homes with zero or very little down payment; grant programs cover down payment and closing costs
- First-time only:
- Yes
How to Apply
Check Your Eligibility
Review income limits and requirements for each program. The City of Jackson 100 Homes Initiative requires income at or below 80% of area median income. MSHDA programs have their own income limits based on Jackson County figures. First-time buyer status is typically required.
Complete Homebuyer Education
Enroll in a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. Both MSHDA and the 100 Homes Initiative require completion of a certified homebuyer education course before closing.
Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Contact a MSHDA-approved lender to get pre-approved. Your lender will help determine which DPA programs you qualify for and can layer together. Ask specifically about the 100 Homes Initiative.
Find a Home in Jackson
Work with a licensed real estate agent to find a home within program price limits. The 100 Homes Initiative targets homes within Jackson city limits, so confirm the property qualifies.
Submit Your Application
Your lender will submit DPA applications on your behalf. For the 100 Homes Initiative, additional application steps through the City of Jackson may be required. Gather tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and identification.
Close on Your New Home
Once approved, the DPA funds are applied at closing. The 100 Homes Initiative provides up to $25,000 that is forgivable after 5 years of owner occupancy. Review all documents carefully before signing.