See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated April 10, 2026
Homebuyer Programs in Kentwood, MI (2026)
Kentwood is a growing city of nearly 55,000 in Kent County, part of the greater Grand Rapids metro area in West Michigan. With a median home price around $330,000, buyers in Kentwood can access several state and regional programs to reduce upfront costs. The MSHDA MI 10K DPA Loan offers up to $10,000 as a zero-interest loan, while the HomeBoost Down Payment Assistance grant provides up to $15,000 (or up to $25,000 through some participating lenders) for eligible buyers. First-generation homebuyers may qualify for the MSHDA First-Generation DPA program, which offers up to $25,000 as a deferred loan. Locally, Lake Michigan Credit Union's HomeAssist program provides up to $10,000 in zero-interest down payment assistance, and Habitat for Humanity Kent County offers affordable homeownership opportunities throughout the county. By combining state and local resources, Kentwood buyers can potentially stack over $35,000 in assistance toward their home purchase.
County Programs in Kent County
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kent HOME Consortium Homeownership Program | Government Property Sale Program | Newly constructed or rehabilitated affordable homes sold below market value | No | View → |
- Type:
- Government Property Sale Program
- Amount:
- Newly constructed or rehabilitated affordable homes sold below market value
- 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 → |
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community West Credit Union Zero-Down Mortgage | Zero-Interest Loan | Zero down payment required with no PMI | No | View → |
| Habitat for Humanity Kent County Homeownership Program | Zero-Interest Loan | Affordable mortgage based on ability to pay (housing costs not to exceed 35% of gross income) | No | View → |
| ICCF Community Homes Land Trust | Government Property Sale Program | Move-in-ready homes sold below market value through community land trust model | Yes | View → |
| LMCU HomeAssist Down Payment Assistance | Zero-Interest Loan | Up to $10,000 (up to $15,000 in targeted areas) | Yes | View → |
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Zero down payment required with no PMI
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Affordable mortgage based on ability to pay (housing costs not to exceed 35% of gross income)
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Government Property Sale Program
- Amount:
- Move-in-ready homes sold below market value through community land trust model
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $10,000 (up to $15,000 in targeted areas)
- First-time only:
- Yes
How to Apply
Step 1: Check your eligibility. Most programs require household income at or below 80% to 120% of the Area Median Income for Kent County. Kentwood is a MSHDA targeted area, which means higher income limits (up to $127,680 for 1-2 persons) and expanded eligibility for repeat buyers.
Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. A HUD-approved homebuyer education course is required for most programs. ICCF Community Homes in Grand Rapids offers courses, or contact the Grand Rapids Urban League at (616) 245-2207 for counseling services and referrals.
Step 3: Connect with a participating lender. MSHDA programs require working with an approved lender. Lake Michigan Credit Union, headquartered in the Grand Rapids area, offers both MSHDA loans and their own HomeAssist DPA program.
Step 4: Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Your lender will confirm which programs you qualify for and help you understand your maximum purchase price. MSHDA targeted area limits in Kentwood allow purchase prices up to $544,233.
Step 5: Find a home within program limits. Work with your real estate agent to find a home in Kentwood that meets the purchase price requirements of your chosen programs.
Step 6: Submit your DPA application. Your lender will process the down payment assistance alongside your primary mortgage. Most programs close simultaneously with your home purchase, so plan for a timeline of 30 to 60 days from application to closing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Kentwood?+−
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?+−
What is the maximum home price I can purchase with assistance?+−
What homebuyer education is required?+−
Are there programs specifically for affordable homeownership in Kentwood?+−
Can I combine multiple programs?+−
Free eligibility check
Buying a home in Kentwood? 15 programs could help.
How soon are you looking to buy?