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Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent
Homebuyer Programs in Pontiac, MI (2026)
Pontiac offers several pathways to make homeownership more affordable, from city-led new construction programs to county and state down payment assistance. With a median home price around $150,000 — well below the national average — Pontiac is one of the most accessible housing markets in Metro Detroit. Buyers can stack multiple programs including the 100 Homes for Pontiac initiative, Oakland County grants, and Michigan state-level assistance worth up to $25,000 to significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. Whether you are a first-time buyer or returning to homeownership, this guide covers every program available to help you purchase a home in Pontiac.
City Programs in Pontiac
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 100 Homes for Pontiac | Grant | — | No | View → |
100 Homes for Pontiac
- Type:
- Grant
- First-time only:
- No
County Programs in Oakland County
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CHN Oakland County HOME Homebuyer Subsidy | Forgivable Loan | Up to $25,000 | Yes | View → |
| Oakland County Treasurer Homebuyer Assistance Program | Grant | $5,000 grant | Yes | View → |
| Oakland Housing Authority Homeownership Voucher Program | Grant | Monthly mortgage assistance (housing subsidy applied toward mortgage payment) | No | View → |
CHN Oakland County HOME Homebuyer Subsidy
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $25,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
Oakland County Treasurer Homebuyer Assistance Program
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- $5,000 grant
- First-time only:
- Yes
Oakland Housing Authority Homeownership Voucher Program
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- Monthly mortgage assistance (housing subsidy applied toward mortgage payment)
- 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 → |
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
| 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 → |
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
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Community Housing Network Homebuyer Education and Counseling | Grant | Free homebuyer education courses and one-on-one housing counseling | No | View → |
| Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County Homeownership Program | Forgivable Loan | Below-market-price homes with affordable mortgage terms | No | View → |
| OLHSA Homebuyer Education and Counseling | Grant | — | No | View → |
Community Housing Network Homebuyer Education and Counseling
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- Free homebuyer education courses and one-on-one housing counseling
- First-time only:
- No
Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County Homeownership Program
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Below-market-price homes with affordable mortgage terms
- First-time only:
- No
OLHSA Homebuyer Education and Counseling
- Type:
- Grant
- First-time only:
- No
How to Apply
Start by completing a HUD-approved homebuyer education course through OLHSA in Pontiac or Community Housing Network, as most programs require a certificate
Check your eligibility for Michigan state programs like MSHDA HomeBoost (up to $25,000) and MI 10K DPA ($10,000 loan) through an approved lender
Apply for the Oakland County Treasurer Homebuyer Assistance Program through Independent Bank for a $5,000 grant if you are a first-time buyer
Contact Community Housing Network about the HOME Homebuyer Subsidy (up to $25,000) if purchasing a CHN-rehabilitated home
Inquire with the Pontiac Housing Commission about available homes through the 100 Homes for Pontiac program
Work with your lender to combine eligible programs and finalize your mortgage with all assistance applied at closing
Frequently Asked Questions
What down payment assistance is available in Pontiac?+−
Pontiac buyers can access several programs. The Oakland County Treasurer offers a $5,000 grant for first-time buyers. The CHN Oakland County HOME Homebuyer Subsidy provides up to $25,000 for qualifying purchases of rehabilitated homes. At the state level, MSHDA HomeBoost offers up to $25,000 and MI 10K DPA provides a $10,000 zero-interest loan. The 100 Homes for Pontiac program offers newly built homes with attainable mortgage products.
Can I combine multiple assistance programs?+−
Yes. Many Pontiac buyers layer county and state programs together. For example, you could combine the Oakland County Treasurer $5,000 grant with MSHDA HomeBoost for significant total assistance. Each program has its own eligibility requirements, so work with a HUD-approved counselor to determine which combination works best for your situation.
What is the 100 Homes for Pontiac program?+−
This is a Pontiac Housing Commission initiative to build 100 new homes on vacant lots throughout the city and sell them to buyers earning up to 120% of Area Median Income. Participating financial institutions offer attainable mortgage products. The program is open to Housing Choice Voucher holders and the general public.
Do I need to be a first-time homebuyer?+−
Not for all programs. The 100 Homes for Pontiac program and OLHSA education services are open to all buyers. However, the Oakland County Treasurer grant and MSHDA First-Generation DPA do require first-time buyer status, generally defined as not owning a home in the past three years.
How much are closing costs in Pontiac?+−
Typical closing costs in Pontiac range from $3,000 to $4,500, based on the median home price of approximately $150,000. These costs include title insurance, appraisal fees, attorney fees, and lender charges. Some assistance programs can help cover closing costs in addition to the down payment.
What are the income limits for Pontiac programs?+−
Income limits vary by program. The Oakland County Treasurer grant allows up to 120% AMI (approximately $123,240 for a family). MSHDA programs have their own income limits that vary by county and household size. The 100 Homes for Pontiac program caps income at 120% AMI. Contact a HUD-approved counselor for current limits specific to your household.
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