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Homebuyer Programs in Saginaw, MI (2026)

Population: 43,185 | Median home price: $115,000 | Est. closing costs: $2,500 - $3,500

Last updated April 10, 2026

Skyline of Saginaw, MI

Saginaw is a city in Saginaw County, Michigan, with a population of about 43,000 and a median home price around $115,000, making it one of the most affordable markets in the state. While Saginaw does not currently offer a city-funded down payment assistance program, buyers can take advantage of strong state-level programs from MSHDA. The HomeBoost program provides up to $15,000 as a grant, and the MI 10K DPA Loan offers up to $10,000 as a zero-interest loan. Saginaw-Shiawassee Habitat for Humanity also serves local buyers with affordable homeownership opportunities. With Saginaw's low home prices and available state assistance, many buyers can achieve homeownership with minimal out-of-pocket costs.

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
FHLBA Community Partners Product
Type:
Forgivable Loan
Amount:
Up to $20,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs
First-time only:
No
FHLBA First Time Homebuyer Product
Type:
Forgivable Loan
Amount:
Up to $17,500 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs
First-time only:
Yes
FHLBA Workforce Housing Plus+
Type:
Forgivable Loan
Amount:
Up to $15,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs
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

Saginaw-Shiawassee Habitat for Humanity Homeownership Program
Type:
Repayable Loan
Amount:
Affordable below-market mortgage
First-time only:
Yes

How to Apply

Step 1:

Check your eligibility. MSHDA programs require household income within published limits that vary by family size and county. Credit scores of 640 or higher are typically required.

Step 2:

Complete homebuyer education. Saginaw County Community Action Corporation offers a Steps to Financial Fitness program including homebuyer education classes. Contact them for enrollment details.

Step 3:

Contact a local housing partner. Reach out to Saginaw-Shiawassee Habitat for Humanity at (989) 753-5200 or the Saginaw County Community Action Corporation for guidance on programs and next steps.

Step 4:

Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Find an MSHDA-approved lender at the MSHDA website. Financial Plus Credit Union also offers MSHDA loans with a $1,500 closing cost credit for qualifying borrowers.

Step 5:

Find a home within program limits. MSHDA programs have specific purchase price limits. Ensure the property meets program requirements.

Step 6:

Submit your application. Apply for MSHDA assistance through your approved lender during the mortgage process. Allow several weeks for processing and approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

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