See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated April 10, 2026
Homebuyer Programs in Sterling Heights, MI (2026)
Sterling Heights is Michigan's fourth-largest city, located in Macomb County in the northern suburbs of Detroit, with a median home price of around $275,000. While Sterling Heights does not currently offer a city-funded down payment assistance program, buyers here can take advantage of several strong state and county programs. The MSHDA MI 10K DPA Loan provides up to $10,000 in zero-interest down payment assistance statewide. The HomeBoost program offers grants of up to $15,000 for qualifying minority first-time homebuyers. Families with children can also build savings toward homeownership through the Macomb Community Action IDA program, which matches every dollar saved 3:1, turning $1,000 in savings into $4,000 for a down payment.
County Programs in Macomb County
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Macomb Community Action IDA Homebuyer Program | Grant | Up to $4,000 ($1,000 savings matched 3:1) | No | View → |
- Type:
- Grant
- Amount:
- Up to $4,000 ($1,000 savings matched 3:1)
- 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
How to Apply
Step 1: Check your eligibility. The MSHDA MI 10K DPA has income limits that vary by county. For Macomb County, the limit is $95,900 for 1-2 person households and $110,285 for 3+ person households. A minimum credit score of 640 is required. The HomeBoost program requires income at or below 120% AMI.
Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. All programs require a homebuyer education course. MSU Extension Macomb Office at (586) 469-7614 offers free HUD-approved homebuyer education workshops and one-on-one counseling sessions. Certificates are approved by both HUD and MSHDA.
Step 3: Get pre-qualified by a lender. For the MSHDA MI 10K DPA, you must work with an MSHDA-approved lender who will process both the first mortgage and the DPA together. Use MSHDA's lender search portal to find approved lenders in Macomb County.
Step 4: Explore the Macomb Community Action IDA program. If you have a child under 18, contact Christina Stepowski at (586) 469-7378 to enroll in the matched savings program. Save $20 or more per month and receive a 3:1 match toward your down payment.
Step 5: Find a home within program limits. The MSHDA program has a statewide purchase price limit of $544,233. Look for properties in Sterling Heights that meet your budget and program requirements.
Step 6: Submit your applications. Your MSHDA-approved lender will process both the MI Home Loan first mortgage and the MI 10K DPA second mortgage together. You must contribute at least 1% of the purchase price and cannot have more than $7,500 in liquid assets (excluding retirement accounts).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much down payment assistance can I get in Sterling Heights?+−
Does Sterling Heights have its own down payment assistance program?+−
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?+−
What are the income requirements?+−
What homebuyer education is required?+−
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