See programs you qualify for

Get Matched Free →

By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated April 10, 2026

Homebuyer Programs in Warren, MI (2026)

Population: 139,000 | Median home price: $200,000 | Est. closing costs: $4,000 - $6,000

Skyline of Warren, MI

Warren is Michigan's third-largest city, located in Macomb County just north of Detroit, with a median home price of around $200,000. The City of Warren offers a Direct Homebuyer Assistance Program providing up to $25,000 in forgivable loans for buyers purchasing city-owned properties, covering half the required down payment plus up to $3,500 in closing costs. At the state level, the MSHDA MI 10K DPA Loan provides up to $10,000 in zero-interest down payment assistance, and the HomeBoost program offers grants of up to $15,000 for qualifying minority first-time homebuyers. By combining city and state programs, Warren homebuyers could potentially access over $35,000 in total assistance.

City Programs in Warren

City of Warren Direct Homebuyer Assistance Program
Type:
Forgivable Loan
Amount:
Up to $25,000
First-time only:
No

County Programs in Macomb County

Macomb Community Action IDA Homebuyer Program
Type:
Grant
Amount:
Up to $4,000 ($1,000 savings matched 3:1)
First-time only:
No

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
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

How to Apply

Step 1: Check your eligibility. The City of Warren Direct Homebuyer Assistance Program is for low- to moderate-income households purchasing city-owned properties. The MSHDA MI 10K DPA has income limits that vary by county, with a minimum credit score of 640. Review each program's requirements to determine which ones you qualify for.

Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. All programs require homebuyer counseling. MSU Extension Macomb Office at (586) 469-7614 offers free HUD-approved homebuyer education classes 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. The City of Warren program requires a fully amortizing, fixed-rate 30-year mortgage from an approved lender.

Step 4: Find available properties. For the City of Warren program, contact the Community Development Department at (586) 574-4686 to see available city-owned properties. For the MSHDA program, the statewide purchase price limit is $544,233.

Step 5: Submit your applications. For the City of Warren program, your application will be presented to the Committee and forwarded to City Council for authorization. For the MSHDA MI 10K DPA, your MSHDA-approved lender will process both the first mortgage and DPA together.

Step 6: Close on your home and maintain residency. The City of Warren forgivable loan is forgiven after 5 years for loans under $15,000, or 10 years for larger loans. The MSHDA DPA is due upon sale, transfer, or refinance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much down payment assistance can I get in Warren?+
Warren homebuyers can access multiple programs. The City of Warren Direct Homebuyer Assistance Program provides up to $25,000 in forgivable loans for city-owned properties. The MSHDA MI 10K DPA Loan provides up to $10,000 statewide. The HomeBoost program offers grants of up to $15,000 for qualifying minority first-time buyers. Combined, eligible buyers could access over $35,000 in total assistance, though the city program is limited to city-owned properties.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?+
The City of Warren Direct Homebuyer Assistance Program does not require first-time buyer status. The MSHDA MI 10K DPA is available to first-time homebuyers statewide and repeat homebuyers in targeted areas. The HomeBoost program requires first-time or first-generation buyer status.
What properties are eligible for the City of Warren program?+
The City of Warren Direct Homebuyer Assistance Program is specifically for purchasing city-owned properties within Warren. Contact the Community Development Department at (586) 574-4686 to learn about currently available homes. The MSHDA programs can be used for any eligible property statewide.
What homebuyer education is required?+
All programs require completion of HUD-approved homebuyer counseling. MSU Extension Macomb Office at (586) 469-7614 offers free homebuyer education classes and one-on-one counseling sessions in the Macomb County area. Certificates are approved by both HUD and MSHDA.
What are the income requirements for Warren programs?+
The City of Warren program requires low- to moderate-income status as defined by HUD HOME program guidelines for Macomb County. The MSHDA MI 10K DPA has income limits ranging from $91,200 to $174,720 depending on county and household size. The HomeBoost program requires household income at or below 120% of Area Median Income.

Related Cities

Related Articles