See programs you qualify for
Get Matched Free →By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated May 7, 2026
Homebuyer Programs in Fremont, NE (2026)
Fremont is the Dodge County seat in eastern Nebraska, sitting just 35 miles northwest of Omaha and home to roughly 28,000 residents and a deep employment base anchored by food processing and ag manufacturing. Recent Redfin data put the median Fremont sale price near $220,000, which keeps the city affordable relative to the Omaha metro. First-time buyers in Fremont can stack state programs from the Nebraska Investment Finance Authority — including the NIFA Homebuyer Assistance (HBA) program for up to $10,000 and the FHLBank Topeka Homeownership Set-Aside Program for up to $15,000 in forgivable funds — with the NENEDD Direct Homebuyer Assistance Program, which provides up to $30,000 (or 20% of project cost) in down payment and closing-cost assistance for income-qualified Dodge County buyers. Fremont Area Habitat for Humanity is also actively building affordable homes for qualifying families. Together, these programs can cover most of the up-front cash needed to purchase a typical Fremont home.
State Programs in Nebraska
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FHLBank Topeka Homeownership Set-aside Program (HSP) | Forgivable Loan | Up to $15,000 | Yes | View → |
| NIFA First Home Program | Government-Insured Mortgage | 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage at competitive below-market rates | Yes | View → |
| NIFA First Home Targeted Program | Government-Insured Mortgage | 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage at competitive below-market rates | No | View → |
| NIFA Homebuyer Assistance Program (HBA) | Repayable Loan | Up to 5% of purchase price (capped at $10,000) | Yes | View → |
| NIFA Welcome Home Program | Government-Insured Mortgage | 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage at competitive below-market rates | No | View → |
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $15,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Government-Insured Mortgage
- Amount:
- 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage at competitive below-market rates
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Government-Insured Mortgage
- Amount:
- 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage at competitive below-market rates
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Repayable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to 5% of purchase price (capped at $10,000)
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Government-Insured Mortgage
- Amount:
- 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage at competitive below-market rates
- First-time only:
- No
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 → |
| FHLBA Community Partners Product | Forgivable Loan | Up to $20,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs | No | View → |
| FHLBA First Time Homebuyer Product | Forgivable Loan | Up to $17,500 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs | Yes | View → |
| FHLBA Workforce Housing Plus+ | Forgivable Loan | Up to $15,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs | 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:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $20,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $17,500 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs
- First-time only:
- Yes
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $15,000 in home purchase assistance for down payment and closing costs
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fremont Area Habitat for Humanity Homeownership | Zero-Interest Loan | Affordable mortgage on a Habitat-built home; sweat equity replaces a traditional down payment | No | View → |
| NENEDD Direct Homebuyer Assistance Program | Deferred Loan | Up to $30,000 or 20% of project cost (whichever is less) | No | View → |
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Affordable mortgage on a Habitat-built home; sweat equity replaces a traditional down payment
- First-time only:
- No
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $30,000 or 20% of project cost (whichever is less)
- First-time only:
- No
How to Apply
Check your eligibility. NIFA programs and the NENEDD DPA require household income at or below program limits, and applicants for the NENEDD program cannot currently own any other real property. Income limits vary by county and household size, so confirm Dodge County figures with each program before applying.
Complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. NENEDD requires completion of a Homebuyer Education Workshop prior to loan closing. NIFA accepts education delivered by approved Nebraska providers, including REACH affiliates that use the eHomeAmerica platform.
Get pre-approved for a NIFA-participating mortgage. NIFA programs are originated through participating lenders across Nebraska. Ask your lender if they are NIFA-approved before you lock a rate.
Contact NENEDD or the Greater Fremont Development Council. NENEDD staff process Direct Homebuyer Assistance applications from their Norfolk office at 111 S. 1st Street. The Greater Fremont Development Council, located at 1005 E 23rd Street, Suite 2, Fremont, NE 68025, can also help with application support.
Plan to contribute at least $1,000 of your own money. NENEDD requires a minimum buyer contribution of $1,000 toward closing fees and pre-paid escrows. NIFA HBA requires a minimum $1,000 borrower investment as well.
Find a home that fits the program. NENEDD funds purchase one housing unit; the home must serve as your primary residence. Property and occupancy standards apply.
Submit your application and close on your home. Local DPA funds are limited and awarded as funding rounds are released. Move quickly once you are pre-approved and under contract.