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By Tyler Thompson · Licensed Real Estate Agent · Updated March 31, 2026

Homebuyer Programs in Weirton, WV (2026)

Population: 18,000 | Median home price: $150,000 | Est. closing costs: $3,000 - $4,500

Skyline of Weirton, WV

Weirton is a city in the Northern Panhandle of West Virginia, straddling Hancock and Brooke counties along the Ohio River border with Pennsylvania and Ohio. With a median home price around $150,000, Weirton offers some of the most affordable homeownership opportunities in the region. First-time buyers can access up to $10,000 through the Weirton First Time Homebuyer Program, a forgivable loan funded by the Northern Panhandle HOME Consortium. The WVHDF Homeownership Program adds up to $10,000 in additional state-level assistance through the Low Down Home Loan. By combining these local and state programs with federal options like FHA, VA, or USDA loans, Weirton buyers can significantly reduce or eliminate their out-of-pocket costs at closing.

City Programs in Weirton

Weirton First Time Homebuyer Program (Northern Panhandle HOME Consortium)
Type:
Forgivable Loan
Amount:
Up to $10,000
First-time only:
Yes

State Programs in West Virginia

WVHDF Homeownership Program
Type:
Repayable Loan
Amount:
Up to $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance via the Low Down Home Loan; 30-year fixed-rate mortgage financing up to 100% of purchase price
First-time only:
Yes
WVHDF Movin' Up Program
Type:
Repayable Loan
Amount:
No down payment assistance (Low Down Home Loan removed 9/30/2026); 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage at 7.750% (Movin' Up Special 7.625%) for homes up to $350,000
First-time only:
No

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 Weirton First Time Homebuyer Program requires that you have never owned a home before. Income limits apply based on household size, with a four-person household limited to $64,000 per year. The home you purchase must be your primary residence.

Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. CHANGE, Inc. in Weirton offers free HUD-approved homebuyer education workshops and online courses. Contact them at 304-748-4200 or visit their office at 3158 West Street, Weirton, WV. A certificate of completion is required before you can receive assistance.

Step 3: Contact the City of Weirton. Reach Nicole Jagela at 304-797-8516 or cdbghousing@cityofweirton.com to discuss the First Time Homebuyer Program and begin your application for up to $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.

Step 4: Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Contact a WVHDF participating lender at 800-933-8511 to explore the Homeownership Program, which offers 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with up to $10,000 in additional down payment assistance through the Low Down Home Loan.

Step 5: Find a home within program guidelines. Work with a local real estate agent to find a property in Weirton, Hancock County, or Brooke County. You must invest at least $500 of your own funds toward the purchase.

Step 6: Submit your applications. Your lender and housing counselor at CHANGE, Inc. will help coordinate applications for all eligible programs. The city's forgivable loan is processed through the Northern Panhandle HOME Consortium. Allow several weeks for processing and approval.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much down payment assistance can I get in Weirton?+
Weirton buyers can stack multiple programs for significant assistance. The Weirton First Time Homebuyer Program offers up to $10,000 as a forgivable loan through the Northern Panhandle HOME Consortium. The WVHDF Homeownership Program provides up to $10,000 in additional assistance through the Low Down Home Loan. Combined with federal options like FHA loans requiring just 3.5% down or VA and USDA loans with zero down payment, many buyers can cover most or all of their upfront costs on a $150,000 home.
Do I have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify?+
The Weirton First Time Homebuyer Program requires that you have never owned a home before. The WVHDF Homeownership Program also requires first-time buyer status for non-targeted counties, meaning no homeownership in the past three years. However, the WVHDF Movin Up Program is available to repeat buyers. Federal programs like FHA, VA, and USDA loans do not require first-time buyer status.
What are the income limits for the Weirton program?+
The Weirton First Time Homebuyer Program income limits are based on household size: $44,800 for one person, $51,200 for two persons, $57,600 for three persons, $64,000 for four persons, $69,150 for five persons, $74,250 for six persons, $79,400 for seven persons, and $84,500 for eight persons. These are 2024 limits and may be updated annually.
What homebuyer education is required?+
The Weirton First Time Homebuyer Program requires completion of a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. CHANGE, Inc. in Weirton offers free workshops and an online self-paced course. Contact them at 304-748-4200 or visit their office at 3158 West Street, Weirton, WV. The certificate of completion is accepted by the city program, WVHDF programs, and most lenders.
Is the Weirton forgivable loan really forgiven?+
Yes. The Weirton First Time Homebuyer Program provides a zero-interest deferred loan of up to $10,000. The loan is fully forgiven if you remain in the home as your primary residence for 5 years. If you sell or move out before 5 years, you will need to repay the remaining balance.
Can I buy a home in Brooke County and still qualify?+
Yes. The Northern Panhandle HOME Consortium covers the City of Weirton, Hancock County, and Brooke County. You can purchase a home anywhere within these jurisdictions and still qualify for the forgivable loan, as long as you meet the income limits and first-time buyer requirements.

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