FIRST-TIME BUYER GUIDE

Nevada First-Time Homebuyer Programs 2025

Comprehensive guide to down payment assistance programs, grants, forgivable loans, and first-time homebuyer resources available in Nevada. Discover state and local programs that can help you buy a home in Las Vegas, Reno, Henderson, and throughout Nevada with little to no money down.

By Michael Torres, Nevada Mortgage Specialist
Updated: January 2025
12 min read

Fast-Track Your Nevada Home Purchase

Most programs offer $5,000-$15,000 in down payment assistance. Combined with VA or FHA loans, you could buy with virtually $0 out-of-pocket.

See If You Qualify (702) 696-9900

Understanding Nevada Down Payment Assistance

Nevada offers multiple down payment assistance (DPA) programs designed to help first-time homebuyers overcome the biggest barrier to homeownership: saving for a down payment. These programs provide grants, forgivable loans, and low-interest financing that can cover 3-10% of your home's purchase price.

Key Insight

Most Nevada DPA programs provide $5,000-$15,000 in assistance. When combined with VA loans (0% down) or FHA loans (3.5% down), you could purchase a home with minimal out-of-pocket costs.

Types of Assistance Available

Grants

Free money that never needs to be repaid. Typically $3,000-$10,000 for Nevada buyers.

Forgivable Loans

Loans forgiven after 3-10 years of occupancy. No monthly payments required.

Low-Interest Loans

Second mortgages with rates below 2%, often deferred or interest-only.

Nevada State Programs

1. Nevada Housing Division (NHD) Home Is Possible Program

The flagship program administered by the Nevada Housing Division offers down payment assistance combined with competitive mortgage rates for first-time buyers statewide.

Program Highlights

  • Assistance Amount: Up to 5% of purchase price (typically $10,000-$20,000)
  • Repayment: Forgivable loan forgiven after 36 months of occupancy
  • Income Limits: Varies by county; typically up to 140% of area median income
  • Purchase Price: Must not exceed $510,400 in most Nevada counties (2025)
  • Credit Score: Minimum 640 FICO required

2. NHD Second Mortgage Assistance Program (SMAP)

Provides a 0% interest, deferred second mortgage for down payment and closing costs. No monthly payments required.

Program Details

  • Assistance: Up to $15,000 for down payment/closing costs
  • Interest Rate: 0% deferred payment loan
  • Repayment: Due when you sell, refinance, or pay off first mortgage
  • Best For: Buyers who plan to stay long-term (5+ years)

Local & County Programs

Clark County Programs (Las Vegas, Henderson)

Las Vegas HOME Investment Program

Provides up to $10,000 in down payment assistance for qualified low-to-moderate income buyers in Las Vegas city limits.

Grant Amount: $5,000-$10,000
Income Limit: 80% AMI
Credit: 620+ required
Recapture: 5-year period

Henderson Housing Authority Down Payment Assistance

Henderson residents can access up to $7,500 in forgivable down payment loans through the city housing authority.

Grant Amount: Up to $7,500
Forgiveness: 3 years occupancy
Credit: 640+ required
Area: Henderson only

Washoe County Programs (Reno, Sparks)

Washoe County HOME Program

Available to first-time buyers purchasing in Reno, Sparks, or unincorporated Washoe County areas.

Grant Amount: Up to $12,000
Income Limit: 80% AMI
Credit: 620+ required
Recapture: Sliding scale 1-5 years
First-Time Buyer Resources

Nevada First-Time Homebuyer Programs 2025

Discover Nevada state and local down payment assistance programs, grants, and first-time buyer resources to help you purchase your first home in Las Vegas, Reno, or Henderson with little to no money down.

See If You Qualify (702) 696-9900
$15,000+ Grants Available
3.5% Down FHA Loans
0% Down VA Loans
Smiling African American couple moving into a new apartment, carrying cardboard boxes and keys, excited for their fresh start together
$12,500
Avg Grant Amount

Nevada Down Payment Assistance Programs

Nevada offers multiple down payment assistance programs for qualified first-time homebuyers. Here are the top programs available in 2025.

STATE PROGRAM

Nevada Housing Division HomeAgain Program

Nevada's primary down payment assistance program offering up to 3.5% of the purchase price in the form of a forgivable second mortgage.

Up to $15,000 Assistance
Based on 3.5% of purchase price
Forgivable After 5 Years
Stay in home 5 years, loan forgiven
Income Limits Apply
Clark County: $98,600 (1-2 person), $113,250 (3+ person)
Credit Score: 620+
Minimum credit score requirement
Apply Now
CLARK COUNTY

HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME)

Clark County program providing down payment and closing cost assistance for low to moderate-income first-time homebuyers in Las Vegas area.

Up to $10,000 Grant
For down payment & closing costs
No Repayment Required
Grant, not a loan - never repay
Clark County Only
Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas
Homebuyer Education Required
8-hour certified course mandatory
Apply Now
WASHOE COUNTY

Washoe County First-Time Buyer Program

Reno and Sparks area down payment assistance for qualified first-time homebuyers purchasing within Washoe County limits.

Up to $8,000 Assistance
Down payment & closing cost help
Deferred Payment Loan
0% interest, due when sold/refinanced
Reno/Sparks Area
Washoe County boundaries
Combine with FHA/VA
Works with government loans
Apply Now
FEDERAL

FHA Loans - 3.5% Down Minimum

Federal Housing Administration loans designed specifically for first-time buyers with flexible credit requirements and low down payment options.

Only 3.5% Down Required
$450K home = $15,750 down payment
Credit Score as Low as 580
More flexible than conventional
Gift Funds Allowed
Family can gift entire down payment
Combine with DPA
Stack with Nevada assistance programs
Learn More About FHA

How to Qualify

Most Nevada first-time homebuyer programs have similar basic requirements. Here's what you need to qualify.

First-Time Buyer Definition

You qualify as a first-time buyer if you haven't owned a home in the past 3 years. Even if you owned before, you may still be eligible.

Who Qualifies:
  • • Never owned a home
  • • Owned 3+ years ago
  • • Displaced homemakers
  • • Single parents

Income Requirements

Maximum income limits vary by county and household size. Most programs use HUD's area median income (AMI) limits.

2025 Clark County Limits:
  • • 1-2 person: $98,600
  • • 3-4 person: $113,250
  • • 5+ person: $126,000
  • • Rural: Higher limits

Homebuyer Education

Most programs require completing a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. These can be completed online in 6-8 hours.

Course Covers:
  • • Budgeting & credit
  • • Mortgage process
  • • Home maintenance
  • • Avoiding foreclosure

Additional Eligibility Factors

Credit Score
Most programs require 620+ credit score. Some FHA-backed programs accept 580+.
Primary Residence
Home must be your primary residence. No investment properties or second homes.
Debt-to-Income Ratio
Total monthly debts should not exceed 43-50% of gross monthly income (DTI varies by program).
Property Requirements
Home must meet minimum property standards and be within purchase price limits (typically $450K-$650K in Nevada).
Ready to See What You Qualify For?

Get pre-approved in minutes and we'll help you navigate every available assistance program.

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How to Apply

Follow these steps to apply for Nevada first-time homebuyer assistance programs and maximize your benefits.

1
Get Pre-Approved

Start with mortgage pre-approval to understand your buying power and show sellers you're serious.

2
Complete Education

Take the required homebuyer education course online (6-8 hours) and receive your certificate.

3
Apply for DPA

Your loan officer will help you apply for the best assistance programs you qualify for.

4
Close on Home

Complete your home purchase with assistance funds applied at closing to reduce out-of-pocket costs.

Documents You'll Need

Income Verification
  • • Last 2 years tax returns
  • • Last 2 months pay stubs
  • • W-2s for past 2 years
  • • 1099s if self-employed
Asset Verification
  • • Last 2 months bank statements
  • • Retirement account statements
  • • Investment account statements
  • • Gift letter (if applicable)
Identification
  • • Driver's license or state ID
  • • Social Security card
  • • Proof of residency
  • • Green card (if applicable)
Credit & Debt
  • • Credit report authorization
  • • List of all debts
  • • Bankruptcy discharge (if applicable)
  • • Explanation letters for credit issues
Property Documents
  • • Purchase agreement
  • • Property address & details
  • • Appraisal (ordered by lender)
  • • Home inspection (recommended)
Program-Specific
  • • Homebuyer education certificate
  • • First-time buyer affidavit
  • • Income eligibility forms
  • • Program application

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Nevada first-time homebuyer programs and down payment assistance.

What is considered a first-time homebuyer in Nevada?

How much down payment assistance can I get in Nevada?

Do I have to repay Nevada down payment assistance?

What credit score do I need for Nevada first-time buyer programs?

Are there income limits for Nevada down payment assistance?

Do I need to take a homebuyer education class?

Can I combine down payment assistance with an FHA or VA loan?

How long does it take to get approved for down payment assistance?

What if I've had a bankruptcy or foreclosure in the past?

Can I use down payment assistance to buy a condo or townhouse?

Fast Pre-Approval Process

Ready to Buy Your First Home in Nevada?

Get pre-approved in minutes and we'll help you navigate every available Nevada down payment assistance program to maximize your buying power.

Get Pre-Approved Now (702) 696-9900
$0-$15K
Down Payment Assistance Available
580+
Minimum Credit Score (FHA)

Why Choose Valley West Mortgage?

Nevada DPA Experts
We specialize in Nevada first-time buyer programs and maximize your assistance
Fast Approvals
Get pre-approved in minutes, close in as little as 21 days
Local Nevada Team
Serving Las Vegas, Reno, Henderson, and all Nevada communities
Credit Challenges Welcome
We work with all credit profiles, including past bankruptcies and foreclosures
Free Consultation
No-obligation rate quotes and assistance program reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Nevada first-time homebuyer programs answered.

Ready to Buy Your First Home in Nevada?

Get pre-approved today and we'll guide you through every available assistance program to maximize your benefits and minimize your out-of-pocket costs.

Get Pre-Approved Now (702) 696-9900
No obligation
Fast 24-hour approval
Expert DPA guidance
Expert Local Support

Nevada-based loan officers who know every local assistance program and how to maximize your benefits.

Fast Processing

Close in as little as 30 days with streamlined processing and dedicated support throughout your journey.

Proven Track Record

Thousands of Nevada first-time buyers helped with over $50M in assistance funds secured for our clients.