Down payment help from NH Housing

What is NH Housing?

NH Housing, the New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority, offers home loan programs for eligible New Hampshire buyers. You don't apply to NH Housing directly. Its loans are made through participating lenders, and Tom can tell you which programs may fit before you apply.

Elite Mortgage Group, the mortgage broker Tom works with, is listed in New Hampshire Housing's directory of participating companies.

What are NH Housing's main programs?

NH Housing's main programs are Home Preferred, Home Flex and Home First, with Plus versions that add down payment assistance for eligible buyers.

• Home Preferred programs pair with conventional loans, with a reduced mortgage insuranceMortgage insurance (PMI or MIP) Insurance that protects the lender on many loans with a smaller down payment. It's added to your payment and can often be removed later. See the full glossary× option for some buyers.
• Home Flex programs pair with government-backed FHA, VA and USDA Rural Development loans.
• Home First programs are for first-time homebuyers, in conventional and government versions.
• Plus versions of these programs add down payment assistance for eligible buyers.
• 1st Generation Homebuyer assistance is aimed at first-generation homebuyers. It's a pilot with limited funding and requires face-to-face homebuyer education; see who qualifies.
• NH Housing has offered Purchase Rehab financing for homes that need repairs. Some of its rehab programs were paused in August 2026, so check current availability.

Program names and terms change from time to time, so check NH Housing's current program comparison before you rely on any one detail.

How does NH Housing down payment help work?

NH Housing assistance can go toward your down payment and closing costs. The amount, and how and when it's repaid, depend on the program. Ask Tom to walk you through the terms, including what happens if you sell or refinance.

Does NH Housing have income limits?

Yes. NH Housing programs have household income limits and purchase price limits. They vary by program and by where the home is, and they're updated from time to time. NH Housing publishes the current limits with its program details, and Tom checks them against your situation before you apply.

Who may NH Housing programs fit?

• First-time buyers, which for many programs means you haven't owned a home in the past three years.
• Buyers with moderate incomes who want help with upfront costs.
• Buyers using FHA, VA, USDA or conventional financing.
• Buyers of a home they'll live in as their primary residence.

Is there down payment help besides NH Housing?

Yes, sometimes. Besides NH Housing's programs, some of the lenders Elite Mortgage Group works with offer their own down payment assistance. Eligibility, amounts and repayment terms vary by program and can change, so Tom compares the options you may qualify for, along with the loan they come with, before you decide.

Is homebuyer education required?

Some NH Housing programs require a homebuyer education course before closing, and NH Housing offers education resources. Taking a course early can help you plan and keeps your closing on schedule.

How does Tom use NH Housing programs?

1. Talk with Tom about your income, savings and the towns you're considering.
2. Tom compares NH Housing options with FHA, VA, USDA and conventional loans from other lenders. Programs with assistance may be priced differently, so you see the trade-offs side by side.
3. If an NH Housing program fits, your loan goes through a participating lender and you complete any required education.
4. Get pre-approved before you tour, so you know your range with the assistance included.