Only $2,000 of the funds may be used for closing costs.
Other West Virginia first-time homebuyer loans
These government-guaranteed or -insured loans are available to homebuyers everywhere, including West Virginia.
FHA loans: FHA loans have lower credit score requirements than conventional loans: You can qualify to make a down payment of just 3.5 percent if your score is at least 580.
VA loans: Current service members, veterans and eligible spouses may be eligible for VA loans, which come with one major perk: no down payment in most cases.
USDA loans: If you’re buying in a qualifying rural area (use this tool to figure out if your location is eligible), USDA loans can be a great path to purchasing the home. There’s no minimum down payment requirement, but most lenders do require a credit score of at least 640.
Get started
Whether you choose a WVHDF program or another loan, it’s smart to do some research before your first home purchase.
Meet income limits, a maximum of $48,900 for a four-person household
Contribute at least $500 toward home purchase
Complete homebuyer education course
Pros:
Doesn’t require repayment
Can be used for down payment and closing costs
Cons:
Requires borrower contribution
Only $2,000 of the funds may be used for closing costs.
Other West Virginia first-time homebuyer loans
These government-guaranteed or -insured loans are available to homebuyers everywhere, including West Virginia.
FHA loans: FHA loans have lower credit score requirements than conventional loans: You can qualify to make a down payment of just 3.5 percent if your score is at least 580.
VA loans: Current service members, veterans and eligible spouses may be eligible for VA loans, which come with one major perk: no down payment in most cases.
USDA loans: If you’re buying in a qualifying rural area (use this tool to figure out if your location is eligible), USDA loans can be a great path to purchasing the home. There’s no minimum down payment requirement, but most lenders do require a credit score of at least 640.
Get started
Whether you choose a WVHDF program or another loan, it’s smart to do some research before your first home purchase.
Only $2,500 of the funds may be used for closing costs.
Charleston: Home Blend
First-time buyers in the city of Charleston or Kanawha County may be eligible for up to $27,000 in homebuying assistance: up to $25,000 toward a down payment and $2,000 toward closing costs. If you meet program requirements, the assistance is forgivable.
Haven’t owned a home within the last three years
Meet income limits, a maximum of $48,900 for a four-person household
Contribute at least $500 toward home purchase
Complete homebuyer education course
Pros:
Doesn’t require repayment
Can be used for down payment and closing costs
Cons:
Requires borrower contribution
Only $2,000 of the funds may be used for closing costs.
Other West Virginia first-time homebuyer loans
These government-guaranteed or -insured loans are available to homebuyers everywhere, including West Virginia.
FHA loans: FHA loans have lower credit score requirements than conventional loans: You can qualify to make a down payment of just 3.5 percent if your score is at least 580.
VA loans: Current service members, veterans and eligible spouses may be eligible for VA loans, which come with one major perk: no down payment in most cases.
USDA loans: If you’re buying in a qualifying rural area (use this tool to figure out if your location is eligible), USDA loans can be a great path to purchasing the home. There’s no minimum down payment requirement, but most lenders do require a credit score of at least 640.
Get started
Whether you choose a WVHDF program or another loan, it’s smart to do some research before your first home purchase.
Only $2,500 of the funds may be used for closing costs.
Charleston: Home Blend
First-time buyers in the city of Charleston or Kanawha County may be eligible for up to $27,000 in homebuying assistance: up to $25,000 toward a down payment and $2,000 toward closing costs. If you meet program requirements, the assistance is forgivable.
Haven’t owned a home within the last three years
Meet income limits, a maximum of $48,900 for a four-person household
Contribute at least $500 toward home purchase
Complete homebuyer education course
Pros:
Doesn’t require repayment
Can be used for down payment and closing costs
Cons:
Requires borrower contribution
Only $2,000 of the funds may be used for closing costs.
Other West Virginia first-time homebuyer loans
These government-guaranteed or -insured loans are available to homebuyers everywhere, including West Virginia.
FHA loans: FHA loans have lower credit score requirements than conventional loans: You can qualify to make a down payment of just 3.5 percent if your score is at least 580.
VA loans: Current service members, veterans and eligible spouses may be eligible for VA loans, which come with one major perk: no down payment in most cases.
USDA loans: If you’re buying in a qualifying rural area (use this tool to figure out if your location is eligible), USDA loans can be a great path to purchasing the home. There’s no minimum down payment requirement, but most lenders do require a credit score of at least 640.
Get started
Whether you choose a WVHDF program or another loan, it’s smart to do some research before your first home purchase.
Contribute $500 or 3 percent of the total down payment and closing costs, whichever is higher
Complete housing counseling course
Pros:
Doesn’t require repayment
Can be used for down payment and closing costs
Cons:
Requires borrower contribution
Only $2,500 of the funds may be used for closing costs.
Charleston: Home Blend
First-time buyers in the city of Charleston or Kanawha County may be eligible for up to $27,000 in homebuying assistance: up to $25,000 toward a down payment and $2,000 toward closing costs. If you meet program requirements, the assistance is forgivable.
Haven’t owned a home within the last three years
Meet income limits, a maximum of $48,900 for a four-person household
Contribute at least $500 toward home purchase
Complete homebuyer education course
Pros:
Doesn’t require repayment
Can be used for down payment and closing costs
Cons:
Requires borrower contribution
Only $2,000 of the funds may be used for closing costs.
Other West Virginia first-time homebuyer loans
These government-guaranteed or -insured loans are available to homebuyers everywhere, including West Virginia.
FHA loans: FHA loans have lower credit score requirements than conventional loans: You can qualify to make a down payment of just 3.5 percent if your score is at least 580.
VA loans: Current service members, veterans and eligible spouses may be eligible for VA loans, which come with one major perk: no down payment in most cases.
USDA loans: If you’re buying in a qualifying rural area (use this tool to figure out if your location is eligible), USDA loans can be a great path to purchasing the home. There’s no minimum down payment requirement, but most lenders do require a credit score of at least 640.
Get started
Whether you choose a WVHDF program or another loan, it’s smart to do some research before your first home purchase.
Eligible first-time homebuyers in Wood County can get up to $15,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. You must be considered low- or moderate-income to qualify. If you stay in the home for at least five years, the assistance is forgiven.
Haven’t owned a home within the last three years
Buy a primary residence within Wood County
Meet program income guidelines
Buy a house for no more than $144,400
Contribute $500 or 3 percent of the total down payment and closing costs, whichever is higher
Complete housing counseling course
Pros:
Doesn’t require repayment
Can be used for down payment and closing costs
Cons:
Requires borrower contribution
Only $2,500 of the funds may be used for closing costs.
Charleston: Home Blend
First-time buyers in the city of Charleston or Kanawha County may be eligible for up to $27,000 in homebuying assistance: up to $25,000 toward a down payment and $2,000 toward closing costs. If you meet program requirements, the assistance is forgivable.
Haven’t owned a home within the last three years
Meet income limits, a maximum of $48,900 for a four-person household
Contribute at least $500 toward home purchase
Complete homebuyer education course
Pros:
Doesn’t require repayment
Can be used for down payment and closing costs
Cons:
Requires borrower contribution
Only $2,000 of the funds may be used for closing costs.
Other West Virginia first-time homebuyer loans
These government-guaranteed or -insured loans are available to homebuyers everywhere, including West Virginia.
FHA loans: FHA loans have lower credit score requirements than conventional loans: You can qualify to make a down payment of just 3.5 percent if your score is at least 580.
VA loans: Current service members, veterans and eligible spouses may be eligible for VA loans, which come with one major perk: no down payment in most cases.
USDA loans: If you’re buying in a qualifying rural area (use this tool to figure out if your location is eligible), USDA loans can be a great path to purchasing the home. There’s no minimum down payment requirement, but most lenders do require a credit score of at least 640.
Get started
Whether you choose a WVHDF program or another loan, it’s smart to do some research before your first home purchase.
Eligible first-time homebuyers in Wood County can get up to $15,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. You must be considered low- or moderate-income to qualify. If you stay in the home for at least five years, the assistance is forgiven.
Haven’t owned a home within the last three years
Buy a primary residence within Wood County
Meet program income guidelines
Buy a house for no more than $144,400
Contribute $500 or 3 percent of the total down payment and closing costs, whichever is higher
Complete housing counseling course
Pros:
Doesn’t require repayment
Can be used for down payment and closing costs
Cons:
Requires borrower contribution
Only $2,500 of the funds may be used for closing costs.
Charleston: Home Blend
First-time buyers in the city of Charleston or Kanawha County may be eligible for up to $27,000 in homebuying assistance: up to $25,000 toward a down payment and $2,000 toward closing costs. If you meet program requirements, the assistance is forgivable.
Haven’t owned a home within the last three years
Meet income limits, a maximum of $48,900 for a four-person household
Contribute at least $500 toward home purchase
Complete homebuyer education course
Pros:
Doesn’t require repayment
Can be used for down payment and closing costs
Cons:
Requires borrower contribution
Only $2,000 of the funds may be used for closing costs.
Other West Virginia first-time homebuyer loans
These government-guaranteed or -insured loans are available to homebuyers everywhere, including West Virginia.
FHA loans: FHA loans have lower credit score requirements than conventional loans: You can qualify to make a down payment of just 3.5 percent if your score is at least 580.
VA loans: Current service members, veterans and eligible spouses may be eligible for VA loans, which come with one major perk: no down payment in most cases.
USDA loans: If you’re buying in a qualifying rural area (use this tool to figure out if your location is eligible), USDA loans can be a great path to purchasing the home. There’s no minimum down payment requirement, but most lenders do require a credit score of at least 640.
Get started
Whether you choose a WVHDF program or another loan, it’s smart to do some research before your first home purchase.
Be employed in the same field for at least one year
Maximum 38 percent front-end debt-to-income (DTI) ratio and maximum 50 percent back-end DTI ratio
Contribute at least $500 toward house purchase
Complete homebuyer education program
Pros:
Open to multi-family properties
Doesn’t require repayment
Can be used for down payment or closing costs
Cons:
Requires buyer contribution
Parkersburg: Down Payment Assistance Program
Eligible first-time homebuyers in Wood County can get up to $15,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. You must be considered low- or moderate-income to qualify. If you stay in the home for at least five years, the assistance is forgiven.
Haven’t owned a home within the last three years
Buy a primary residence within Wood County
Meet program income guidelines
Buy a house for no more than $144,400
Contribute $500 or 3 percent of the total down payment and closing costs, whichever is higher
Complete housing counseling course
Pros:
Doesn’t require repayment
Can be used for down payment and closing costs
Cons:
Requires borrower contribution
Only $2,500 of the funds may be used for closing costs.
Charleston: Home Blend
First-time buyers in the city of Charleston or Kanawha County may be eligible for up to $27,000 in homebuying assistance: up to $25,000 toward a down payment and $2,000 toward closing costs. If you meet program requirements, the assistance is forgivable.
Haven’t owned a home within the last three years
Meet income limits, a maximum of $48,900 for a four-person household
Contribute at least $500 toward home purchase
Complete homebuyer education course
Pros:
Doesn’t require repayment
Can be used for down payment and closing costs
Cons:
Requires borrower contribution
Only $2,000 of the funds may be used for closing costs.
Other West Virginia first-time homebuyer loans
These government-guaranteed or -insured loans are available to homebuyers everywhere, including West Virginia.
FHA loans: FHA loans have lower credit score requirements than conventional loans: You can qualify to make a down payment of just 3.5 percent if your score is at least 580.
VA loans: Current service members, veterans and eligible spouses may be eligible for VA loans, which come with one major perk: no down payment in most cases.
USDA loans: If you’re buying in a qualifying rural area (use this tool to figure out if your location is eligible), USDA loans can be a great path to purchasing the home. There’s no minimum down payment requirement, but most lenders do require a credit score of at least 640.
Get started
Whether you choose a WVHDF program or another loan, it’s smart to do some research before your first home purchase.
Eastern Panhandle HOME Consortium of West Virginia: Homebuyer Assistance Program
If you’re a first-time homebuyer in the city of Martinsburg, or in Jefferson, Berkeley or Morgan county, you might qualify for up to $14,500 in down payment and closing cost assistance. The assistance takes the form of a zero-interest loan that’s forgiven if you stay in the home for at least five years.
Haven’t owned a home within the last three years
Buy a primary residence within the program area
Meet program income and home price limits
Be employed in the same field for at least one year
Maximum 38 percent front-end debt-to-income (DTI) ratio and maximum 50 percent back-end DTI ratio
Contribute at least $500 toward house purchase
Complete homebuyer education program
Pros:
Open to multi-family properties
Doesn’t require repayment
Can be used for down payment or closing costs
Cons:
Requires buyer contribution
Parkersburg: Down Payment Assistance Program
Eligible first-time homebuyers in Wood County can get up to $15,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. You must be considered low- or moderate-income to qualify. If you stay in the home for at least five years, the assistance is forgiven.
Haven’t owned a home within the last three years
Buy a primary residence within Wood County
Meet program income guidelines
Buy a house for no more than $144,400
Contribute $500 or 3 percent of the total down payment and closing costs, whichever is higher
Complete housing counseling course
Pros:
Doesn’t require repayment
Can be used for down payment and closing costs
Cons:
Requires borrower contribution
Only $2,500 of the funds may be used for closing costs.
Charleston: Home Blend
First-time buyers in the city of Charleston or Kanawha County may be eligible for up to $27,000 in homebuying assistance: up to $25,000 toward a down payment and $2,000 toward closing costs. If you meet program requirements, the assistance is forgivable.
Haven’t owned a home within the last three years
Meet income limits, a maximum of $48,900 for a four-person household
Contribute at least $500 toward home purchase
Complete homebuyer education course
Pros:
Doesn’t require repayment
Can be used for down payment and closing costs
Cons:
Requires borrower contribution
Only $2,000 of the funds may be used for closing costs.
Other West Virginia first-time homebuyer loans
These government-guaranteed or -insured loans are available to homebuyers everywhere, including West Virginia.
FHA loans: FHA loans have lower credit score requirements than conventional loans: You can qualify to make a down payment of just 3.5 percent if your score is at least 580.
VA loans: Current service members, veterans and eligible spouses may be eligible for VA loans, which come with one major perk: no down payment in most cases.
USDA loans: If you’re buying in a qualifying rural area (use this tool to figure out if your location is eligible), USDA loans can be a great path to purchasing the home. There’s no minimum down payment requirement, but most lenders do require a credit score of at least 640.
Get started
Whether you choose a WVHDF program or another loan, it’s smart to do some research before your first home purchase.
Eastern Panhandle HOME Consortium of West Virginia: Homebuyer Assistance Program
If you’re a first-time homebuyer in the city of Martinsburg, or in Jefferson, Berkeley or Morgan county, you might qualify for up to $14,500 in down payment and closing cost assistance. The assistance takes the form of a zero-interest loan that’s forgiven if you stay in the home for at least five years.
Haven’t owned a home within the last three years
Buy a primary residence within the program area
Meet program income and home price limits
Be employed in the same field for at least one year
Maximum 38 percent front-end debt-to-income (DTI) ratio and maximum 50 percent back-end DTI ratio
Contribute at least $500 toward house purchase
Complete homebuyer education program
Pros:
Open to multi-family properties
Doesn’t require repayment
Can be used for down payment or closing costs
Cons:
Requires buyer contribution
Parkersburg: Down Payment Assistance Program
Eligible first-time homebuyers in Wood County can get up to $15,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. You must be considered low- or moderate-income to qualify. If you stay in the home for at least five years, the assistance is forgiven.
Haven’t owned a home within the last three years
Buy a primary residence within Wood County
Meet program income guidelines
Buy a house for no more than $144,400
Contribute $500 or 3 percent of the total down payment and closing costs, whichever is higher
Complete housing counseling course
Pros:
Doesn’t require repayment
Can be used for down payment and closing costs
Cons:
Requires borrower contribution
Only $2,500 of the funds may be used for closing costs.
Charleston: Home Blend
First-time buyers in the city of Charleston or Kanawha County may be eligible for up to $27,000 in homebuying assistance: up to $25,000 toward a down payment and $2,000 toward closing costs. If you meet program requirements, the assistance is forgivable.
Haven’t owned a home within the last three years
Meet income limits, a maximum of $48,900 for a four-person household
Contribute at least $500 toward home purchase
Complete homebuyer education course
Pros:
Doesn’t require repayment
Can be used for down payment and closing costs
Cons:
Requires borrower contribution
Only $2,000 of the funds may be used for closing costs.
Other West Virginia first-time homebuyer loans
These government-guaranteed or -insured loans are available to homebuyers everywhere, including West Virginia.
FHA loans: FHA loans have lower credit score requirements than conventional loans: You can qualify to make a down payment of just 3.5 percent if your score is at least 580.
VA loans: Current service members, veterans and eligible spouses may be eligible for VA loans, which come with one major perk: no down payment in most cases.
USDA loans: If you’re buying in a qualifying rural area (use this tool to figure out if your location is eligible), USDA loans can be a great path to purchasing the home. There’s no minimum down payment requirement, but most lenders do require a credit score of at least 640.
Get started
Whether you choose a WVHDF program or another loan, it’s smart to do some research before your first home purchase.
Used in conjunction with WVHDF’s Homeownership Program, this second mortgage provides up to $8,000 for down payment and closing costs. The assistance is offered as a 15-year second mortgage with a 2 percent interest rate.
Pros:
Can be used for down payment and closing costs
More affordable interest rates
Cons:
Requires repayment on a monthly basis
City-specific homebuyer assistance programs
Eastern Panhandle HOME Consortium of West Virginia: Homebuyer Assistance Program
If you’re a first-time homebuyer in the city of Martinsburg, or in Jefferson, Berkeley or Morgan county, you might qualify for up to $14,500 in down payment and closing cost assistance. The assistance takes the form of a zero-interest loan that’s forgiven if you stay in the home for at least five years.
Haven’t owned a home within the last three years
Buy a primary residence within the program area
Meet program income and home price limits
Be employed in the same field for at least one year
Maximum 38 percent front-end debt-to-income (DTI) ratio and maximum 50 percent back-end DTI ratio
Contribute at least $500 toward house purchase
Complete homebuyer education program
Pros:
Open to multi-family properties
Doesn’t require repayment
Can be used for down payment or closing costs
Cons:
Requires buyer contribution
Parkersburg: Down Payment Assistance Program
Eligible first-time homebuyers in Wood County can get up to $15,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. You must be considered low- or moderate-income to qualify. If you stay in the home for at least five years, the assistance is forgiven.
Haven’t owned a home within the last three years
Buy a primary residence within Wood County
Meet program income guidelines
Buy a house for no more than $144,400
Contribute $500 or 3 percent of the total down payment and closing costs, whichever is higher
Complete housing counseling course
Pros:
Doesn’t require repayment
Can be used for down payment and closing costs
Cons:
Requires borrower contribution
Only $2,500 of the funds may be used for closing costs.
Charleston: Home Blend
First-time buyers in the city of Charleston or Kanawha County may be eligible for up to $27,000 in homebuying assistance: up to $25,000 toward a down payment and $2,000 toward closing costs. If you meet program requirements, the assistance is forgivable.
Haven’t owned a home within the last three years
Meet income limits, a maximum of $48,900 for a four-person household
Contribute at least $500 toward home purchase
Complete homebuyer education course
Pros:
Doesn’t require repayment
Can be used for down payment and closing costs
Cons:
Requires borrower contribution
Only $2,000 of the funds may be used for closing costs.
Other West Virginia first-time homebuyer loans
These government-guaranteed or -insured loans are available to homebuyers everywhere, including West Virginia.
FHA loans: FHA loans have lower credit score requirements than conventional loans: You can qualify to make a down payment of just 3.5 percent if your score is at least 580.
VA loans: Current service members, veterans and eligible spouses may be eligible for VA loans, which come with one major perk: no down payment in most cases.
USDA loans: If you’re buying in a qualifying rural area (use this tool to figure out if your location is eligible), USDA loans can be a great path to purchasing the home. There’s no minimum down payment requirement, but most lenders do require a credit score of at least 640.
Get started
Whether you choose a WVHDF program or another loan, it’s smart to do some research before your first home purchase.
Open to condos, townhomes, manufactured homes and planned unit developments (PUD)
More affordable interest rates and reduced-cost mortgage insurance for qualifying applicants
More than 50 participating lenders
Cons:
Requires mortgage insurance
West Virginia down payment assistance and grants
WVHDF Low Down Home Loan
Used in conjunction with WVHDF’s Homeownership Program, this second mortgage provides up to $8,000 for down payment and closing costs. The assistance is offered as a 15-year second mortgage with a 2 percent interest rate.
Pros:
Can be used for down payment and closing costs
More affordable interest rates
Cons:
Requires repayment on a monthly basis
City-specific homebuyer assistance programs
Eastern Panhandle HOME Consortium of West Virginia: Homebuyer Assistance Program
If you’re a first-time homebuyer in the city of Martinsburg, or in Jefferson, Berkeley or Morgan county, you might qualify for up to $14,500 in down payment and closing cost assistance. The assistance takes the form of a zero-interest loan that’s forgiven if you stay in the home for at least five years.
Haven’t owned a home within the last three years
Buy a primary residence within the program area
Meet program income and home price limits
Be employed in the same field for at least one year
Maximum 38 percent front-end debt-to-income (DTI) ratio and maximum 50 percent back-end DTI ratio
Contribute at least $500 toward house purchase
Complete homebuyer education program
Pros:
Open to multi-family properties
Doesn’t require repayment
Can be used for down payment or closing costs
Cons:
Requires buyer contribution
Parkersburg: Down Payment Assistance Program
Eligible first-time homebuyers in Wood County can get up to $15,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. You must be considered low- or moderate-income to qualify. If you stay in the home for at least five years, the assistance is forgiven.
Haven’t owned a home within the last three years
Buy a primary residence within Wood County
Meet program income guidelines
Buy a house for no more than $144,400
Contribute $500 or 3 percent of the total down payment and closing costs, whichever is higher
Complete housing counseling course
Pros:
Doesn’t require repayment
Can be used for down payment and closing costs
Cons:
Requires borrower contribution
Only $2,500 of the funds may be used for closing costs.
Charleston: Home Blend
First-time buyers in the city of Charleston or Kanawha County may be eligible for up to $27,000 in homebuying assistance: up to $25,000 toward a down payment and $2,000 toward closing costs. If you meet program requirements, the assistance is forgivable.
Haven’t owned a home within the last three years
Meet income limits, a maximum of $48,900 for a four-person household
Contribute at least $500 toward home purchase
Complete homebuyer education course
Pros:
Doesn’t require repayment
Can be used for down payment and closing costs
Cons:
Requires borrower contribution
Only $2,000 of the funds may be used for closing costs.
Other West Virginia first-time homebuyer loans
These government-guaranteed or -insured loans are available to homebuyers everywhere, including West Virginia.
FHA loans: FHA loans have lower credit score requirements than conventional loans: You can qualify to make a down payment of just 3.5 percent if your score is at least 580.
VA loans: Current service members, veterans and eligible spouses may be eligible for VA loans, which come with one major perk: no down payment in most cases.
USDA loans: If you’re buying in a qualifying rural area (use this tool to figure out if your location is eligible), USDA loans can be a great path to purchasing the home. There’s no minimum down payment requirement, but most lenders do require a credit score of at least 640.
Get started
Whether you choose a WVHDF program or another loan, it’s smart to do some research before your first home purchase.
Maximum income of $130,560 for one- to two-person household or $152,320 for household of three or more
Complete a homebuyer education course (depending on loan type)
Pros:
Open to first-time and repeat homebuyers
Open to condos, townhomes, manufactured homes and planned unit developments (PUD)
More affordable interest rates and reduced-cost mortgage insurance for qualifying applicants
More than 50 participating lenders
Cons:
Requires mortgage insurance
West Virginia down payment assistance and grants
WVHDF Low Down Home Loan
Used in conjunction with WVHDF’s Homeownership Program, this second mortgage provides up to $8,000 for down payment and closing costs. The assistance is offered as a 15-year second mortgage with a 2 percent interest rate.
Pros:
Can be used for down payment and closing costs
More affordable interest rates
Cons:
Requires repayment on a monthly basis
City-specific homebuyer assistance programs
Eastern Panhandle HOME Consortium of West Virginia: Homebuyer Assistance Program
If you’re a first-time homebuyer in the city of Martinsburg, or in Jefferson, Berkeley or Morgan county, you might qualify for up to $14,500 in down payment and closing cost assistance. The assistance takes the form of a zero-interest loan that’s forgiven if you stay in the home for at least five years.
Haven’t owned a home within the last three years
Buy a primary residence within the program area
Meet program income and home price limits
Be employed in the same field for at least one year
Maximum 38 percent front-end debt-to-income (DTI) ratio and maximum 50 percent back-end DTI ratio
Contribute at least $500 toward house purchase
Complete homebuyer education program
Pros:
Open to multi-family properties
Doesn’t require repayment
Can be used for down payment or closing costs
Cons:
Requires buyer contribution
Parkersburg: Down Payment Assistance Program
Eligible first-time homebuyers in Wood County can get up to $15,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. You must be considered low- or moderate-income to qualify. If you stay in the home for at least five years, the assistance is forgiven.
Haven’t owned a home within the last three years
Buy a primary residence within Wood County
Meet program income guidelines
Buy a house for no more than $144,400
Contribute $500 or 3 percent of the total down payment and closing costs, whichever is higher
Complete housing counseling course
Pros:
Doesn’t require repayment
Can be used for down payment and closing costs
Cons:
Requires borrower contribution
Only $2,500 of the funds may be used for closing costs.
Charleston: Home Blend
First-time buyers in the city of Charleston or Kanawha County may be eligible for up to $27,000 in homebuying assistance: up to $25,000 toward a down payment and $2,000 toward closing costs. If you meet program requirements, the assistance is forgivable.
Haven’t owned a home within the last three years
Meet income limits, a maximum of $48,900 for a four-person household
Contribute at least $500 toward home purchase
Complete homebuyer education course
Pros:
Doesn’t require repayment
Can be used for down payment and closing costs
Cons:
Requires borrower contribution
Only $2,000 of the funds may be used for closing costs.
Other West Virginia first-time homebuyer loans
These government-guaranteed or -insured loans are available to homebuyers everywhere, including West Virginia.
FHA loans: FHA loans have lower credit score requirements than conventional loans: You can qualify to make a down payment of just 3.5 percent if your score is at least 580.
VA loans: Current service members, veterans and eligible spouses may be eligible for VA loans, which come with one major perk: no down payment in most cases.
USDA loans: If you’re buying in a qualifying rural area (use this tool to figure out if your location is eligible), USDA loans can be a great path to purchasing the home. There’s no minimum down payment requirement, but most lenders do require a credit score of at least 640.
Get started
Whether you choose a WVHDF program or another loan, it’s smart to do some research before your first home purchase.
Open to condos, townhomes, manufactured homes and planned unit developments (PUD)
Open to repeat homebuyers in targeted counties
More affordable interest rates
More than 50 participating lenders
Cons:
WVHDF Movin’ Up Program
WVHDF’s Movin’ Up Program is designed for current homeowners looking to trade up, but first-time homebuyers can also qualify. Notably, if you’re a low-income buyer, you may qualify for the Movin’ Up Special Program, which offers lower interest rates and mortgage insurance premiums.
620 minimum credit score
Maximum income of $130,560 for one- to two-person household or $152,320 for household of three or more
Complete a homebuyer education course (depending on loan type)
Pros:
Open to first-time and repeat homebuyers
Open to condos, townhomes, manufactured homes and planned unit developments (PUD)
More affordable interest rates and reduced-cost mortgage insurance for qualifying applicants
More than 50 participating lenders
Cons:
Requires mortgage insurance
West Virginia down payment assistance and grants
WVHDF Low Down Home Loan
Used in conjunction with WVHDF’s Homeownership Program, this second mortgage provides up to $8,000 for down payment and closing costs. The assistance is offered as a 15-year second mortgage with a 2 percent interest rate.
Pros:
Can be used for down payment and closing costs
More affordable interest rates
Cons:
Requires repayment on a monthly basis
City-specific homebuyer assistance programs
Eastern Panhandle HOME Consortium of West Virginia: Homebuyer Assistance Program
If you’re a first-time homebuyer in the city of Martinsburg, or in Jefferson, Berkeley or Morgan county, you might qualify for up to $14,500 in down payment and closing cost assistance. The assistance takes the form of a zero-interest loan that’s forgiven if you stay in the home for at least five years.
Haven’t owned a home within the last three years
Buy a primary residence within the program area
Meet program income and home price limits
Be employed in the same field for at least one year
Maximum 38 percent front-end debt-to-income (DTI) ratio and maximum 50 percent back-end DTI ratio
Contribute at least $500 toward house purchase
Complete homebuyer education program
Pros:
Open to multi-family properties
Doesn’t require repayment
Can be used for down payment or closing costs
Cons:
Requires buyer contribution
Parkersburg: Down Payment Assistance Program
Eligible first-time homebuyers in Wood County can get up to $15,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. You must be considered low- or moderate-income to qualify. If you stay in the home for at least five years, the assistance is forgiven.
Haven’t owned a home within the last three years
Buy a primary residence within Wood County
Meet program income guidelines
Buy a house for no more than $144,400
Contribute $500 or 3 percent of the total down payment and closing costs, whichever is higher
Complete housing counseling course
Pros:
Doesn’t require repayment
Can be used for down payment and closing costs
Cons:
Requires borrower contribution
Only $2,500 of the funds may be used for closing costs.
Charleston: Home Blend
First-time buyers in the city of Charleston or Kanawha County may be eligible for up to $27,000 in homebuying assistance: up to $25,000 toward a down payment and $2,000 toward closing costs. If you meet program requirements, the assistance is forgivable.
Haven’t owned a home within the last three years
Meet income limits, a maximum of $48,900 for a four-person household
Contribute at least $500 toward home purchase
Complete homebuyer education course
Pros:
Doesn’t require repayment
Can be used for down payment and closing costs
Cons:
Requires borrower contribution
Only $2,000 of the funds may be used for closing costs.
Other West Virginia first-time homebuyer loans
These government-guaranteed or -insured loans are available to homebuyers everywhere, including West Virginia.
FHA loans: FHA loans have lower credit score requirements than conventional loans: You can qualify to make a down payment of just 3.5 percent if your score is at least 580.
VA loans: Current service members, veterans and eligible spouses may be eligible for VA loans, which come with one major perk: no down payment in most cases.
USDA loans: If you’re buying in a qualifying rural area (use this tool to figure out if your location is eligible), USDA loans can be a great path to purchasing the home. There’s no minimum down payment requirement, but most lenders do require a credit score of at least 640.
Get started
Whether you choose a WVHDF program or another loan, it’s smart to do some research before your first home purchase.
If you’re hoping to buy a home in West Virginia, you’ll be in good company: The Mountain State boasts the highest percentage of residents who own their homes — nearly 78 percent — of any state in the country. While the median sale price on a home there is up 4 percent in the past year, there is help to cover the costs.
If you’re a first-time homebuyer, consider starting with the West Virginia Housing Development Fund (WVHDF), where you’ll find competitive interest rates on loans and down payment assistance.
West Virginia homeownership statistics
Median home price, as of Jan. 2025: $244,800 (Redfin)
Median down payment, as of Dec. 2024: $19,749 (ATTOM)
WVHDF’s HOMEownership Program connects first-time homebuyers with a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage for up to 100 percent of a home’s purchase price and a below-market interest rate. The loan can also be paired with down payment and closing cost assistance. To qualify, you must be a first-time buyer, defined as someone who hasn’t owned a home in the last three years; buying a home in a targeted county or a veteran.
Pros:
Open to condos, townhomes, manufactured homes and planned unit developments (PUD)
Open to repeat homebuyers in targeted counties
More affordable interest rates
More than 50 participating lenders
Cons:
WVHDF Movin’ Up Program
WVHDF’s Movin’ Up Program is designed for current homeowners looking to trade up, but first-time homebuyers can also qualify. Notably, if you’re a low-income buyer, you may qualify for the Movin’ Up Special Program, which offers lower interest rates and mortgage insurance premiums.
620 minimum credit score
Maximum income of $130,560 for one- to two-person household or $152,320 for household of three or more
Complete a homebuyer education course (depending on loan type)
Pros:
Open to first-time and repeat homebuyers
Open to condos, townhomes, manufactured homes and planned unit developments (PUD)
More affordable interest rates and reduced-cost mortgage insurance for qualifying applicants
More than 50 participating lenders
Cons:
Requires mortgage insurance
West Virginia down payment assistance and grants
WVHDF Low Down Home Loan
Used in conjunction with WVHDF’s Homeownership Program, this second mortgage provides up to $8,000 for down payment and closing costs. The assistance is offered as a 15-year second mortgage with a 2 percent interest rate.
Pros:
Can be used for down payment and closing costs
More affordable interest rates
Cons:
Requires repayment on a monthly basis
City-specific homebuyer assistance programs
Eastern Panhandle HOME Consortium of West Virginia: Homebuyer Assistance Program
If you’re a first-time homebuyer in the city of Martinsburg, or in Jefferson, Berkeley or Morgan county, you might qualify for up to $14,500 in down payment and closing cost assistance. The assistance takes the form of a zero-interest loan that’s forgiven if you stay in the home for at least five years.
Haven’t owned a home within the last three years
Buy a primary residence within the program area
Meet program income and home price limits
Be employed in the same field for at least one year
Maximum 38 percent front-end debt-to-income (DTI) ratio and maximum 50 percent back-end DTI ratio
Contribute at least $500 toward house purchase
Complete homebuyer education program
Pros:
Open to multi-family properties
Doesn’t require repayment
Can be used for down payment or closing costs
Cons:
Requires buyer contribution
Parkersburg: Down Payment Assistance Program
Eligible first-time homebuyers in Wood County can get up to $15,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. You must be considered low- or moderate-income to qualify. If you stay in the home for at least five years, the assistance is forgiven.
Haven’t owned a home within the last three years
Buy a primary residence within Wood County
Meet program income guidelines
Buy a house for no more than $144,400
Contribute $500 or 3 percent of the total down payment and closing costs, whichever is higher
Complete housing counseling course
Pros:
Doesn’t require repayment
Can be used for down payment and closing costs
Cons:
Requires borrower contribution
Only $2,500 of the funds may be used for closing costs.
Charleston: Home Blend
First-time buyers in the city of Charleston or Kanawha County may be eligible for up to $27,000 in homebuying assistance: up to $25,000 toward a down payment and $2,000 toward closing costs. If you meet program requirements, the assistance is forgivable.
Haven’t owned a home within the last three years
Meet income limits, a maximum of $48,900 for a four-person household
Contribute at least $500 toward home purchase
Complete homebuyer education course
Pros:
Doesn’t require repayment
Can be used for down payment and closing costs
Cons:
Requires borrower contribution
Only $2,000 of the funds may be used for closing costs.
Other West Virginia first-time homebuyer loans
These government-guaranteed or -insured loans are available to homebuyers everywhere, including West Virginia.
FHA loans: FHA loans have lower credit score requirements than conventional loans: You can qualify to make a down payment of just 3.5 percent if your score is at least 580.
VA loans: Current service members, veterans and eligible spouses may be eligible for VA loans, which come with one major perk: no down payment in most cases.
USDA loans: If you’re buying in a qualifying rural area (use this tool to figure out if your location is eligible), USDA loans can be a great path to purchasing the home. There’s no minimum down payment requirement, but most lenders do require a credit score of at least 640.
Get started
Whether you choose a WVHDF program or another loan, it’s smart to do some research before your first home purchase.
By News Room
