The Truth About Down Payment Assistance — Still Alive, Still Powerful

Michael Belfor
Oct 6
2 min read

There’s a common misconception floating around right now: that Down Payment Assistance (DPA) programs disappeared when the market slowed.

The truth?

They’re not only still here — they’re better, faster, and more flexible than ever.

With home prices holding firm and savings stretched thin, DPA has quietly become one of the strongest tools for keeping homeownership accessible.

1. DPA Isn’t Just for First-Time Buyers.

While many programs are designed for first-timers, several allow repeat buyers who haven’t owned in the last three years, or even buyers purchasing in designated “underserved” areas. This means more people qualify than they think.

2. Multiple Forms, One Goal.Down Payment Assistance can come as:

Grants — funds you don’t have to repay.
Forgivable Seconds — loans that disappear after a few years of on-time payments.
Deferred Seconds — no payment until you refinance or sell.

Each option helps bridge the gap between where savings end and affordability begins.

3. Fast Closings Are Back.

Older DPA programs had a reputation for dragging out timelines. That’s changed. Modern DPA programs often close in 15 days or less, right alongside conventional loans. Lenders who specialize in these programs know how to structure files for speed.

4. Stacking Makes DPA Even Stronger.

DPA can be paired with other benefits — like lender-paid buydowns or closing-cost credits — to create layered affordability. The result: a lower entry point, a manageable monthly payment, and less cash out of pocket.

The bottom line: Down Payment Assistance isn’t a “last resort” — it’s a launchpad. It’s designed to help responsible buyers move sooner, without draining their reserves or waiting on perfect conditions.

In a market where affordability remains the challenge, DPA is quietly solving it — one homeowner at a time.

If you’ve been waiting for “someday,” this might be it.

The programs are here.

The doors are open.

And the dream of homeownership is still very much alive.