Why we love Empowered DPA?
Free Money
3.5% Forgivable Grant
It's a grant, not a loan. There are no strings attached with no resale restrictions - just real financial relief! Start building equity today.
Apply
Apply
FHA with $0 Money Down
FHA loans with forgivable 2% or 3.5% grants
Min. Credit Scores of 580+ and Max. DTI of 49.99%
Multiple Eligibility Options
From first-time buyers to first-responders, and many more!
Generous Income Limits
Family earnings capped at 140% of Area Median Income
Empowered DPA Guidelines
If your details are close to these guidelines, please apply here. If you don’t qualify we may have other solutions for you.
Credit Score
A min. credit score of 620 is required, but 580+ may also qualify with Approve/Eligible AUS findings
Homebuyer Status
Must be a first-time homebuyer or a first responder, medical personnel or educator.
Debt-to-Income Ratio
Maximum 50%, though some programs allow higher with compensating factors.
Income Limit
Earnings must be within 140% of the Area Median Income (AMI) based on location.
Sellers Credit
Allowed up to 6% of the home’s purchase price, since it's an FHA loan
Down Payment
Down payment can be as low as 0% to 1.5%, depending on the interest rate you choose
Mortgage Insurance
UFMIP of 1.75% financed into the loan and and MIP of 0.55% p.a. are required for the duration of the loan.
Loan Limits
Up to $524,250 in most areas, with higher amounts in high-cost regions.
Closing Cost Options
6% Seller Concessions
You can combine it with up to 6% seller concessions to help cover closing costs, making homeownership even more affordable.
Flexible Credit Requirements
580 Min Credit Score
Qualify for Empowered DPA with Approve/Eligible findings with a 580 FICO score. Manual underwriting is possible with a min FICO of 620.
Simple & Predictable
FHA 30yr Fixed Term
Expect to pay the same for the next 30yrs or complete a streamline refinance to lower payments
How It Works
See Qualifications
With several options to qualify, you'll more than likely fit the criteria if you're looking for down payment assistance
Get Pre-Approved
Complete a 7 part credit application and submit documents to verify income, asset, and employment.
Find Your Home
We'll partner with your real-estate agent to ensure a smooth transaction from contract-to-close.
Get Funds at Closing
The grant is fully forgivable, so you don’t have to pay it back. Just make sure to make 7 on-time payments.
Do’s & Don’ts
Do
Check Your Eligibility
Meet credit, income & homebuyer requirements. Complete a homebuyer course form a HUD approved counselor
Use Funds Properly
The grant must be used exclusively for your down payment and closing costs to secure your home.
Live in the Home
The property must be your primary residence—it cannot be used as an investment or rental.
Don't
Don’t Exceed Income Limits
Your household income must not surpass 140% of the median income.
Don’t Use Funds for Other Expenses
The grant cannot be used for renovations, furniture, or non-housing costs.
Don’t Refinance Too Soon
Check program requirements to ensure you meet residency obligations for full forgiveness.
The Competition
Compare Empowered DPA with other options to help you choose.
Empowered DPA
FHA
ONE+
Down Payment
0%
3.5% Minimum
1% Minimum
Income Limits
140% of Area Median Income (AMI)
No income limit
<80% of AMI
Mortgage Insurance
0.55%
0.55%
0.2% - 1%
Loan Limits
$524,250
$524,250
$350,000
Example Rate Difference*
7.5%
5.75%
6.25%
Need Help?
Everything you need, in one place!
Recent Articles
Learn everything you need to know as a first-time homebuyer
.avif)
.avif)
.jpg)
Frequently asked questions
You’ve got questions, we’ve got answers
Depending on your eligibility, you can receive either 2% or 3.5% of the home’s purchase price. This financial assistance can be applied directly to your down payment or closing costs, helping you move into your new home with less financial burden.
No, the grant is specifically intended to help with homeownership costs. It must be used for your down payment or closing costs and cannot be applied toward renovations. You can use seller concession to pay for closing costs to reduce out of pocket expenses.
While the program covers a portion of your down payment, you are require you to pay for your closing costs which can add up to 3-4% of the home purchase price.
Since the down payment assistance was a grant, there may be no repayment required after 7 qualified mortgage payments. If it was a loan, repayment terms vary - some are forgivable after a certain period, while others require repayment upon sale or refinance.
