First-Time Homebuyer Program is sponsored by Nebraska Investment Finance Authority (NIFA). Provides down payment assistance and favorable loan terms to first-time homebuyers in Nebraska.

First Home - Homebuyer Programs Homebuyer Assistance (HBA) Welcome Home Assistance (WHA) + Last changed 05/27/2026 at 9:00 a. m *This is not an advertisement for credit as defined in Reg. Z; contact a participating NIFA lender for Annual Percentage Rate (APR) information.

Rates are subject to change without prior notice. +An origination fee up to 0. 50% of the loan amount may be charged by Lender.

++ Interest rate based on program eligibility. See program details.

Homebuyer Programs & Eligibility How to Apply for a NIFA Loan Find a Mortgage Loan Advisor Explore NIFA Participating Lenders Become a Participating Lender Targeted Census Tract Info Beginning Farmer/Ranchers Nebraska Beginning Farmer & Rancher Resources Developers & Property Managers Developers & Property Managers LIHTC & Neb AHTC Overview Community Collaboration Overview Home - Nebraska Investment Finance Authority How to Apply for a NIFA Loan Find a Mortgage Loan Advisor Explore NIFA Participating Lenders First Home Lending Solutions Home is where your story begins and NIFA is here to help!

If you’re purchasing your first home or qualify under the other eligibility criteria below, we have a home loan program for you. By using a NIFA loan, you are re-investing in Nebraska communities and helping us to enhance the good life across the state. First Home Program: The ideal program for first time homebuyers with competitive interest rates.

First Home: Homebuyer Assistance Down payment and closing cost assistance to help you purchase your first home! First Home: Military Home Designed for active military members and qualified veterans. First Home Program Eligibility Individuals who haven’t owned and occupied a primary residence within the past three years, are considered a first-time homebuyer.

Even if a home was owned years ago, but has been occupied by renters for three or more years, to us that's still considered a first-time homebuyer. Potential buyers do not need to be a first-time homebuyer if: They are a qualified veteran who has been discharged from the service under conditions other than dishonorable OR They're purchasing a home located in a target area .

Use our Geocoding/Mapping System to help identify whether or not a specific home is in a target area. Note: There are some situations when NIFA may grant an exception to the first-time homebuyer requirement.

If one of these situations apply, a Participating Lender will submit documentation to our office for review during the loan application process: If home is lost by divorce and individual received no sale proceeds If home is lost by a natural disaster If home is lost by a forced job relocation NIFA is committed to helping homebuyers get into their new home with a great, low interest loan, and minimal hassle.

All NIFA loan programs have maximum household income limits based on the home’s location and household size. NIFA’s program eligibility includes the income of any adult member who will reside in the home and will be a borrower, co-borrower or non-borrowing spouse. Note: Income from other adult occupants is only included when the occupant will have an ownership interest in the home.

This includes, but is not limited to, base pay, overtime, commissions, bonuses, tips, self-employed income, social security, disability, unemployment, child support, alimony, part-time income and interest income from assets over $5,000. NIFA will use your current monthly household gross income and will project it over 12 months. This calculation method is only used by NIFA to determine program eligibility.

In most cases, your Participating Lender will use a more conservative underwriting approach for income to qualify you for the loan.

Maximum purchase price limits Homes in Nebraska are eligible, subject to the following purchase price limits (effective 7/7/25): Non-Target Area Target Area Number of Units New & Existing New & Existing One unit $398,000 $485,500 Two units $497,500 $607,000 Three units $621,875 $758,500 Four units $777,350 $948,500 You also must occupy the home as your primary residence within 60 days of the loan closing.

For 2-4 units, NIFA will include net rental income in your total household income. If you have 2-4 units, they must be at least five years old unless the unit is a duplex located in a target area . If you are buying a home from a relative, the greater of the purchase price or appraised value cannot exceed the maximum limit.

Credit underwriting guidelines In addition to NIFA's program eligibility requirements, credit underwriting guidelines also apply. These guidelines include minimum credit scores and maximum debt-to-income (DTI) ratios. Participating Lenders use a credit score to determine the creditworthiness of a borrower.

The DTI ratio calculates by taking your total monthly expenses and dividing them by your total monthly gross income. Conventional and Government Loans: The minimum credit score requirement is 640 with a maximum total DTI ratio of 45%. If your credit score is 660 and above, NIFA will allow a maximum total DTI of 50%.

If your Participating Lender needs to use manual underwriting guidelines to approve the loan, the minimum credit score and maximum DTI varies depending on the type of loan. If you do not have a credit score, you may still qualify for a NIFA loan. Participating Lenders are required to determine if a borrower meets all NIFA program eligibility and credit underwriting guidelines.

First-Time homebuyer education NIFA requires First-Time Homebuyers to complete an approved homebuyer education class before closing because we understand how overwhelming it can be to purchase your first home. From one of these classes, a first time homebuyer will gain valuable knowledge on the loan process, terminology, budgeting, tips for selecting a real estate agent, home inspections, home maintenance and much more.

Browse NIFA-approved classes You can call NIFA's toll-free number at 800-204-6432 to speak with one of our Homeownership Team Specialists (Monday-Friday 8 a. m. to 5 p.

m. CT) or contact us by email. Am I Eligible for a NIFA Loan?

Answer a couple of questions with Quinn the QualBot, and find out today! Homebuyer resource library Homebuyer Document Checklist .

Innovation Expo Conference Homebuyer Programs & Eligibility How to Apply for a NIFA Loan Find a Mortgage Loan Advisor Explore NIFA Participating Lenders Become a Participating Lender NIFA's Beginning Farmer/Rancher Loan Program Nebraska Beginning Farmer & Rancher Resources Developers & Property Managers LIHTC & Neb AHTC Overview Community Collaboration Overview Strategic Housing Framework