First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Greensboro, NC (2026)
Greensboro, North Carolina has a population of over 307,000 and a median home price of $289,000, making down payment assistance valuable for first-time homebuyers. The Greensboro Homebuyer Assistance Program, administered through Housing Connect GSO, provides up to $25,000 in forgivable assistance for qualifying buyers within city limits. First-time homebuyers in Greensboro can stack this with the NC Home Advantage Mortgage for up to 3% additional down payment help, significantly reducing out of pocket costs.
Top Homebuyer Programs in Greensboro
| Program Name | Type | Amount | First-Time Only | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greensboro Homebuyer Assistance Program | Forgivable Loan | Up to $25,000 (up to $30,000 in redevelopment areas) | Yes | View → |
| Greensboro Public Service Heroes Program | Forgivable Loan | Up to $20,000 (up to $30,000 in redevelopment areas) | Yes | View → |
| Greensboro #100Homes Program | Forgivable Loan | Up to $20,000 (up to $25,000 in redevelopment areas) | Yes | View → |
| FHA Loans | Government-Insured Mortgage | Up to FHA county loan limits ($541,287 floor to $1,249,125 ceiling for single-family in 2026) | No | View → |
| VA Loans | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement (0% down at any price); partial entitlement subject to conforming limits ($832,750 standard in 2026) | No | View → |
| USDA Rural Development Loans | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | 100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value | No | View → |
| Good Neighbor Next Door (HUD) | Government Property Sale Program | 50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes | Yes | View → |
| HomeReady Mortgage (Fannie Mae) | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment | No | View → |
| Home Possible Mortgage (Freddie Mac) | Government-Guaranteed Mortgage | Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment | No | View → |
| HUD $100 Down Program | FHA-Financed HUD REO Purchase | Only $100 down payment required (vs. standard 3.5% FHA down payment). HUD may also pay up to 3% of buyer's closing costs. | No | View → |
| NC Home Advantage Mortgage | Deferred Loan | Up to 5% of the loan amount | No | View → |
| NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment | Forgivable Loan | $15,000 | Yes | View → |
| Community Partners Loan Pool (CPLP) | Deferred Loan | Up to 25% of the sales price, maximum $50,000 | No | View → |
| Self-Help Loan Pool (SHLP) | Zero-Interest Loan | Up to $50,000 (max $35,000 if home is within one of 24 CDBG Entitlement Cities in NC) | No | View → |
Greensboro Homebuyer Assistance Program
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $25,000 (up to $30,000 in redevelopment areas)
- First-time only:
- Yes
Greensboro Public Service Heroes Program
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $20,000 (up to $30,000 in redevelopment areas)
- First-time only:
- Yes
Greensboro #100Homes Program
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $20,000 (up to $25,000 in redevelopment areas)
- First-time only:
- Yes
FHA Loans
- Type:
- Government-Insured Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to FHA county loan limits ($541,287 floor to $1,249,125 ceiling for single-family in 2026)
- First-time only:
- No
VA Loans
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- No loan limit for veterans with full entitlement (0% down at any price); partial entitlement subject to conforming limits ($832,750 standard in 2026)
- First-time only:
- No
USDA Rural Development Loans
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- 100% financing (no down payment required); loan amount up to appraised value
- First-time only:
- No
Good Neighbor Next Door (HUD)
- Type:
- Government Property Sale Program
- Amount:
- 50% discount off the list price of HUD-owned homes
- First-time only:
- Yes
HomeReady Mortgage (Fannie Mae)
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment
- First-time only:
- No
Home Possible Mortgage (Freddie Mac)
- Type:
- Government-Guaranteed Mortgage
- Amount:
- Up to conforming loan limits ($832,750 standard / $1,249,125 high-cost in 2026); 3% minimum down payment
- First-time only:
- No
HUD $100 Down Program
- Type:
- FHA-Financed HUD REO Purchase
- Amount:
- Only $100 down payment required (vs. standard 3.5% FHA down payment). HUD may also pay up to 3% of buyer's closing costs.
- First-time only:
- No
NC Home Advantage Mortgage
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- Up to 5% of the loan amount
- First-time only:
- No
NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment
- Type:
- Forgivable Loan
- Amount:
- $15,000
- First-time only:
- Yes
Community Partners Loan Pool (CPLP)
- Type:
- Deferred Loan
- Amount:
- Up to 25% of the sales price, maximum $50,000
- First-time only:
- No
Self-Help Loan Pool (SHLP)
- Type:
- Zero-Interest Loan
- Amount:
- Up to $50,000 (max $35,000 if home is within one of 24 CDBG Entitlement Cities in NC)
- First-time only:
- No
How to Apply
- Step 1: Explore the programs available in Greensboro. This page lists 3 local programs plus statewide options you may qualify for. Review the assistance amounts, income limits, and first-time buyer requirements for each to find the best fit.
- Step 2: Complete homebuyer education. Most programs in Greensboro require a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. Housing Consultants Group offers an 8-hour course that covers budgeting, financing, and the homebuying process. Your certificate is valid for one year.
- Step 3: Meet with a HUD-approved housing counselor. A counselor can help you understand which programs you qualify for and guide you through the process. In Greensboro, Housing Consultants Group provides free counseling at (336) 553-0946, ext. 101.
- Step 4: Get pre-approved for a mortgage. Contact an NCHFA-approved lender to find out how much you can borrow and which assistance programs they participate in. NCHFA maintains a list of approved lenders at nchfa.com.
- Step 5: Find a home that meets program requirements. Each program has its own purchase price limits and geographic restrictions. In Greensboro, local programs require the home to be within city limits and used as your primary residence. Your real estate agent and lender can help you stay within these limits.
- Step 6: Apply for assistance through your lender. Once you have a home under contract, your lender will submit applications for the programs you qualify for. The City of Greensboro uses approved lenders to process Homebuyer Assistance Program applications. Start pre-approval early to avoid delays at closing.