Homebuyer Updates: Down Payment Assistance News
Short, sourced news for homebuyers: program funding opening or closing, new state and local assistance, loan limit changes and first-time buyer data. Every post links to the official source. On days without verified news we feature a Program of the Day from our checked listings.
⭐ Program of the Day · Wednesday, Oct 21
WHEDA Easy Close DPA (Wisconsin)
Repayable loan Minimum $1,000, up to 6% of the lesser of purchase price or appraised value · Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA)
Last checked Oct 21, 2026 · Official source ↗
All updates
- Connecticut adds $5M to CHFA Time To Own down payment loans · Oct 21, 2026
The State Bond Commission authorized another $5 million for Time To Own. CHFA reports $13,169,286 available for reservations as of Oct. 19, 2026. - FHLB Des Moines Home$tart grants fully reserved for October · Oct 21, 2026
The October 1 Home$tart release of $3 million was fully reserved. Funds may reopen as reservations are withdrawn. - Lorain, Ohio launches down payment assistance of up to $14,900 · Oct 21, 2026
The City of Lorain announced a new down payment assistance program for income-eligible buyers purchasing in the city. - 2027 conforming loan limits: what is official so far · Oct 21, 2026
FHFA has not yet published 2027 limits. The official 2026 one-unit baseline is $832,750, with a $1,249,125 ceiling in high-cost areas. - First-time buyers fell to 21% of home purchases, a record low · Oct 21, 2026
NAR's 2026 generational trends report found first-time buyers were 21% of buyers, the lowest share since it began tracking in 1981.