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Nevada First-Time Homebuyer Programs
Discover Nevada's down payment assistance grants, low-interest loans, and tax credit programs. Get up to $15,000 toward your down payment and closing costs. Serving first-time buyers in Las Vegas, Henderson, Reno, and across Nevada.
Up to $15,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. Deferred payment loan (0% interest, no monthly payments).
3% or 5% down payment assistance grant. No repayment required. Available for first-time buyers and qualified repeat buyers.
Federal tax credit worth up to $2,000 per year. Convert 20% of your mortgage interest into a dollar-for-dollar tax credit.
Local assistance for Las Vegas, Henderson, and North Las Vegas buyers. Grants and low-interest second mortgages available.
Veterans and active military can buy with no down payment. No PMI required. Exclusive benefit for those who served.
Many Nevada employers (hospitals, casinos, government) offer down payment grants. Ask your HR department.
Nevada's assistance programs help first-time buyers overcome the biggest barrier to homeownership: the down payment. Here's how to qualify and apply.
Most programs require first-time buyer status (no home ownership in past 3 years), income limits (typically 80-120% of area median income), and completion of a homebuyer education course.
Work with an approved lender (like us!) who participates in Nevada's programs. We'll pre-approve you for both your first mortgage and down payment assistance.
Take an 8-hour online or in-person course (often free). You'll learn about budgeting, credit, and maintaining your home. Required for most programs.
Once under contract, we'll submit your assistance application. Funds are applied directly to your down payment and closing costs at closing.
First-Time Homebuyer
Haven't owned a home in the past 3 years
Income Limits
Typically $65,000-$95,000 (varies by county and program)
Credit Score
Minimum 620 (conventional) or 580 (FHA)
Primary Residence
Must live in the home as your primary residence
Homebuyer Education
Complete approved 8-hour course (online or in-person)
Debt-to-Income Ratio
Maximum 43-50% DTI depending on program
Good News: These requirements are flexible. Even if you don't meet all criteria, we can often find a program that works for you.
Each Nevada assistance program has different benefits. Here's how they compare side-by-side.
| Program | Assistance Amount | Repayment | Income Limits | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada HOME Program | Up to $15,000 | Deferred (no payments) | 80% AMI (~$65,000) | Low-income buyers |
| HFA Preferred™ Plus | 3% or 5% of loan | Grant (no repayment) | Varies by area | Most buyers |
| Mortgage Credit Certificate | $2,000/year tax credit | N/A (tax benefit) | $95,000-$115,000 | Long-term savings |
| Clark County Programs | Varies (up to $10,000) | Low-interest loan | 80-100% AMI | Las Vegas area |
| VA Loan (0% Down) | Full down payment | Part of mortgage | No limit | Veterans & military |
Don't let the down payment hold you back. Nevada's assistance programs can help you buy sooner than you think—potentially with little to no money down.
Complete guide to state, county, and local programs helping Nevada first-time buyers and families afford homeownership with down payment and closing cost assistance.
Good news: Nevada offers several programs that provide grants, forgivable loans, and assistance to help cover your down payment and closing costs—many requiring as little as $0 out-of-pocket from you.
Most programs target first-time homebuyers, low-to-moderate income families, teachers, healthcare workers, and military veterans. Read on to see which you qualify for and how to apply.
What it is: A 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with down payment assistance (DPA) for first-time and repeat homebuyers across Nevada.
Assistance Amount: Up to 5% of the loan amount (can cover down payment + closing costs)
Repayment: Deferred second mortgage (0% interest, forgivable after 30 years or when you sell/refinance)
Eligible Loan Types: Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA
Income Limits: Varies by county. Example: Clark County (Las Vegas) ~$136,000 for families of 1-2, higher for larger families
Purchase Price Limits: Clark/Washoe: $627,500 max | Rural counties: $475,000 max
Requirements: Homebuyer education course (8 hours, online available), minimum 620 credit score, primary residence only
💡 Example:
Buying a $350,000 home in Las Vegas → HIP gives you 5% ($17,500) toward down payment/closing. You only need to bring 3.5% FHA minimum ($12,250) out-of-pocket, or potentially $0 if using VA or combining with FHA seller concessions.
What it is: Enhanced version of HIP specifically for essential workers (teachers, healthcare, first responders, military).
Assistance Amount: Up to 5.5% of loan amount (slightly higher than standard HIP)
Who Qualifies: Teachers, nurses, EMTs, firefighters, law enforcement, active military/veterans
Repayment: Same as HIP—deferred, 0% interest, forgivable over time
Income/Price Limits: Similar to HIP (slightly higher income limits for essential workers)
Note: If you qualify for HIPA, use it over standard HIP—you get more assistance. Requires proof of employment (pay stub or letter).
What it is: Federal program offering 0% down payment loans in eligible rural and suburban areas of Nevada.
Down Payment: $0 (100% financing)
Eligible Areas: Most of rural Nevada (Elko, Pahrump, Mesquite, Fallon, parts of North Las Vegas suburbs). Check USDA map
Income Limits: Generally 115% of area median income (can be up to $110,000+ for families in NV)
Requirements: Must be primary residence, U.S. citizen or permanent resident, 640+ credit typically
Great for buyers in smaller NV towns or outer suburbs. No down payment required = all-in-one solution.
What it is: Federal HOME funds administered by the City of Las Vegas for low-to-moderate income first-time buyers.
Assistance Amount: Up to $25,000 (deferred forgivable loan, 0% interest)
Forgiveness: Forgiven after 15 years of occupancy (if you stay 15 years, you never repay it)
Income Limits: 80% of Area Median Income (~$75,000 for family of 4 in Las Vegas)
Must Buy: Within Las Vegas city limits only (not North Las Vegas or Henderson)
Note: Funding is limited and often runs out—apply early in fiscal year (July-August)
Contact:
City of Las Vegas Housing & Neighborhood Services: (702) 229-6291
What it is: County program for unincorporated areas and some municipalities in Clark County.
Assistance Amount: Up to $20,000
Income Limits: 80% AMI (similar to City of LV)
Availability: Subject to funding (check with Clark County Social Services)
Contact:
Clark County Social Service: (702) 455-4270
What it is: Down payment assistance for qualified first-time buyers in Reno city limits.
Assistance Amount: Up to $15,000 (deferred loan, forgivable after 10 years)
Income Limits: 80% AMI for Washoe County (~$80,000 family income)
Requirements: First-time buyer, complete homebuyer education, buy within Reno city limits
Contact:
City of Reno Community Development: (775) 334-2077
Most DPA programs require you to work with an approved lender. We're Nevada Housing Division approved and can guide you through HIP, HIPA, and all local programs. Get pre-approved first so we can determine which programs you qualify for.
Most programs require an 8-hour homebuyer education course (available online). We'll provide you with approved course options. Cost is typically $75-$100, and you receive a certificate to submit with your DPA application.
You'll need:
Once pre-approved, start house hunting. Your offer should be contingent on DPA approval (your agent will include this). Most DPA programs approve within 2-3 weeks of your full mortgage application.
The DPA funds are applied at closing. For example, if you get $17,500 from HIP and need $12,000 for down payment and $8,000 for closing costs, you'd only bring $2,500 to closing (or $0 if your assistance covers everything).
Sometimes—you can combine state HIP with FHA 3.5% down, or USDA with local city programs. However, you usually can't stack two state programs. We'll help you find the best combo for maximum assistance.
Not always. Nevada HIP allows repeat buyers if you haven't owned a home in the last 3 years. USDA and some local programs also accept repeat buyers. FHA requires first-time status for most DPA combinations.
You'll owe back the pro-rated amount. For example, if you got $20,000 DPA with 15-year forgiveness and sell after 10 years, you'd owe back ~$6,667 (5 years remaining ÷ 15 = 33%). The lien is paid from your sale proceeds.
Typically 2-4 weeks after submitting your full mortgage application. Plan for a 45-60 day close when using DPA (slightly longer than non-DPA loans). Sellers should be aware of this timeline.
Yes! VA loans already offer 0% down, but you can use HIP/HIPA assistance to cover closing costs and the VA funding fee (~2.15% of loan amount). This gets you to a true $0 out-of-pocket close.
We're Nevada Housing Division approved lenders specializing in down payment assistance programs. Get pre-approved in 24 hours and we'll tell you exactly which programs you qualify for and how much help you can get.
Nevada's trusted conventional mortgage lender serving Las Vegas, Henderson, Reno and all of Nevada with competitive rates and expert guidance.
3% down, competitive rates, flexible terms
conventionalhomeloans.services →3.5% down, flexible credit, government-backed
fhahomeloans.services →$0 down, no PMI, for veterans & military
vahomeloans.services →$0 down, rural properties, income limits apply
usdahomeloans.services →
Valley West Mortgage - NMLS #65506
Nevada Mortgage Lender License
Licensed to conduct business in Nevada
NMLS Consumer Access: www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org
We are an Equal Housing Lender. We do business in accordance with the Federal Fair Housing Law and Equal Credit Opportunity Act. This company does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age, or handicap.
This is not a commitment to lend. All loans subject to credit approval. Rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. Not all applicants will qualify. Additional restrictions may apply. Property insurance required. Flood insurance may be required. This website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult with a licensed loan officer for personalized guidance.