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City of Pontiac Down Payment Assistance Program

City of Pontiac (HUD/Community Development), administered by National Faith Homebuyers · Pontiac, Michigan

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See what you qualify forOfficial program site →
Assistance

$20,000

The maximum the program publishes — not an offer

Income limit

80% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

Repayment

Deferred

No payments until the home is sold or refinanced

What is City of Pontiac Down Payment Assistance Program?

City of Pontiac Down Payment Assistance Program is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Pontiac, Michigan, administered by City of Pontiac (HUD/Community Development), administered by National Faith Homebuyers.

  • The City of Pontiac, a newly restored HUD entitlement community, launched its Down Payment Assistance Program in November 2025 in partnership with National Faith Homebuyers. It provides up to $20,000 toward 50% of the down payment and reasonable closing costs for first-time buyers purchasing in Pontiac, funded by a $437,475 CDBG allocation.
  • Up to $20,000 toward 50% of down payment and reasonable closing costs (prepaid taxes, interest, lender's points, application/credit/title/appraisal fees, PMI, recording and legal fees, etc.).
  • Funding comes from City of Pontiac CDBG allocation ($437,475).

How much assistance does it provide?

City of Pontiac Down Payment Assistance Program offers up to $20,000 in assistance.

  • Buyer contribution: Assistance covers up to 50% of the down payment plus reasonable closing costs.
  • Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — City of Pontiac (HUD/Community Development), administered by National Faith Homebuyers determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

City of Pontiac Down Payment Assistance Program is deferred, so no payments are due until the home is sold, refinanced, or the first mortgage is paid off.

  • Repayment is triggered by Lien with affordability period; recapture if sold/no longer owner-occupied during the affordability period.
  • The assistance is recorded in second position.
  • Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

City of Pontiac Down Payment Assistance Program is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • First-time homebuyer — with exceptions: First-time homebuyer or has not acquired a home in the last three years; renters seeking to buy their leased home and movers to Pontiac may also apply
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through National Faith Homebuyers (homebuyer education session; certificate required with application)
  • Residency: Property must be located within the City of Pontiac (determined by legal description, not mailing address)
  • DRAFT (dpa-gap-finder 2026-06-11): pending admin review. Housing (front-end) ratio must not exceed 35% and DTI must not exceed 43%; assets may not exceed $20,000; all household income counted; homeowner's insurance and real estate commissions are excluded closing costs; full application package with certificate of education required; unconfirmed: min_credit_score, max_purchase_price, citizenship_requirement, forgiveness_years (lien-based recapture rather than forgiveness)

The program excludes

  • Households above 80% of area median income

These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.

What are the income limits?

City of Pontiac Down Payment Assistance Program limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

  • Household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income by household size (HUD); 2026 4-person limit $83,850.
  • The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s.
  • The program lists a maximum household size of 8.
  • Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

What kind of home can it be used for?

City of Pontiac Down Payment Assistance Program can be used for Single Family.

Where does it apply?

City of Pontiac Down Payment Assistance Program serves buyers purchasing in Pontiac, Michigan.

How do you apply?

Applications for City of Pontiac Down Payment Assistance Program go through City of Pontiac (HUD/Community Development), administered by National Faith Homebuyers, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through National Faith Homebuyers (homebuyer education session; certificate required with application).

  2. Contact City of Pontiac (HUD/Community Development), administered by National Faith Homebuyers to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved through While funds are available; apply through National Faith Homebuyers after completing education, and are subject to availability.

  3. Work with a lender who handles the program

    Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

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