NMCAA Down Payment Assistance Program (DPA)

What is NMCAA Down Payment Assistance Program (DPA)?

NMCAA Down Payment Assistance Program (DPA) is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Traverse City, Michigan, administered by Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA).

• NMCAA's Down Payment Assistance Program provides $3,000 toward closing costs, down payment, or principal reduction for first-time homebuyers, structured as a 0% deferred loan repayable in full when title or ownership is transferred. It serves NMCAA's 10-county northwest Lower Michigan region and is available while funding lasts. NMCAA has been a HUD-approved housing counseling agency since 1974.
• $3,000 toward closing costs, down payment, or principal reduction.
• 0% interest deferred loan.
• pairs with NMCAA Homebuyer Coaching and Education.
• Funding comes from Not specified on the official program page (HOME vs. MSHDA pass-through unconfirmed).

How much assistance does it provide?

NMCAA Down Payment Assistance Program (DPA) offers up to $3,000 in assistance.

• Buyer contribution: Minimum $1,000 of the buyer's own funds at closing.
• Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA) determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

NMCAA Down Payment Assistance Program (DPA) is deferred, so no payments are due until the home is sold, refinanced, or the first mortgage is paid off.

• Repayment is triggered by Repayable in full upon transfer of title or ownership.
• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

NMCAA Down Payment Assistance Program (DPA) is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

NMCAA Down Payment Assistance Program (DPA) limits household income to 100% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• Household income at or below 100% of Area Median Family Income (AMFI) by county: Antrim $82,100; Benzie $92,900; Charlevoix $88,000; Emmet $87,100; Grand Traverse $89,900; Kalkaska $68,600; Leelanau $98,800; Missaukee $70,300; Roscommon $64,800; Wexford $73,000. AMFI year not stated.
• The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s.
• Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.

Where does it apply?

NMCAA Down Payment Assistance Program (DPA) serves buyers purchasing in Traverse City, Michigan.

How do you apply?

Applications for NMCAA Down Payment Assistance Program (DPA) go through Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

1. 1

   Take a homebuyer education course

   Required by the program, through NMCAA HUD-approved Homebuyer Education (completed within the past year); paired with NMCAA Homebuyer Coaching..

2. 2

   Contact Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency (NMCAA) to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved with the provider and are subject to availability.

3. 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.