Scott County CDA First-Time Homebuyer Grant

What is Scott County CDA First-Time Homebuyer Grant?

Scott County CDA First-Time Homebuyer Grant is a grant for homebuyers in Scott County, Minnesota, administered by Scott County Community Development Agency (CDA).

• The Scott County CDA First-Time Homebuyer Grant provides up to $5,000 toward down payment or closing costs for income-qualified first-time buyers purchasing anywhere in Scott County, MN. Applicants must complete a pre-purchase counseling session with the CDA (at least 60 days before signing a purchase agreement) and a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. The grant is a true grant — no lien, no repayment. Funds are limited and grants are never guaranteed. This county-wide CDA program is distinct from any city-specific Shakopee grant.
• Up to $5,000 grant toward down payment/closing costs.
• No repayment — true grant.
• County-wide coverage.
• Low/no-cost HUD-approved counseling and education.
• Bilingual Spanish/English specialists.
• Stacks with MN Housing START UP/STEP UP.
• Funding comes from Scott County CDA local funds.

How much assistance does it provide?

Scott County CDA First-Time Homebuyer Grant offers up to $5,000 in assistance.

• Buyer contribution: At least $1,000 of own money. Down payment from own funds/gifts must not exceed 5% of purchase price (excluding closing costs and DPA).
• The program can be combined with Minnesota Housing START UP / STEP UP first-mortgage programs; USDA Single Family Guaranteed in rural Scott County.
• Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Scott County Community Development Agency (CDA) determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

Scott County CDA First-Time Homebuyer Grant is structured as a grant, so it is not repaid.

• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Scott County CDA First-Time Homebuyer Grant is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

Scott County CDA First-Time Homebuyer Grant sets its income limit as follows: CDA-set limits by household size (2026): 1–2 persons max $132,400/yr; 3+ persons max $152,200/yr. Income from all members 18+ and all mortgage parties; full-time student dependents excluded. These exceed standard 80% AMI ($104,200 4-person FY2025) — approximately 100–115% AMI equivalent.

• 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.

What kind of home can it be used for?

Scott County CDA First-Time Homebuyer Grant caps the purchase price at $425,000.

• Eligible property types include Single Family, Condo, and Townhome.
• New construction is eligible.
• Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Where does it apply?

Scott County CDA First-Time Homebuyer Grant serves buyers purchasing in Scott County, Minnesota.

How do you apply?

Applications for Scott County CDA First-Time Homebuyer Grant go through Scott County Community Development Agency (CDA), 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 Scott County CDA Homestretch Workshop (8-hr, $40; valid 5 yrs) OR Framework online ($75; valid 2 yrs). Spanish workshops via CDA/CLUES/NeDA; Somali via African Development Center..

2. 2

   Contact Scott County Community Development Agency (CDA) to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved through Through Scott County CDA Homebuyer Counseling Program; funds limited and grants never guaranteed., 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.