MOVE
MOVE is a first mortgage for homebuyers in Statewide County, Vermont, administered by Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA).
The program asks for
- First-time homebuyer — the program sets its own definition
- The home is occupied as a primary residence
- A minimum 640 credit score
- A completed homebuyer education course, through VHFA-approved homebuyer education provider (at least one borrower)
- First-mortgage product (layer ASSIST for DPA). Interest rate varies daily. Min credit score given as 640-680 range; floor 640 used.
- A home in Vermont
It doesn’t cover
- Purchases above the $500,000 price cap
These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.
Where it applies
Vermont’s homesThe homes in Vermont
- 67.3% single-familysingle-family
- 4.4% townhousetownhouse
- 11.5% 2–4 units2–4 units
- 10.9% 5+ unitscondo & apartment buildings (5+ units)
- 5.9% mobile & othermobile home & other
$316,600
Vermont median home value
56%
built before 1980
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-year.
How to apply
How to applyThree steps, in this order
Take a homebuyer education course
Required by the program, through VHFA-approved homebuyer education provider (at least one borrower).
Contact Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) to reserve funds
Funds are reserved with the provider and are subject to availability.
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 homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.
Questions about this program
What is MOVE?
MOVE is a first mortgage for homebuyers in Statewide County, Vermont, administered by Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA). MOVE is VHFA's primary first-mortgage product, often carrying VHFA's lowest interest rate. It pairs with FHA, VA, USDA, or Conventional loans and can combine with VHFA down payment assistance (ASSIST) and the First Generation Homebuyer grant. Often VHFA's lowest interest rate; down payment as low as 0%-5%; can layer with VHFA ASSIST and First Generation grant; savings up to $1,735 at closing. Funding comes from Vermont Housing Finance Agency (mortgage revenue bonds).
Do you have to pay it back?
MOVE is a first mortgage and is repaid under the terms set by Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA). The assistance is recorded in First position. Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.
Who qualifies?
MOVE is open to first-time homebuyers and homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. "First-time homebuyer" usually means not having owned a home in the last three years, but the program sets its own definition. The program lists a minimum credit score of 640. A homebuyer education course is required, through VHFA-approved homebuyer education provider (at least one borrower). First-mortgage product (layer ASSIST for DPA). Interest rate varies daily. Min credit score given as 640-680 range; floor 640 used.
What are the income limits?
MOVE sets its income limit as follows: MOVE/MOVE MCC limits (as of 7/14/2025): Addison/Bennington/Windsor $110,000 (1-2 persons), $130,000 (3+); Caledonia/Chittenden/Essex/Franklin/Grand Isle/Lamoille/Orange/Orleans/Rutland/Windham $120,000 (1-2), $140,000 (3+); Washington $125,000 (1-2), $145,000 (3+). 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?
MOVE caps the purchase price at $500,000.
Where does it apply?
MOVE serves homebuyers purchasing in Statewide County, Vermont.
How do you apply?
Applications for MOVE go through Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.
Also for Vermont homebuyersOther programs open to Vermont homebuyers
Whether two programs can be combined is up to each agency. Ask before you apply.
All 68 programs for VermontProgram terms are set by Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) and can change; confirm on the official site before you apply.