Peace Garden News

The North Dakota Industrial Commission has updated the eligibility limits for homeownership assistance programs managed by the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA). These programs are designed to help state residents, primarily first-time buyers, with affordable financing and support for down payments and closing costs.

"North Dakota Housing Finance Agency has helped more than 54,000 households achieve homeownership," stated members of the commission in a joint statement. "The support has enabled individuals and families to put down roots, which, in turn, has strengthened their local communities." The Industrial Commission is chaired by Gov. Kelly Armstrong and includes Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring and Attorney General Drew H. Wrigley.

The NDHFA offers two main programs: FirstHome for low- to moderate-income buyers who have not owned a home in three years, and HomeAccess for special needs households who may have previously owned a home.

The new income limits approved by the commission range from $93,500 to $110,000. Acquisition cost limits remain at $481,176 for single-family homes with higher thresholds for existing multi-unit properties. These limits vary based on household size and county location of the financed property.

Both the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Internal Revenue Service regulate these income and acquisition cost parameters.

"NDHFA’s below-market interest rates coupled with down payment and closing cost assistance provide a much-needed boost," said Dave Flohr, NDHFA executive director. "With the support of our private-sector partners, NDHFA helped 4,124 individuals and families purchase a home last year."

In 2024, NDHFA's average FirstHome loan was just under $240,000 with an average borrower household income of $74,758.

Private lenders originate these loans on behalf of NDHFA before selling them back once finalized. Interested parties can find more information about these programs online at www.ndhfa.org or through participating lenders.

NDHFA operates as a self-supporting agency focused on making housing affordable across North Dakota.