← Free Guides & Reports
Download PDF Ask Susan
Idaho Housing & Finance Association (IHFA)

Helping First-Time Buyers
Get Into a Home

Programs, loans & assistance available throughout the Treasure Valley and all of Idaho

$170K 2026 Income Limit

IHFA is Idaho's private, nonprofit housing finance agency that offers competitive mortgage rates, down payment assistance, and homebuyer education to make homeownership achievable — even in today's market. A "first-time buyer" is anyone who has not owned a home in the past 3 years.

As little as$500Out of pocket
Move in with as little as $500 of your own money

Idaho Housing’s down payment assistance is a second mortgage. It can cover your down payment, apart from a $500 minimum contribution from you. Pair it with a builder or seller paying toward your closing costs, and your total out-of-pocket could be as little as $500.

Every loan and every offer is different. Ask me how this could work for you.

🏡
First Loan Program
3–3.5% down minimum

IHFA's primary mortgage product. Pairs with FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional financing. Offers competitive interest rates for Idaho buyers.

FHA · VA · USDA Below-Market Rate
💰
Down Payment Assistance (DPA)
Up to 8% of sales price

Covers down payment and/or closing costs through a second mortgage, repaid in small monthly payments alongside your main loan. Buyers contribute as little as $500 of their own funds. Repeat buyers can use it too.

2nd Mortgage Repeat Buyers OK $500 Min. Contribution
🎓
Finally Home! Homebuyer Education
Required for DPA

IHFA's homebuyer education course. It covers budgeting, credit, the loan process and life as a homeowner. Required when you use down payment assistance, and a smart first step for any new buyer.

Online Option Do This First
Income Limit $170,000 Household — most Treasure Valley areas
Min. Credit Score 580 – 620 580 FHA · 620 Conventional
Conforming Loan Limit $832,750 2026 — allows assistance on higher-priced homes
"First-Time" Definition 3-Year Rule No ownership in prior 3 years — or buying in a targeted county
Qualifying Checklist
  • No home owned in past 3 years (or buying in a targeted area)
  • Household income under $170,000 for most Treasure Valley areas
  • Credit score 580+ (FHA) or 620+ (conventional)
  • Property must be primary residence — single-family, condo, townhome, or manufactured home
  • Must use an IHFA-approved lender
  • Complete a homebuyer education course if both borrowers are first-time buyers or DPA is used
Idaho Heroes Program

Special rates and down payment help for community heroes. Ask an IHFA-approved lender for current terms.

👩‍⚕️ Nurses 👨‍🏫 Teachers 🚒 Firefighters 👮 Law Enforcement 🎖 Military / Veterans
Idaho First-Time Homebuyer Savings Account

Save through a designated state bank account and deduct contributions + interest on your Idaho state taxes. Funds must be applied to the purchase of a single-family primary residence. Available through select Idaho banks.

FHA 3.5% down · 580+ credit · Pair with DPA for near-zero out of pocket
Conventional 3% down · 620+ credit · HFA Preferred & Advantage options
VA 0% down · No PMI · Best option for active military & veterans
USDA 0% down · Rural & suburban areas · Many Idaho communities qualify
1
Check Eligibility
Income, credit & ownership history
2
Take Homebuyer Education
Required for most DPA programs — online available
3
Ask Me for a Lender
I'll suggest a couple of IHFA-approved lenders
4
Get Pre-Approved
Lender selects best program match for your situation
5
Close & Move In
Many buyers close with near-zero cash out of pocket