NDHFA Start Program | North Dakota Housing

NDHFA Start Program is offered by the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency (NDHFA) or a local housing partner

to expand access to affordable homeownership, rehabilitation, or mortgage relief. Qualified borrowers benefit

from up to $20,000 plus fixed‑rate financing and free homebuyer education. The program can pair with FHA, VA,

USDA, and conventional mortgages as well as NDHFA’s Mortgage Credit Certificate for up to $2,000 annual

federal tax savings. income and purchase‑price limits align with HUD guidelines and are updated annually.

Properties must serve as the borrower’s primary residence and meet NDHFA safety standards. Some assistance is

forgivable over time, reducing long‑term repayment obligations. Funds are reserved through an NDHFA‑approved

lender network and disbursed at closing or directly to service providers.

• Household income ≤ NDHFA limits for county and family size.

• Purchase price (or after‑rehab value) ≤ NDHFA cap for location.

• Minimum 640 credit score (higher for conventional/open‑access products); DTI ≤ 45%.

• Completion of HUD‑approved homebuyer education prior to closing.

• Property must be 1‑4 units, condo, or manufactured home on permanent foundation and used as primary residence.

• Up to $20,000 applied to down payment, closing costs, rehab, or mortgage relief.

• Fixed 30‑year interest rates often below market (where applicable).

• May layer with NDHFA MCC for $2,000 annual tax credit.

• Free foreclosure‑prevention counseling statewide.

1. Review income & purchase‑price charts on ndhfa.org.

2. Obtain pre‑approval from NDHFA‑participating lender; reserve program funds.

3. Complete HUD‑approved education (online/classroom).

4. Sign purchase agreement or rehab contract; finalize underwriting.

5. Attend closing; NDHFA funds applied to eligible costs. Occupy within 60 days.