First-Generation DPA: down payment help, plainly
First-Generation DPA from MSHDA provides $25,000 toward a home purchase, repaid in full when you sell or refinance. Referred out — we do not originate this.
The facts
| Structure | Deferred loan — repaid in full when you sell, transfer or refinance |
| Amount | $25,000 |
| Minimum credit | 640 |
| Income cap | None published |
| Purchase price cap | $224,500 |
| Loan cap | None |
| Geography | All 83 Michigan counties |
| First-time buyer required | No |
| Homebuyer education | Required |
| First-generation requirement | Yes — no parent owned a home in the last 3 years |
| Loan products | MSHDA MI Home Loan |
Who this is for
- No parent of the borrower has owned a home in the last 3 years
What to watch
- $224,500 price cap — far below the $566,355 MI Home Loan limit, and it rules out much of Metro Detroit inventory.
- Face-to-face HUD-approved homebuyer education required.
- We do not originate MSHDA — refer out.
- Whether any portion is forgivable rather than repaid in full
Source: MSHDA's published program page · last verified 2026-08-05. Program terms change without notice; confirm current terms before writing an offer around them.
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Common questions
How much does First-Generation DPA provide?
$25,000 — a maximum, not a quote; the exact figure depends on your price, loan and profile. Structure: deferred loan — repaid in full when you sell, transfer or refinance.
Do I have to repay First-Generation DPA?
Yes — in full, triggered by deferred; repaid per mshda terms. It costs nothing monthly, but it comes out of your proceeds — a deferred loan is different money from a grant.
Who qualifies for First-Generation DPA?
No parent of the borrower has owned a home in the last 3 years. Minimum credit 640.