Grants, forgivable loans, and programs to help you bridge the gap and achieve homeownership sooner. We’ll find every option available to you.
Down payment assistance programs help homebuyers cover part or all of their down payment and closing costs. Offered through state, local, and nonprofit organizations, these programs come in the form of grants, forgivable loans, or low-interest second mortgages to make homeownership more attainable.
Most lenders know one down payment program. We know them all. We research every angle and apply on your behalf. You don’t have to chase paperwork.
Income, location, first-time buyer status, and purchase timeline. We match you against every program in your area.
Grants, forgivable loans, employer programs, county programs. Most buyers qualify for more than one. We find them all.
Some programs combine. A grant plus a forgivable loan can cover your entire down payment. We build the best package.
Your out-of-pocket drops significantly. Some buyers close with zero down payment from their own funds.
A VA loan can be a powerful option for eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and qualifying spouses. We’ll review your service history, current housing goals, and the tradeoffs of VA benefits so you can move forward with confidence.
The same advisor helps you compare programs, understand the rules, and stay organized from first conversation to closing.
We'll explain which programs fit, which ones don't, and what to consider before you commit to any assistance option.
We explain occupancy requirements, repayment terms, gift limits, and the details that matter after you close.
We show how each program affects your down payment, closing costs, monthly payment, and long-term affordability.
People consistently say the same things: it finally felt straightforward, they understood their options, and they weren’t treated like a number.
Just completed our refinance and it was a breeze! Megan and Jacquie are an amazing team! They are smart, hardworking, caring and knowledgeable!…
Olga G.
I had a truly wonderful experience working with HappyDog. From the very beginning, the team was professional, helpful, and prompt in guiding me through…
Jenny U.
If I could give Marci and Tori 10 stars I would! They were so friendly and easy to talk to. You can tell they enjoy helping people and that’s what makes them so good at their job!
RyAnn G.
Mike McKee, excellent service. His patience helped me to walk through the homebuying process with ease. He was available whenever I contacted him…
Althea O.
Great experience overall! Jason always kept us up to date and communicated regularly and is very good about replying quickly to questions.
AD A.
OMG!!! Mike Mckee is phenomenal…I worked with him for almost 2yrs..I had lots of issues prior to opening and he continued to reach out to me and stay in contact…
Valerie S.
HappyDog was easy to work with and highly responsive during our escrow process. I highly recommend them.
Taylor M.
Mike McKee’s professionalism and efficiency are truly impressive. He seamlessly guides clients through the lending process with his expertise…
Edward K.
Tori was amazing! She was providing several options for our budget for us to review and explained pros and cons with each option…
Rio B.
We can’t say thank you enough to vinnie, Lisa, and the whole team at happydog home loans! They made the whole process simple and straight forward…
Mariah H.
We had an absolutely amazing experience working with Happy Dog Lending while buying our first home! As first-time buyers, we had a lot of questions…
Ursula T.
Great response time, easy formatting and uploading documents. Always kind in our interactions VERY patient…
David B.
Down payment assistance can make homeownership possible sooner. Here’s what to know.
Some are. Grants are free and don’t require repayment. Forgivable loans are free long-term but require a promissory note. Some are second mortgages with favorable terms. We’ll explain which is which.
Depends on the program. Grants, no. Forgivable loans, typically no if you stay in the home for the forgiveness period, often 5 to 10 years. Second mortgages, yes. We’ll be clear about each program’s terms upfront.
Varies by program. Some target first-time buyers, some target specific professions (teachers, nurses, etc.), some target geographic areas. We’ll check what you qualify for.
Ranges from $5,000 to $50,000+ depending on the program and your county. Some programs pay closing costs only, some cover down payment, some do both.
Timing varies by program. Some take weeks, some take months. We’ll move fast and keep you updated every step.
Thousands of homebuyers don’t know assistance exists. Don’t be one of them. Let us research your options, free. ChooseHappy
