Buying a first home in Connecticut can be a financial challenge. Help is available for first-timers, whether they’re shopping for a New Britain colonial, a New Haven condo or a New London cottage. Since 1969, the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority, or CHFA, has assisted low- to moderate-income first-time home buyers with below-market-rate mortgages and down payment assistance. CHFA considers you a first-time buyer if you have not owned a home within three years.

National first-time home buyer programs

Many first-time home buyers take advantage of these national loan programs, which feature low down payment or flexible credit requirements. These loans are available nationwide through most lenders.

Conventional mortgage

Best for:

Low down payments, limited mortgage insurance premiums

What you need to know:

A conventional mortgage is a home loan that isn’t guaranteed or insured by the federal government. Conventional mortgages that conform to the requirements set forth by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac allow down payments as low as 3% for first-time buyers or lower-income home buyers. Unlike FHA loans, conventional loans allow borrowers to eventually cancel their mortgage insurance or avoid mortgage insurance altogether if they put at least 20% down.

 

CHFA highlights and eligibility requirements

Connecticut offers first-time home buyers several ways to afford a home in the Constitution State. And, for those eligible, down payment assistance is available with some loans.

» MORE: Tips for first-time home buyers

Highlights

  • Down payment assistance is available with most loans.

  • Programs are available for public housing tenants, educators, police and disabled and military borrowers.

  • First-time home buyer requirement is waived, and a rate discount offered, in federally designated areas targeted for revitalization.

Eligibility

  • The home must be your primary residence.

  • Home price and income limits apply.

  • Free home buyer education is required.

Summary: 2021 CHFA first-time home buyer programs

  • HFA Advantage and HFA Preferred loans with low interest rates and lower mortgage insurance premiums.

  • Military Mortgage Option with interest rate discount for current service members or veterans.

  • Teachers Mortgage Assistance with interest rate discount for educators.

  • Police Homeownership Program with interest rate discount for law enforcement officers.

  • Home of Your Own Program with down payment assistance or no down payment requirement for people with disabilities.

  • Homeownership for Public Housing Residents with below-market interest rates for public housing residents.

  • Downpayment Assistance Program offering second mortgages for down payments.

  • Loan program for purchase of mobile homes.

  • Reduced mortgage insurance rates for homebuyers with incomes higher than the area median.

If these loans and programs sound like a fit for you, check out the details at the CHFA website. The next step is to contact one of the many CHFA-approved lenders who can see whether you qualify and help you apply. Also, be sure to explore every option. Ask your city’s or town’s community development department if it has other down payment assistance grants or low-interest loans.