Can I Get Down Payment Assistance to Buy a Home in Washtenaw County, Michigan?

Yes. Eligible homebuyers purchasing a home in Washtenaw County may be able to receive up to $10,000 in down payment assistance through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) MI 10K Down Payment Assistance Program.

The program is available statewide, including Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, Saline, Chelsea, Dexter and other Washtenaw County communities.

The assistance must be used with an eligible MSHDA MI Home Loan and is obtained through a participating MSHDA lender.

How Much Down Payment Assistance Does MSHDA Offer?

MSHDA's MI 10K Down Payment Assistance Program provides eligible homebuyers with up to $10,000.

The money may be used toward:

  • Your down payment

  • Closing costs

  • Prepaid expenses, including certain taxes and insurance costs

The assistance is an interest-free deferred loan with no monthly payment.

It is not a grant. Repayment is generally deferred until certain events occur, such as selling the home, refinancing, paying off the first mortgage or no longer using the property as your primary residence.

Do I Have to Be a First-Time Homebuyer?

Not necessarily, but it depends on where you are buying.

MSHDA's MI Home Loan is available to first-time homebuyers statewide and repeat buyers purchasing in certain targeted areas.

For MSHDA purposes, a first-time homebuyer generally means you have not owned a home during the previous three years.

That means you may qualify as a first-time buyer even if you owned a home several years ago.

What Credit Score Do I Need for MSHDA?

As of September 2026, the MSHDA MI Home Loan requires a minimum credit score of 640.

Credit score is only one part of qualifying. Your lender will also review factors such as:

  • Household income

  • Employment and income history

  • Debt

  • Purchase price

  • Property eligibility

  • Loan program requirements

Income limits also apply and can vary based on household size and property location.

What Is the Maximum Home Price?

For MI Home Loans originated after June 1, 2026, MSHDA lists a statewide maximum sales price of $566,355.

Program requirements can change, so buyers should confirm current limits with MSHDA or a participating lender before making financial decisions.

Do I Have to Take a Homebuyer Class?

Yes, if you are using the MI 10K Down Payment Assistance Program.

MSHDA requires homebuyers receiving the down payment assistance to complete an approved homebuyer education class.

The goal is to help buyers better understand the mortgage process, budgeting, closing and the responsibilities that come with owning a home.

How Do I Apply for MSHDA Assistance?

You don't apply for the mortgage through your real estate agent.

A MSHDA participating lender determines whether you qualify and handles the mortgage and down payment assistance application.

A good first step is getting preapproved before beginning your home search. That gives you a clearer picture of your price range, estimated cash needed to close and whether a MSHDA program may fit your situation.

Can I Use MSHDA to Buy a Home in Ypsilanti or Ann Arbor?

Potentially, yes.

The MI 10K Down Payment Assistance Program is available statewide, so eligible buyers may use the program when purchasing qualifying homes in Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor and throughout Washtenaw County.

Your eligibility will depend on the buyer, property and financing requirements rather than simply the city where the home is located.

Start Your Washtenaw County Home Search

Down payment assistance can make buying a home more achievable, but understanding your financing is only one part of the process.

Hinton Real Estate Group helps buyers throughout Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County and Southeast Michigan understand the homebuying process, explore their options and find homes that fit their goals and budget.

If you're wondering whether you're ready to buy, start with a mortgage preapproval and then connect with our team to build a home search around the numbers that actually work for you.

Have questions about buying a home in Washtenaw County? Contact Hinton Real Estate Group.

Program information updated September 2026. MSHDA program guidelines, income limits, credit requirements, purchase-price limits and available assistance are subject to change. Buyers should verify current program requirements with MSHDA and a participating lender.