Your Guide to 28 Utah First-Time Homebuyer Grants & Programs for 2024

Owning a home is a dream for many Utahns, and while the cost of homeownership might seem out of reach, numerous programs at the state, local, and federal levels are designed to help first-time homebuyers take the plunge. Below is your ultimate guide to the first-time homebuyer programs available in Utah in 2024, designed to help make your dream a reality without compromising your financial stability.

Utah State First-Time Homebuyer Programs and Grants

1. Utah Housing Corporation First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program

• Program Name: First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program
• Administering Organization: Utah Housing Corporation (UHC)
• Who Qualifies:
  • First-time homebuyers who have not owned a home in Utah within the past three years.
  • Displaced homemakers and single parents purchasing newly constructed homes.
  • Must be Utah residents for at least 12 months before purchasing.
• Amount Available: Up to $20,000 in assistance for purchasing newly constructed, never-inhabited homes.
• Restrictions on Qualifying:
  • Limited to the first 2,400 applicants.
  • Maximum purchase price of $450,000.
  • Funds must be used through a UHC participating lender.
• How to Apply:
  • Submit a funding reservation request through a participating lender using Form 602.
  • Complete necessary documentation with your lender to qualify for funding.
• Program Contact Information/Learn More:
  • Phone: 801-902-8100
  • Email: grantprograms@uthc.org
  • Address: Utah Housing Corporation, 2479 South Lake Park Blvd, West Valley City, Utah 84120
• Important Note: This program functions more as a loan than a grant, as the $20,000 must be repaid upon selling or refinancing the home.

2. Utah Housing Corporation Down Payment Assistance Program

• Program Name: Down Payment Assistance Program
• Administering Organization: Utah Housing Corporation (UHC)
• Who Qualifies:
  • Homebuyers unable to save enough for a down payment or closing costs.
  • Must participate in one of UHC’s qualifying home loan programs.
  • Minimum credit score of 620 required.
• Amount Available:
  • Up to 6% of the first mortgage amount as a second mortgage.
• Restrictions on Qualifying:
  • Must finance the home through UHC’s FirstHome, FHA, VA, or conventional HFA Advantage loans.
  • Interest rate is 1% higher than the first mortgage.
• How to Apply:
  • Qualify for a UHC mortgage loan through a participating lender.
  • Inform your lender about applying for down payment assistance.
  • Lender submits your application for assistance.
• Program Contact Information/Learn More:
  • Phone: 801-902-8100
  • Email: mortgage@uthc.org
  • Address: Utah Housing Corporation, 2479 South Lake Park Blvd, West Valley City, Utah 84120

3. Utah Veterans Grant Program

• Program Name: Utah Veterans Grant Program
• Administering Organization: Utah Housing Corporation (UHC)
• Who Qualifies:
  • Current military service members and veterans.
  • Veterans who have not owned a home in Utah in the past seven years.
  • Veterans relocating to Utah from out of state.
• Amount Available: Up to $2,500 in grants for down payments or closing costs.
• Restrictions on Qualifying:
  • Must be approved for VA, FHA, or conventional mortgage loans through UHC.
  • Limited to the first 500 applicants.
• How to Apply:
  • Pre-qualify through a participating lender.
  • Obtain a grant status eligibility certificate from the Utah Department of Veterans and Military Affairs (UDVMA).
  • Submit the grant request through your approved lender.
• Program Contact Information/Learn More:
  • Phone: 801-902-8200
  • Email: grantprograms@uthc.org
  • Address: Utah Housing Corporation, 2479 South Lake Park Blvd, West Valley City, Utah 84120

4. Utah Law Enforcement Grant Program

• Program Name: Utah First-Time Homebuyer Law Enforcement Officer Grant Program
• Administering Organization: Utah Housing Corporation (UHC)
• Who Qualifies:
  • First-time homebuyers employed as law enforcement officers in Utah.
  • Must not have owned a home in Utah in the past three years.
• Amount Available: Forgivable grants up to 3.5% of the purchase price or $25,000, whichever is lower.
• Restrictions on Qualifying:
  • Limited to approximately 320 qualifying officers.
  • Must use UHC’s qualifying mortgage programs.
  • Must occupy the home as owner-occupied for five years.
• How to Apply:
  • Qualify for a UHC mortgage loan through a participating lender.
  • Lender submits a request to reserve grant funds.
  • UHC wires funds to the title company within three days of closing.
• Program Contact Information/Learn More:
  • Phone: 801-902-8200
  • Email: grantprograms@uthc.org
  • Address: Utah Housing Corporation, 2479 South Lake Park Blvd, West Valley City, Utah 84120

5. Utah FirstHome Mortgage Loan

• Program Name: FirstHome Mortgage Loan Program
• Administering Organization: Utah Housing Corporation (UHC)
• Who Qualifies:
  • First-time homebuyers who have not owned a home in Utah for the previous three years.
  • Veterans and qualifying single parents may have exceptions.
  • Minimum credit score of 660 required.
• Loan Type:
  • Competitive interest rate mortgage loans.
  • May include down payment assistance options.
• Restrictions on Qualifying:
  • Must not have owned a home in Utah in the past three years unless under veteran or single-parent exceptions.
  • Must meet income and purchase limits set by UHC.
• How to Apply:
  • Apply through a UHC-approved lender.
  • Inform the lender about applying for the FirstHome Mortgage Loan.
  • Submit required documentation to qualify.
• Program Contact Information/Learn More:
  • Phone: 801-902-8200
  • Email: mortgage@uthc.org
  • Address: Utah Housing Corporation, 2479 South Lake Park Blvd, West Valley City, Utah 84120

County & Local Programs for First-Time Buyers

6. At Home in Layton

• Program Name: At Home in Layton
• Administering Organization: City of Layton
• Who Qualifies:
  • Homebuyers purchasing within Layton city limits.
  • Must meet income eligibility requirements (not exceeding 80% of Davis County AMI).
• Amount Available: Up to $10,000 for down payments or closing costs assistance.
• Restrictions on Qualifying:
  • Must contribute at least $1,000 in personal funds.
  • Complete a homebuyer education course.
  • Available until funds are exhausted or June 30th, 2024.
• How to Apply:
  • Fill out the application with a pre-approval letter, income tax returns, pay stubs, and purchase contract.
  • Submit applications in person, by email, or by mail.
• Program Contact Information/Learn More:
  • Phone: 801-336-3770
  • Email: mcloward@laytoncity.org
  • Address: City of Layton, CDBG Administrator, 437 North Wasatch Drive, Layton City, UT 84041

7. Davis County Homeownership Assistance Program

• Program Name: Davis County Homeownership Assistance
• Administering Organization: Davis County Community and Economic Development
• Who Qualifies:
  • Homebuyers with incomes not exceeding 80% of the AMI for Davis County.
  • Must contribute $1,000 and have a one-month cash reserve for housing costs.
• Amount Available: Grants up to $50,000.
• Restrictions on Qualifying:
  • Maximum DTI ratio of 50%.
  • Must occupy the home as principal residence.
  • Limited to those who cannot afford homes without assistance.
• How to Apply:
  • Apply through the Davis County Neighborly applicant portal with a fully executed purchase contract.
• Program Contact Information/Learn More:
  • Phone: 801-451-3495
  • Email: dpa@daviscountyutah.gov
  • Address: Davis County Community and Economic Development, 61 S. Main Street, Suite 304, Farmington, UT 84025

8. Own in Ogden

• Program Name: Own in Ogden
• Administering Organization: City of Ogden, Utah
• Who Qualifies:
  • Homebuyers purchasing newly constructed or existing homes within Ogden City limits.
  • Must meet income guidelines and contribute a minimum of $500 personal funds.
• Amount Available:
  • Up to $20,000 in loans for Ogden firefighters, police, and teachers.
• Restrictions on Qualifying:
  • Income must be less than 80% of the area median income.
  • Homes must be within Ogden City limits.
  • Minimum personal funds contribution of $500.
• How to Apply:
  • Print and complete the application packet with lender assistance.
  • Submit scanned documents through the program’s secure upload link.
• Program Contact Information/Learn More:
  • Phone: 801-629-8000
  • Email: info@ogdencity.com
  • Address: City of Ogden, 2549 Washington Blvd, Ogden, UT 84401

9. West Valley Down Payment Assistance Program

• Program Name: West Valley Fund Downpayment Assistance
• Administering Organization: West Valley City/CBC Mortgage Agency
• Who Qualifies:
  • First-time homebuyers with a minimum credit score of 600.
  • Must go through an approved lender.
• Amount Available:
  • 3.5% of the sales price or 5% of the home appraisal amount, whichever is lower.
• Restrictions on Qualifying:
  • Must purchase an FHA loan-qualified home.
• How to Apply:
  • Email  to receive a list of approved lenders.
  • Submit applications through your lender.
• Program Contact Information/Learn More:
  • Phone: 801-963-3369
  • Email: grants@wvc-ut.gov
  • Address: West Valley City Grants and Contracts Division, 4522 W 3500 S, West Valley City, UT 84120

10. Community Development Corporation of Utah Down Payment Assistance

• Program Name: CDCU Down Payment Assistance
• Administering Organization: Community Development Corporation of Utah (CDCU)
• Who Qualifies:
  • First-time homebuyers with low to moderate incomes in eligible areas of Utah County, Salt Lake City, and Taylorsville.
• Amount Available: Up to $15,000 as a deferred, no-payment, zero-interest loan.
• Restrictions on Qualifying:
  • Limited to specific areas within Salt Lake County, Salt Lake City, and Taylorsville.
  • Must meet income guidelines and contribute personal funds.
• How to Apply:
  • Apply through the CDCU website when funds become available.
  • Submit applications via email at dpa@cdcutah.org or fax to 801-994-7220.
• Program Contact Information/Learn More:
  • Phone: 801-994-7222
  • Address: Community Development Corporation of Utah, 501 E. 1700 S., Salt Lake City, UT 84015
  • Website: https://cdcutah.org/i-want-to/seek-down-payment-assistance

11. BRAG First-Time Homebuyer Program

• Program Name: BRAG First-Time Homebuyer Program
• Administering Organization: Bear River Associated Governments (BRAG)
• Who Qualifies:
  • First-time homebuyers in Box Elder, Cache, and Rich Counties.
  • Must meet HUD income limits and complete a homebuyer counseling course.
• Amount Available: Up to $3,000 as a deferred, no-interest loan for down payments or closing costs.
• Restrictions on Qualifying:
  • Must purchase a home within Box Elder, Cache, or Rich Counties.
  • Must have a qualifying income at or below 80% of the area median income.
• How to Apply:
  • Register for a homebuyer counseling course through Utah State University by calling 435-797-7224.
  • Submit the completed application with necessary documents to BRAG.
• Program Contact Information/Learn More:
  • Phone: 435-752-7242
  • Email: jeffk@brag.utah.gov
  • Address: Bear River Association of Governments, 170 North Main, Logan, Utah 84321

12. Welcome Home: Own in Logan

• Program Name: Welcome Home: Own in Logan
• Administering Organization: Neighborhood Nonprofit Housing Corporation (NNHC)
• Who Qualifies:
  • First-time homebuyers purchasing within Logan City limits.
  • Incomes at or below 80% of the area median income for Cache County.
  • Debt-to-income ratio cannot exceed 41%.
• Amount Available:
  • Up to $7,500 in assistance ($5,000 base grant + $2,500 matching grant).
• Restrictions on Qualifying:
  • Must contribute at least $500 of personal funds.
  • Funds can only be used for single-family, existing homes.
  • Must complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course.
• How to Apply:
  • Review the participant checklist.
  • Complete the application and consent forms with required documents.
  • Submit the application by calling (435) 753-1112 for the submission email.
• Program Contact Information/Learn More:
  • Phone: (435) 753-1112
  • Address: Neighborhood Nonprofit Housing Corporation, 195 West Golf Course Road, Logan, UT 84321

13. West Jordan City Down Payment Assistance

• Program Name: West Jordan City Down Payment Assistance
• Administering Organization: West Jordan City, UT
• Who Qualifies:
  • Prospective buyers who have not owned a home within the past 24 months.
  • Must meet income guidelines for their family size.
• Amount Available: Up to $7,500 in down payment and closing cost assistance.
• Restrictions on Qualifying:
  • Must contribute $2,500 of personal funds (cannot be from gifts).
  • Total DTI ratio cannot exceed 45%.
• How to Apply:
  • Download and complete the applicant checklist and application form.
  • Gather required documents and submit with original signatures to West Jordan Community Development.
• Program Contact Information/Learn More:
  • Phone: 801-569-5060
  • Email: Julie.Davis@WestJordan.utah.gov
  • Address: West Jordan Public Works – Temporary Location, 7960 S. 4000 W, West Jordan, UT 84088

14. South Jordan Housing Down Payment Assistance Program

• Program Name: South Jordan Housing Downpayment Assistance Program
• Administering Organization: South Jordan Redevelopment Agency
• Who Qualifies:
  • Buyers with low to moderate incomes purchasing within South Jordan city limits.
  • Must contribute $1,000 of personal funds.
• Amount Available:
  • 7.5% of the home’s purchase price or $20,000, whichever is lower.
• Restrictions on Qualifying:
  • Must remain in the home for 10 years to have the loan forgiven.
  • If sold or refinanced within five years, a prorated repayment is required.
  • Maximum liquid assets of $15,000 after closing.
  • Must complete a homeownership class.
• How to Apply:
  • Download the application from the city’s website.
  • Gather required documentation and submit to the South Jordan Redevelopment Agency.
• Program Contact Information/Learn More:
  • Phone: 801-446-HELP
  • Address: City of South Jordan, 1600 W Towne Center Drive, South Jordan, UT 84095

15. Loan to Own (Utah County)

• Program Name: Loan to Own
• Administering Organization: Provo Development Services
• Who Qualifies:
  • First-time homebuyers with a minimum credit score of 650.
  • Must meet income guidelines and contribute $1,000 of personal funds.
• Amount Available: Up to $40,000 for down payment and closing costs.
• Restrictions on Qualifying:
  • Credit score above 650.
  • Liquid assets no more than $15,000 after closing.
  • Must complete a pre-home ownership counseling course.
• How to Apply:
  • Register and apply through the Neighborly Provo portal.
  • Complete and submit the online application.
• Program Contact Information/Learn More:
  • Phone: (801) 852-6400
  • Address: Development Services, 445 W Center St Suite 200, Provo, UT 84601

16. Home Purchase Plus (Provo, UT)

• Program Name: Home Purchase Plus
• Administering Organization: Provo Development Services
• Who Qualifies:
  • Buyers not eligible for the Loan to Own Program.
  • Must have a credit score above 650 and meet income requirements.
• Amount Available: Up to $40,000 as a zero-interest, deferred loan.
• Restrictions on Qualifying:
  • Single homebuyers can purchase a maximum two-bedroom home.
  • Must contribute $1,000 of personal funds.
  • Must complete a pre-homeownership course.
• How to Apply:
  • Register and apply through the Neighborly Provo portal.
  • Complete and submit the online application.
• Program Contact Information/Learn More:
  • Phone: (801) 852-6400
  • Address: Development Services, 445 W Center St Suite 200, Provo, UT 84601

17. Community Lending Program - Cornerstone Home Lending

• Program Name: Community Lending Program
• Administering Organization: Various Participating Lenders in Ogden, Salt Lake City, and Provo
• Who Qualifies:
  • Perfect credit not required (minimum credit score of 620).
• Amount Available:
  • Better pricing for more affordable mortgage payments.
• Restrictions on Qualifying:
  • Only primary residences are eligible.
  • No first-time homebuyer requirement.
  • No income limits for eligible borrowers*.
• How to Apply:
  • Apply through Cornerstone Home Lending
  • Utilize the program for purchases, refinances, and cash-outs.
• Program Contact Information/Learn More:
  • Phone: 801-820-7620
  • Website: www.thetimhawkesteam.com

Federal Programs for First-Time Buyers

18. FHA Loans

• Program Name: Federal Housing Administration (FHA)
• Administering Organization: Federal Housing Administration (FHA), U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
• Who Qualifies:
  • Borrowers with credit scores of at least 580 (500 with 10% down).
  • Debt-to-income ratios up to 50%.
• Down Payment Requirement: As low as 3.5%
• Amount Available:
  • Depends on the loan and property type.
• Restrictions on Qualifying:
  • Must purchase a principal residence with 1-4 units.
  • Must go through an FHA-participating lender.
• How to Apply:
  • Apply through any FHA-approved lender.
• Program Contact Information/Learn More:
  • Phone: 202-708-1112
  • Address: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 451 7th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20410
  • Utah Field Office Address: Salt Lake City Field Office, 125 South State Street, Suite 3001, Salt Lake City, UT 84138

19. VA Loans

• Program Name: VA-backed Mortgages
• Administering Organization: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)
• Who Qualifies:
  • Current military service members, veterans, and surviving spouses.
• Down Payment Requirement: Zero down payment.
• Amount Available:
  • Depends on entitlement and loan limits.
• Restrictions on Qualifying:
  • Must obtain a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the VA.
  • Must use a VA-approved lender.
• How to Apply:
  • Apply through a VA-approved lender with a valid COE.
• Program Contact Information/Learn More:
  • Phone: 1-877-827-3702
  • Website: VA Home Loans
  • Address: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20420

20. USDA Rural Loans

• Program Name: USDA Home Loans
• Administering Organization: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• Who Qualifies:
  • Homebuyers with low to moderate incomes.
  • Must purchase homes in designated rural areas in Utah.
• Down Payment Requirement: 0% down payment.
• Amount Available:
  • 100% financing available for eligible buyers.
• Restrictions on Qualifying:
  • Must reside in a USDA-designated rural area.
  • Must meet income eligibility requirements.
• How to Apply:
  • Apply through a USDA-approved lender.
  • Direct loans can be applied through the local rural development office.
• Program Contact Information/Learn More:
  • Phone: (801) 524-4320
  • Address: Wallace F. Bennett Federal Building, 125 South State Street, Room 4311, Salt Lake City, UT 84138

21. HomeReady Mortgages by Fannie Mae

• Program Name: HomeReady
• Administering Organization: Fannie Mae
• Who Qualifies:
  • Borrowers with credit scores of at least 620.
  • Annual income below 80% of the area median income.
• Down Payment Requirement: Starting from 3%.
• Amount Available:
  • Varies based on lender and property.
• Restrictions on Qualifying:
  • Must complete a homeownership education course.
  • Can use down payment from multiple sources, including gifts.
• How to Apply:
  • Apply through a Fannie Mae-approved lender.
• Program Contact Information/Learn More:
  • Phone: 1-800-2FANNIE
  • Website: Fannie Mae HomeReady

22. Freddie Mac Home Possible Mortgages

• Program Name: Home Possible
• Administering Organization: Freddie Mac
• Who Qualifies:
  • Well-qualified borrowers with low to moderate incomes.
  • Must have a minimum credit score of 660.
• Down Payment Requirement: Minimum of 3%.
• Amount Available:
  • Varies based on lender and property.
• Restrictions on Qualifying:
  • Must have an income below the Home Possible Qualifying Income Limit (80% of the area median income).
  • Must use down payment from multiple sources, including gifts.
• How to Apply:
  • Apply through a Freddie Mac-approved lender.
• Program Contact Information/Learn More:
  • Website: Freddie Mac Home Possible
  • Phone: 1-866-333-2166

23. HUD Good Neighbor Next Door Program

• Discount: 50% off home purchase price
• Eligibility: Teachers, firefighters, police officers, and EMTs
• Details: Offers significant discounts on homes in revitalization areas. The discount is provided via a silent second mortgage, forgiven after three years of residency.

24. Native American Direct Loans (NADL)

• Amount Available: Direct home loans with no down payment required
• Details: For Native American veterans and their spouses. Offers loans for purchasing, constructing, or improving homes on Federal Trust Land with no down payment or private mortgage insurance.

25. Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program

• Amount Available: Varies based on eligibility and property location
• Details: Designed to increase homeownership among Native American communities. Offers low down payments and flexible underwriting. Eligible borrowers include Native American individuals, tribes, and tribally designated housing entities. Can be used to purchase, construct, refinance, or rehabilitate properties in eligible areas.

26. Fannie Mae Standard 97% LTV Loan 

• Program Name: Standard 97% LTV Loan
• Administering Organization: Fannie Mae
• Who Qualifies:
  • First-time homebuyers at any income level.
  • Must have a credit score of at least 620.
• Down Payment Requirement: 3%.
• Amount Available:
  • Up to 97% of the home's value.
• Restrictions on Qualifying:
  • Must complete a homeownership education course.
• How to Apply:
  • Apply through a Fannie Mae-approved lender.
• Program Contact Information/Learn More:
  • Phone: 1-800-2FANNIE
  • Website: Fannie Mae Standard 97% LTV

27. Freddie Mac HomeOne Mortgage

Administering Organization: Freddie Mac

• Who Qualifies:
  • First-time homebuyers without income limits.
  • Must have a credit score of at least 620.
• Down Payment Requirement: Minimum of 3%.
• Amount Available:
  • Varies based on lender and property.
• Restrictions on Qualifying:
  • Can use down payment from gifts or grants.
• How to Apply:
  • Apply through a Freddie Mac-approved lender.
• Program Contact Information/Learn More:
  • Phone: 1-866-333-2166
  • Website: Freddie Mac HomeOne

Customizable Loan Solutions

28. Big Box Home Enhancement Loan

• Program Name: Big Box Home Enhancement Loan
• Administering Organization: Cornerstone Home Lending
• Who Qualifies:
  • Homeowners looking to finance small-scale projects, design customizations, and minor repairs.
• Contact Phone Number: (801) 820-7620
• Amount Available:
  • Options for as little as 3% down.
• Restrictions on Qualifying:
  • Must include improvement costs in the mortgage.
  • Projects must be through reputable stores like Lowe's or Home Depot.
• How to Apply:
  • Visit a local home improvement store (e.g., Lowe's, Home Depot).
  • Store prepares a scope of work for your home improvements.
  • An appraiser evaluates the after-repair value of your home.
  • Loan closes and renovations begin.
• Program Contact Information/Learn More:
  • Phone: (801) 820-7620 (Office), (801) 721-4393 (Cell)
  • Email: THawkes@houseloan.com
  • Website: houseloan.com/timhawkesteam

Get Started Today

Contact Tim Hawkes, Mortgage Branch Manager at Cornerstone Home Lending.

• Phone: (801) 820-7620 (Office), (801) 721-4393 (Cell)
• Email: THawkes@houseloan.com
• Website: houseloan.com/timhawkesteam

About Cornerstone Home Lending

Cornerstone Home Lending, a Division of Cornerstone Capital Bank, SB, is committed to providing top-notch mortgage services. As a Member FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender, we strive to help you achieve your homeownership dreams.