Buying a home in North Carolina is a fantastic opportunity for first-time buyers and repeat homeowners looking for affordability, financial assistance, and access to a variety of mortgage programs. Whether you need down payment help or closing cost assistance, North Carolina offers several grant programs to make homeownership more achievable.

Plus, living in North Carolina means access to beautiful mountains, stunning beaches, vibrant cities, and a growing economy—making it one of the best places to call home.

Let’s explore North Carolina’s homebuyer grant programs and some of the fun things to do in the state!

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North Carolina Homebuyer Grant Programs

1. NC Home Advantage Mortgage Program

The NC Home Advantage Mortgage offers down payment assistance of up to 3% of the loan amount for first-time and repeat buyers who meet income and credit requirements.

✔ Available to first-time and repeat buyers
✔ Can be used with FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional loans
✔ Minimum credit score of 640 required
✔ Forgivable after 15 years if the home remains your primary residence

This is a great program for buyers who need a little extra help with upfront costs when purchasing a home.

2. NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment Program

If you’re a first-time homebuyer, a veteran, or haven’t owned a home in the last three years, you may qualify for $15,000 in down payment assistance through the NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment Program.

✔ Must be used in conjunction with the NC Home Advantage Mortgage
✔ Available to first-time buyers and military veterans
✔ Forgivable after 15 years

This grant is perfect for those who need a larger amount of assistance to cover their down payment and reduce their loan costs.

3. NC Home Advantage Tax Credit (Mortgage Credit Certificate – MCC)

First-time homebuyers and military veterans can apply for an NC Home Advantage Tax Credit, which allows homeowners to claim a federal tax credit of up to $2,000 per year for the life of the loan.

✔ Reduces federal tax liability
✔ Can be combined with down payment assistance
✔ Available for first-time buyers and veterans

This program makes homeownership more affordable by lowering your yearly tax bill!

4. USDA & FHA Assistance Programs

North Carolina also has USDA Rural Development Loans and FHA loan assistance, which provide:

✔ 100% financing for eligible rural homebuyers through USDA loans
✔ Low down payment options for FHA buyers
✔ More flexible credit score requirements

These government-backed programs are great options for buyers who qualify and need affordable mortgage solutions.

Why Buy a Home in North Carolina?

North Carolina isn’t just a great place to buy a home because of its affordable housing and homebuyer grants—it’s also an amazing place to live!

1. Thriving Economy & Job Opportunities

North Carolina has a booming job market, especially in tech, healthcare, finance, and manufacturing. Cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, and Durham are major hubs for employment, and the Research Triangle Park (RTP) is home to some of the nation’s top employers.

2. Beautiful Natural Scenery

From the Blue Ridge Mountains to the Outer Banks beaches, North Carolina offers diverse landscapes for outdoor lovers. Whether you enjoy hiking, skiing, or beach vacations, you’ll find it here!

3. Affordable Cost of Living

Compared to other East Coast states, North Carolina has a lower cost of living, making it an attractive place for first-time homebuyers and retirees alike.

4. Fantastic Schools & Universities

Home to Duke University, UNC-Chapel Hill, and NC State, North Carolina has top-tier education options and excellent public school systems in many areas.

Fun Things to Do in North Carolina

🎢 Visit Carowinds – A thrilling amusement park on the NC-SC border.
🏔 Drive the Blue Ridge Parkway – One of America’s most scenic drives.
🏖 Relax on the Outer Banks – Stunning beaches and historic lighthouses.
🏀 Watch a College Basketball Game – Home to Duke vs. UNC, one of the biggest rivalries in sports!
🐻 Explore the Great Smoky Mountains – Perfect for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.
🍺 Enjoy Craft Breweries in Asheville – One of the best beer cities in the U.S.

Ready to Buy a Home in North Carolina?

If you’re a first-time or repeat homebuyer, iloangrants.com can help you find the best homebuyer grants in North Carolina to make homeownership easier and more affordable.

🏡 Find out if you qualify today! Contact us to learn more about down payment assistance and mortgage programs that can help you get into your dream home!