Single Family Program

The State of Vermont has renewed funding for the First Generation Homebuyer Program. Originally released as a pilot program in 2022, the program is now widely available and offers eligible homebuyers a $15,000 grant to help with down payment and closing costs. Interested homebuyers can now apply through any local VHFA participating lender (bank, credit union, or mortgage company).

BURLINGTON, VT. Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) announces the launch of the First Generation Homebuyer Program, with a goal of helping more Vermonters afford their first home. This program provides a grant to eligible homebuyers whose parents or legal guardians were likely unable to pass on the generational wealth homeownership can provide. 

"Owning a home stabilizes our families and our communities, and this is an important step toward making homeownership available to all Vermonters,” said State Senator Kesha Ram Hinsdale who introduced the initiative. 

VHFA offers loan programs through local participating lenders to help people bridge the gap and afford to buy a home in Vermont. Getting a pre-approval from a lender is the first step in the process. Here are answers to the top 5 questions homebuyers have about pre-approvals.       

Vermont’s new Mortgage Assistance Program was announced today to help low-income homeowners who have fallen behind on their mortgage and are facing economic hardship brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program will provide up to three monthly mortgage payments directly to the servicer of the mortgage with a goal of preventing future foreclosure. Administered by Vermont Housing Finance Agency (VHFA) with $5 million of the funding provided to Vermont through the federal CARES Act, the program is available to any homeowner who meets the eligibility criteria, and is not just for VHFA borrowers. 

Great news!  A Mortgage Credit Certificate provides a mortgage interest tax credit benefit for homebuyers whether or not deductions are itemized. 

A Mortgage Credit Certificate is a federal tax credit for up to $2,000 and unlike a tax deduction, a Mortgage Credit Certificate reduces federal tax liability dollar for dollar for homebuyers.

How is a Mortgage Credit Certificate obtained?

As the federal government shutdown continues into its third week, many in the affordable housing community have expressed concern about what it might mean for their programs. Vermont Housing Finance Agency will remain open throughout the shutdown. However, some of the federal program funding that VHFA and its partners administer may be affected if the shutdown persists. 

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Interested in purchasing a home and want to learn more about the process?  Join one of these fun and informative seminars and learn about buying a home from industry experts (lenders, real estate agents, real estate attorneys, the Vermont Housing Finance Agency and homeownership professionals).  Light refreshment provided at each event.

Wednesday, February 28 (6:30 pm to 8:30 pm) Woodchuck Cider in Middlebury

Hosted by Vermont Federal Credit Union

RSVP by Wednesday, February 21

The Vermont Bankers Association (VBA)  is hosting the 2nd Annual Women in Leadership Conference on Wednesday March 7, 2018 at the Capitol Plaza Hotel & Conference Center in Montpelier.  VHFA is a proud sponsor of this event that is open to men, women and all levels of staff at any VBA member institution.

The conference provides an opportunity for all VBA member participants to network with colleagues and business leaders as well as learn about emerging industry topics. 

To learn more or register for this event please access additional details here.