First-Time Buyer Programs in Las Vegas: Down Payment Help (2026)

Down payment and closing-cost assistance can make a Las Vegas or Henderson purchase possible sooner—if you qualify and use a participating lender. Nevada’s Housing Division runs the Home Is Possible family of programs. The Home Is Possible for First-Time Homebuyers option offers down payment assistance of up to 4% of the total loan amount that can be used for down payment and closing costs, paired with a 30-year fixed-rate first mortgage (Home Is Possible program page).

Why these programs matter

• Cash up front is the blocker for many buyers—not the monthly payment alone.
• Assistance is usually a second lien, with its own repayment rules—read them before you celebrate the credit score news.
• Income and purchase-price limits are county-specific and update periodically.
• Education is required—budget time for the course before closing.

I'm Andrew Guiant, a REALTOR® with Simply Vegas. I coordinate with your lender so the homes we tour fit the program’s price and property rules—not just your wish list.

By Andrew Guiant, REALTOR®, Nevada License S.0183462, Simply Vegas · Updated November 5, 2026

Exploring first-time assistance in Southern Nevada? Call or text 702-496-8216 or email andrew@andrewsellsvegas.com.

Home Is Possible for First-Time Homebuyers — The Basics

• Assistance: up to 4% of the total loan amount for down payment and/or closing costs (program page).
• First-time definition: have not owned a home in the past 3 years.
• Credit: minimum score 640 (660 for manufactured homes), per the program page.
• Occupancy: must live in the home as your primary residence.
• Education: complete the required homebuyer education course and provide the certificate to your lender (education page).
• Loan types: program materials describe options including FHA, VA, USDA, and certain conventional products—confirm with your lender which path fits you.

Rate sheets change. The Housing Division publishes current rates on its site (for example, rates posted as of November 4, 2026, on the Today’s Rates page). Treat any rate you see online as a snapshot—ask a participating lender for today’s quote.

Clark County Income and Purchase-Price Limits

Limits are published by county and change. As of the Housing Division’s page marked active June 15, 2026, Clark County showed a maximum home purchase price of $566,354 for the first-time government-loan path, with maximum household income of $105,500 (2 or fewer people) and $121,325 (3 or more people), with a note that certain areas may have a higher income limit (limits page).

Always re-check the official table before you write an offer. A listing above the cap will not work for that program path even if the payment feels fine.

Other Nevada Housing Division Options

If you are not a first-time buyer under the three-year rule, ask about the broader Home Is Possible program (the Division’s home page describes down payment or closing-cost help up to a stated percentage of loan value for eligible buyers). There are also occupation-targeted options such as a teachers program. Start at homeispossiblenv.org and a participating lender—don’t rely on a blog for underwriting.

Federal loan types (FHA, VA, USDA) have their own down-payment rules and can sometimes be layered with state assistance when guidelines allow. Your lender confirms stacking rules.

How I Help First-Time Buyers Use These Programs

1. Connect you with a lender who actually closes Home Is Possible loans.
2. Filter homes by program price caps and property type eligibility.
3. Build contract timelines that leave room for education certificates and underwriting.
4. Explain earnest money, due diligence, and appraisal steps so assistance doesn’t get lost to a missed deadline—see earnest money and due diligence.

Bottom Line

Home Is Possible is real help for qualified Nevada buyers—but limits, rates, and lien terms are official-source items. Call or text 702-496-8216 and we’ll pair the right lender conversation with a house hunt that fits the rules.

FAQ: First-Time Programs in Nevada

Does “first-time” mean I have never owned anywhere?

For Home Is Possible for First-Time Homebuyers, the published standard is that you have not owned a home in the past three years. Confirm nuances (and any exceptions) with a participating lender.

Is the down payment assistance forgiven?

Program materials describe first-time DPA as a non-forgivable second mortgage structure (interest-free / no payment during the described term, with repayment rules when certain events occur). Read the note and deed of trust before you rely on “free money” language from social media.

Can I buy a condo or townhome?

Program materials list single-family residences, condos, townhomes, and manufactured homes among eligible residential types when other guidelines are met. Condo projects sometimes need lender/association approval—ask early.

What credit score do I need?

The first-time program page lists a minimum 640 FICO (660 for manufactured homes). Layers of loan-type guidelines may be stricter.

How do I start without wasting weekends touring homes I can’t buy?

1) Talk to a Home Is Possible lender. 2) Confirm Clark County price/income caps on the official table. 3) Then tour inside the cap. Call 702-496-8216 and I’ll coordinate the search filter with your lender’s worksheet.

Looking for California real estate? Andrew is also licensed in California (DRE #02448049) with Rise Realty and helps buyers and sellers in San Diego County. Read the San Diego version of this guide: First-Time Buyer Programs in San Diego: Down Payment Help (2026). Call or text 702-496-8216 or email andrew@andrewsellsvegas.com.

Andrew Guiant, REALTOR®, Simply Vegas, NV license S.0183462.

General information only, not legal, tax, or lending advice. Confirm current figures, program eligibility, and contract terms with your lender, escrow/title company, and advisors.