Every state has down payment or homeownership assistance programs; some states have both. The programs are designed to provide affordable housing opportunities to homebuyers who might not ordinarily be able to afford a house.
Each program can have their own income and eligibility requirements but primarily the programs are available for first-time homebuyers or low-income families.
Keep in mind if you had no ownership in a principal residence in the previous 3 years, you are also considered a first-time homebuyer even if you owned a home prior to that 3-year period.
The programs are not usually administered directly through the State. Instead, they are nonprofit based and handled through a third party agency. The list below will start you on your search but be sure to confirm the program is currently available.
(Source: HUD.gov)
Statewide and Regional Programs
Statewide Home Buyer Programs – The Missouri Housing Development Commission offers the Mortgage Revenue Bond Program for eligible first-time homebuyers
Community Action Agency of St. Louis County – available only in St. Louis County
Delta Area Economic Opportunity Corporation – down payment assistance for lower-income families in Dunklin, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Scott and Stoddard counties
Ozark Action, Inc. – Douglas, Howell, Oregon, Ozark, Texas and Wright counties
Regional Planning Commissions – some of Missouri’s Regional Planning Commissions administer State-funded homebuyer or home repair assistance programs
Missouri Affiliates of Habitat for Humanity – through volunteer labor, builds and rehabilitates houses for families in need
U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Housing – homebuyer programs in rural communities
Homeowner education programs – learn how to purchase and maintain a home of your own
Community contacts – find out if your community offers homeownership assistance
Programs by City/Town
Columbia
Independence
City of Joplin – low and moderate income homebuyers program includes 100% of closing costs and 50% of down payment up to $5,000 for limited areas – contact Brian Ross at (417) 624-0820 ext. 570
Kansas City – offers several homebuyer assistance and home improvement programs
Lee’s Summit – up to $3,000 in homeownership assistance for first-time homebuyers who qualify
St. Charles – Home Ownership Assistance Program
St. Joseph
St. Louis (City)
St. Louis (County)
St. Peters