IFA FirstHome Program & Down Payment Assistance
Burlington lacks a city-run down payment grant, so first-time buyers can use Iowa Finance Authority’s programs. FirstHome offers affordable loans plus down payment help: a **$2,500 grant** (no repayment):contentReference[oaicite:80]{index=80} or a **deferred second loan up to 5%** of the home’s value:contentReference[oaicite:81]{index=81}. For example, on a $150,000 home, the buyer could get a $7,500 second loan. The assistance must be paired with an IFA mortgage through a participating lender. Buyers must not have owned a home in the past 3 years (unless buying in a federally targeted area or qualifying as military), and must fall under Des Moines County’s income limits for the program.
Estimated assistance: Varies by program
Down payment use: May apply
Official source