IFA FirstHome Program & Down Payment Assistance
Carroll’s first-time homebuyers can benefit from the Iowa Finance Authority’s assistance programs. FirstHome provides a **$2,500 grant** that can be used toward the down payment or closing fees:contentReference[oaicite:118]{index=118}. In addition, IFA offers a **0% second mortgage** for down payment up to 5% of the purchase price:contentReference[oaicite:119]{index=119}, which greatly lowers the upfront cost. For instance, if buying a $100,000 home, a $5,000 second loan could be available. This second loan requires no monthly payment and is due when the borrower sells the home or finishes paying off the main mortgage. Participants must have incomes under the limit for Carroll County (80% of area median) and purchase a home within IFA’s price cap. By using this, many Carroll buyers have been able to purchase homes with minimal cash down.
Estimated assistance: $2,500
Down payment use: May apply
Official source