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Think you need a massive down payment to buy a home? Let’s dismantle that myth with a clear look at how down payment assistance really works—and how it can help you keep more cash in your pocket while still landing the keys. We open up the playbook on grants versus assistance, what’s truly “free,” and the fine print that matters: credit score minimums, income limits tied to area median income, and asset caps that determine eligibility.

We walk through real numbers and real scenarios: using $14,000 in state assistance and stacking county funds, paying a small second-mortgage payment versus deferring it until sale, and even leveraging assistance alongside VA and USDA loans to cover closing costs when sellers won’t contribute. You’ll hear why some programs vanish overnight, how replenishment works, and the strategy for timing your pre-approval so you’re ready the moment funds open back up. We also explain a critical policy shift—no more flagging subordinate financing in offers—so qualified buyers aren’t sidelined by outdated assumptions.

The goal isn’t chasing “free money”; it’s building a smarter path to homeownership. That might mean getting in with as little as $1,000, keeping $4,000–$10,000 in your account for post-close expenses, and choosing between assistance structures that fit your timeline. We share buyer stories, practical tips, and the questions to ask your lender to compare side-by-side scenarios—cash to close, total payment, and long-term equity impact—so your decision is confident, not rushed.

Ready to see what you qualify for and how fast you can move? Follow the show, share this with a friend who’s saving for a down payment, and leave a quick review to help more buyers find clear guidance. Your keys may be closer than you think.

0:00 Setting The Record Straight

0:22 First-Time Buyer Myths

1:00 Grants vs Assistance: What’s Real

1:40 Local Funds And Why They Run Out

2:44 Minnesota Housing: How It Works

3:27 Payback Types And Terms

4:20 Who Qualifies And With What Loans

5:10 Using Funds For Costs And Points

6:00 No Longer Disclosing Subordinate Financing

7:10 Real Stories: Thousand-Dollar Keys

8:20 Income Limits And AMI Basics

9:35 Keep Your Cash, Use Assistance

10:30 Beyond Assistance: True Grant Options

11:35 Pre-Approval, Next Steps, And Wrap