You might think you don't qualify as a first-time homebuyer, but the definition is broader than most people expect. In Kansas, as in most states, you are considered a first-time homebuyer if you have not owned a home in the past three years. This means even if you've owned a home before, you may still be eligible for first-time buyer programs.
Beyond that general rule, there are a few other things worth knowing:
- Income limits apply to most programs, though the thresholds vary by household size and county.
- Co-borrowers and co-owners may also need to meet first-time buyer requirements depending on the program.
- Location matters—some programs are statewide, while others are limited to specific cities or counties.
- Primary residence only—the home you purchase must be your primary place of residence.
If you're unsure whether you qualify, the best first step is to speak with a local lender who can walk you through your eligibility across multiple programs at once.
Kansas offers several statewide assistance programs specifically designed to help first-time buyers cover the largest upfront costs of homeownership: the down payment and closing costs.
The Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) First-Time Homebuyer Program provides a 0% interest, no-monthly-payment second loan between 15% and 20% of your home's purchase price. You'll need to contribute at least 1% of the sale price from your own funds (property inspection costs can count toward this). Best of all, the loan is fully forgiven after 10 years of living in the home.
Eligibility: First-time homebuyers or those who haven't owned a home in the past three years with household income at or below 80% of area median income. The program is not available in Kansas City, Lawrence, Topeka, Wichita, or Johnson County.
The Homeownership Set-Aside Program, administered by FHLBank Topeka, provides forgivable grants of up to $15,000 to help with down payment, closing costs, and purchase-related repair costs for first-time homebuyers.
Applicants must be first-time homebuyers, provide a $500 down payment, complete a homebuyer education course, stay in the home for at least 5 years, and have an annual household income at or below $53,040 for 1–2 persons or $60,996 for households with 3 or more.
Key details:
- Available to first-time homebuyers with household income at or below 80% of the area median income
- Grant funds are forgiven over a five-year retention period, so if you sell or refinance within five years, a portion may need to be repaid
- Reservations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, so acting early matters
- Applicants must complete a homebuyer education course before closing
Also offered through FHLBank Topeka, the HOPE program is a newer grant option that provides assistance for down payment and closing costs. Unlike Homeownership Set-Aside Program (HSP), HOPE is not limited to first-time homebuyers, making it an option for a broader range of purchasers.
Key details:
- Available to households with income at or below 115% of the area median income, which is a higher threshold than many other programs.
- Not limited to first-time buyers—repeat homebuyers may qualify
- Grant funds are forgiven over five years, with partial repayment required if you sell before the end of that period
- Must be accessed through a participating FHLBank member lender
The Kansas Housing Assistance Program pairs a low-interest, 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with down payment assistance and offers flexibility across FHA, VA, USDA Rural Development, and conventional loans.
Key details:
- Minimum FICO credit score of 640
- Maximum debt-to-income ratio of 50%
- Qualifying income below $136,920 for most areas (higher in Kansas City metro)
- Must occupy the property as principal residence within 60 days of closing
- Conventional loan borrowers must complete a homebuyer education course
- No first-time homebuyer requirement—repeat buyers eligible
- No purchase price limits
This program is ideal for buyers who meet credit and eligibility requirements and want flexibility in their mortgage product choice.
In addition to statewide programs, several cities in Kansas offer their own down payment assistance programs funded through federal grants from HUD. If you're buying in one of these cities, you may be able to combine a local grant with a statewide program for even greater assistance.
The City of Wichita's HOMEownership 80 Program provides grants to first-time buyers purchasing homes in certain areas of Wichita, with funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Key eligibility requirements include:
- Household income at or below 80% of the area median income
- Must work with an approved partner organization
- Completion of a homeownership education training session required
- Income verification required before loan closing
- Home must be located within a designated eligible zone within Wichita
Program requirements, eligible properties, approved partners, and funding availability may change, so buyers should confirm current details before applying.
Topeka residents have access to the Topeka Opportunity to Own (TOTO) program, administered by the City of Topeka's Housing Services Division in partnership with Housing and Credit Counseling Inc.
Key details:
- Up to $5,000 in down payment assistance
- Up to $30,000 for home repairs or rehabilitation (with higher amounts available for homes in designated opportunity areas)
- Homebuyer counseling and education through a certified homebuyer counselor
The City of Leavenworth Home Ownership Program offers up to $8,000 in grant funding for first-time buyers purchasing a home within Leavenworth city limits, funded through a Community Development Block Grant from HUD. To qualify:
- Must be a first-time homebuyer purchasing within Leavenworth city limits
- Household income must fall within HUD limits (which vary by household size)
- Must agree to live in the home for at least five years
- Home purchase price must fall within program limits
This program is a notable fit for buyers drawn to Leavenworth's housing market.
Beyond Kansas-specific programs, several national loan programs and grants are available to first-time homebuyers across the country, including Kansas. Many of these can be combined with state and local assistance for maximum benefit.
At Credit Union of America, we offer FHA loans to help make homeownership more accessible for Kansas buyers. Backed by the Federal Housing Administration, FHA loans are among the most popular choices for first-time homebuyers nationwide—and it's easy to see why:
- As little as 3.5% down payment required
- More flexible credit requirements than conventional loans
- Available to both first-time and repeat buyers
- Can be combined with down payment assistance programs
Keep in mind that FHA loans do require mortgage insurance premiums (MIP), both upfront and monthly, which is how the program offsets risk to the lender. For buyers who haven't been able to save a large down payment, the tradeoff is well worth it.
We're proud to offer VA loans to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and qualifying surviving spouses. These government-backed loans are one of the best mortgage options available because they come with standout benefits:
- No down payment required
- No private mortgage insurance (PMI) required
- Typically lower interest rates than conventional loans
Whether you're buying your first home or your fifth, Credit Union of America can help you make the most of your VA loan benefits.
USDA Rural Development Loans are an excellent financing option for Kansas buyers interested in homes in eligible rural or suburban areas—which covers a significant portion of the state. These loans offer:
- No down payment required
- Low interest rates
- Flexible credit score requirements
Buyers will need to confirm that the property they're purchasing falls within an eligible USDA rural area. This is easy to check using the USDA's online eligibility map. Kansas, with its many small towns and rural communities, has a wide range of USDA-eligible properties.
The National Homebuyers Fund (NHF) is a nonprofit organization that has helped more than 69,400 individuals and families purchase a home, providing over $642 million in down payment assistance over the past 24 years. Through participating lenders nationwide, NHF provides down payment and closing cost assistance of up to 5% of the mortgage loan amount, available in most U.S. states. Assistance comes in two forms:
- Grant of up to 5% of the final loan amount, which does not need to be repaid
- Forgivable second mortgage at 0% interest—forgiven in full after three years
- Can be combined with FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional loans
- Flexible eligibility requirements compared to many other programs
Availability depends on lender participation, so ask your lender if they work with NHF when exploring your options.
Knowing that programs exist is a great first step. Navigating them on your own, however, can feel overwhelming.
Down payment assistance programs have different eligibility rules, application windows, income limits, and funding availability. Some programs run out of funds quickly, and others require specific lenders or approved partners.
Here's where working with the right people makes a real difference:
HUD-Approved Housing Counselors: Free or low-cost homebuyer education courses are often required by assistance programs and can be taken through HUD-approved agencies. These sessions walk you through the home-buying process, help you understand your financing options, and in some programs, result in a certificate required to receive grant funds.
Local Real Estate Agents: An agent who knows the Kansas market can help you identify neighborhoods where your target programs are available and make sure your offer process aligns with grant program timelines.
First-time homebuyer programs and grants can help reduce upfront costs, but choosing the right mortgage matters, too. Credit Union of America’s local mortgage experts can help you compare home loan options, understand what you may qualify for, and find a mortgage that fits your budget, timeline, and long-term goals.
Depending on your situation, options may include:
If saving for a down payment is one of your biggest hurdles, Credit Union of America’s Zero Down No PMI Mortgage could help you open the door to homeownership even sooner.
This option allows qualified buyers to purchase a home with no down payment and no private mortgage insurance.
Key details:
- 15-, 20-, and 30-year fixed-rate options available
- Minimum loan amount of $80,000
- Predictable monthly payments
Flexible-Rate Loans²
If you want a lower initial payment or do not expect your first home to be your long-term home, a Flexible-Rate Loan may be worth considering.
Key details:
- Finance up to 97% of the purchase price/appraised value, whichever is less
- Fixed-rate home loan for the first 5 or 7 years
- Rate adjusts annually after the initial period
- Loan may be adjusted beginning the 13th month to a fixed 30-year loan for a 1% fee (maximum $1,500)
3% Down Payment Loan³
If you have some savings but want to keep more money available after closing, Credit Union of America’s 3% Down Payment Loan may help you get your foot in the door of a new home with a lower upfront investment.
Key details:
- Finance up to 97% of the purchase price or appraised value, whichever is less
- Fixed monthly payments
- Flexible term options available
Credit Union of America offers even more mortgage options than what is listed here, and a local mortgage expert can help you determine which loan you may qualify for and which option may fit your situation best.
If you're a first-time homebuyer in Kansas, you don't have to figure this out alone—and you shouldn't have to.
At Credit Union of America (CUA), we've helped buyers across Kansas—from Great Bend to Wichita and everywhere in between—turn the dream of homeownership into reality. Our local underwriters can help you explore many of the home loan and assistance programs available to Kansas buyers and determine which options may fit your situation.
Whether you're just starting to explore your options or you're ready to apply, we're here to help.
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