I’m Tara Tillman, a licensed real estate broker, HUD and VA Listing Broker, and homeownership advocate with more than 20 years of experience helping buyers navigate the path to homeownership. Throughout my career, I’ve worked with first-time buyers, veterans, renters, and families who weren’t sure they were ready to buy, only to discover they were closer than they thought. At Westchester Realty, we believe homeownership begins with understanding your options, not having all the answers. That’s why we created the Buy Back Your Life podcast and this affordability calculator: to help you cut through the confusion, explore what’s possible, and take the next step with confidence. Whether you’re just getting started, rebuilding, or preparing for your next move, our goal is simple: help you understand your path to homeownership and Buy Back Your Life.
Homeownership Affordability Calculator
Takes 2 minutes. No credit check. No obligation.
How much home can you afford?
Answer 5 questions. Get your home price range, best loan match, and NC down payment assistance you may qualify for — in under 2 minutes.
Loan eligibility and DPA availability are subject to lender and program requirements. Contact Westchester Realty to verify your options.
Down Payment Assistance (DPA)
Many buyers believe they need a large amount of money saved to purchase a home, but that is not always the case. FHA financing requires a minimum down payment of just 3.5%, and $100 down when purchasing a HUD Home. Buyers can use Down Payment Assistance (DPA) programs to help cover some or all of their down payment and closing costs. Most states offer homebuyer assistance programs through their Housing Finance Agency, with eligibility determined by household income, family size, and property location. Assistance may be available in the form of grants, forgivable loans, deferred-payment loans, or closing cost assistance. If you’re interested in learning more, contact Westchester Realty, and we’ll help connect you with resources and lenders who can assist you in finding available programs. Don’t assume you don’t qualify. You may be surprised to learn that homeownership may be more affordable than you think.
How Much Down Payment Help Can You Actually Get in NC?
Here’s how down payment assistance in Greensboro, Guilford County, and statewide actually works: grants, forgivable loans, and who qualifies.
FAQ
Yes — HUD-owned homes qualify for FHA’s $100 Down Program, which allows eligible owner-occupant buyers to purchase a home with significantly less money out of pocket than they might expect.
One of the biggest myths in homeownership is that you need perfect credit to buy a home. While some loan programs require higher scores, many buyers qualify for FHA financing with credit scores between 580 and 620; however, DPA programs may require a 640. More importantly, lenders look at your entire financial picture, including income, debt, employment history, and savings, not just a single number.
North Carolina offers several programs that may provide grants, forgivable loans, or assistance with down payment and closing costs for eligible buyers. Most programs are income-based, and many states offer similar assistance. If you’re purchasing in North Carolina, or another area, Westchester Realty can guide you to resources and lenders who can help identify available programs.
The better question may be: Is homeownership possible for you right now? Many people continue renting because they believe they need perfect credit, a large down payment, or more money in the bank before they can buy. The reality is that many buyers are closer to homeownership than they think. While renting offers flexibility, homeownership can provide stability, predictable housing costs, and the opportunity to build equity and long-term wealth. At Westchester Realty, we believe the first step is understanding your options so you can make an informed decision about what’s right for you.
VA-owned properties can often be purchased using VA financing, FHA loans, conventional financing, cash, and, in some cases, with a VA Vendee Loan (the VA Loan for Non-Veterans). The best option depends on your eligibility, financial goals, and property condition. As a VA Listing Broker, Westchester Realty can help you understand the available options and connect you with lenders who specialize in helping buyers navigate the process.