First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Kansas

Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) Programs:

First Time Homebuyer Program:

Eligibility: Targets first-time homebuyers (no homeownership in the past three years), single parents, displaced homemakers, or owners of manufactured homes on leased land transitioning to real property ownership.
Offerings: Provides a 0% interest second loan of 15% or 20% of the purchase price (based on income, max $40,000) for down payment and closing costs; forgivable after 10 years if the home remains the primary residence.
Requirements:

• Income must not exceed 80% of area median income (e.g., $69,700 for a family of four in most counties as of 2025).
• Minimum credit score of 640 (varies by lender).
• Debt-to-income ratio capped at 45% (50% with compensating factors).
• Homebuyer education course required.
• Not available in Wichita, Topeka, Lawrence, Kansas City, or Johnson County.

KansasDPA Program:

Benefits: Offers a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage (FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional) with a grant of up to 4% of the purchase price for down payment or closing costs; co-sponsored by Sedgwick and Shawnee Counties.
Eligibility: Open to first-time and repeat buyers; income must not exceed 140% of area median income (e.g., $121,240 in most areas, higher in some counties like $143,500 in Kansas City).

Local Programs:

Topeka

Topeka Opportunity to Own (TOTO): Provides up to $10,000 in down payment assistance and $30,000 for repairs; income must be below 80% AMI; purchase price capped at $75,000; 12-hour homebuyer education required.

Leavenworth

Home Ownership Program: Offers up to $5,000 as a forgivable loan (forgiven after 5 years) for first-time buyers; income must be low to moderate (e.g., $51,250-$82,000 for a family of four); buyer contributes 50% of down payment.

Wichita

HOMEownership 80 Program: Provides grants up to $15,000 through partners like Habitat for Humanity; income must be at or below 80% AMI; requires a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.

Additional Information:

• First-Time Home Buyer Savings Account: Allows tax deductions on contributions up to $3,000 (individual) or $6,000 (joint) annually, max $50,000 total, for down payment or closing costs; funds must be used within 10 years.
• FHA Loans: Minimum 3.5% down payment, suitable for credit scores as low as 580 (10% if below 580).
• USDA Loans: Zero-down payment for rural Kansas areas; income limits apply.
• VA Loans: Zero-down payment for eligible veterans or active military.