White bungalow with a deep porch and an oak-shaded yard
Homebuyer Assistance 2026

DeSoto County Down Payment Assistance Program

Put up to $15,000 toward an eligible home purchase in DeSoto County. The 0% assistance loan defers repayment for up to 30 years, with the balance due at the end of the term or earlier if required by the loan conditions.

*Verification of eligibility required.

Up to $15k Maximum Purchase Assistance
0% Interest Deferred Assistance Loan
30 Years Repayable Loan Term

Program Guidelines & Assistance Levels

DeSoto County's SHIP purchase assistance helps income-qualified buyers cover eligible upfront homebuying costs with a deferred, nonforgivable loan.

Available Assistance

  • Very Low Income

    Up to $15,000 in purchase assistance for an eligible household.

  • Low Income

    Up to $15,000 in purchase assistance for an eligible household.

  • Moderate Income

    Up to $10,000 in purchase assistance. A $1,500 buyer contribution is required.

Core Requirements

  • Meet the household-size income limit for an eligible very low, low, or moderate income household.
  • Contribute at least $1,500 toward the purchase, including eligible homebuyer education costs.
  • Complete HUD-approved homebuyer education and obtain first-mortgage lender approval.
  • Provide a purchase contract for an eligible primary home in DeSoto County priced at $350,000 or less.

Path to Homeownership: 4 Key Steps

A clear path from your mortgage review to your new home in DeSoto County.

1

Get Preapproved

Work with a qualified first-mortgage lender to review your income, credit, and homebuying budget.

2

Complete Education

Take HUD-approved homebuyer education and prepare your required $1,500 buyer contribution.

3

Select Your Home

Provide a purchase contract and complete the review of the home's eligibility and any required rehabilitation.

4

Close With Assistance

The county reviews your application and loan terms. After approval, assistance is applied to eligible purchase costs at closing.

Why Utilize Down Payment Assistance?

DeSoto County assistance can help cover upfront homebuying costs without a scheduled monthly assistance payment. The loan must be repaid, so you can plan for that obligation from the start.

  • Reduce Cash Needed Now

    Use an approved award for eligible costs of your home purchase.

  • No Interest Charges

    The purchase-assistance loan carries a 0% interest rate under the program terms.

  • Plan for Repayment

    Repayment is deferred rather than forgiven. Review the maturity and early-repayment conditions before you close.

Peach-toned bungalow with a shaded entry and citrus tree

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers for homebuyers in DeSoto County.

How much assistance can I get in DeSoto County?

The purchase-assistance maximum is $15,000 for very low- and low-income households and $10,000 for moderate-income households under the 2026–2029 county housing plan. Awards depend on eligibility, need, and available funding.

Is DeSoto County assistance forgivable?

No. This assistance is a 0% deferred, nonforgivable loan with a 30-year term. The balance is due after 30 years unless the county approves an extension following income recertification. Selling, transferring, renting out the home, or another default may trigger earlier repayment.

Are there monthly payments on the assistance loan?

Scheduled payments are deferred during the loan term while its conditions are met. The debt remains owed; deferral does not erase the balance.

How much of my own money do I need?

The plan requires a $1,500 buyer contribution, which can include eligible homebuyer education costs. Your first mortgage and closing costs may require additional funds.

What are the income limits?

Limits depend on household size. For a four-person household in 2026, the very low-income limit is $39,150, the low-income limit is $62,600, and the moderate-income limit is $93,960.

Can I purchase a new or existing home?

New and existing homes priced at $350,000 or less may qualify. New construction must have received its certificate of occupancy within the previous 12 months. Purchases that include rehabilitation must meet the county's repair requirements.

Can I buy a manufactured home?

The plan permits qualifying manufactured homes built in June 2010 or later. The property must also meet the county's condition, ownership, financing, and other program requirements.

Do I need homebuyer education?

Yes. Complete HUD-approved homebuyer education. You also need first-mortgage approval, a purchase contract, and documents that establish your household's income and assets.

How do I apply for purchase assistance?

Begin with first-mortgage preapproval and contact the DeSoto County Housing Department for its application process. The county reviews the household, property, and available funding before approving an award.

Is this an official DeSoto County application?

No. This is a private mortgage inquiry with Next Wave Mortgage, LLC. County assistance requires a separate application and approval; submitting this form does not reserve county funds.

Take the Next Step in DeSoto County

Review your mortgage budget, the required buyer contribution, and the assistance loan's repayment terms. County approval and available funding are required before assistance can be applied to your purchase.

Start Your Check Now