What is an HFA loan? Your Guide to Affordable Home Loans
- Christopher Breland
- Sep 16, 2021
- 8 min read
You’ve probably heard of FHA* loans — a government-backed mortgage often used by first-time homebuyers. But what about HFA loans, also known as Housing Finance Agency loans?
Though they sound similar (and both are mortgage loans), the two aren’t the same.
HFA loans are offered through state housing finance agencies or authorities in partnership with mortgage lenders. They’re designed for homebuyers who have low to moderate incomes and can provide down payment and/or closing cost assistance to help make homeownership affordable.
What's in this Article?
What is an HFA loan — and what makes them so affordable?
Who qualifies for an HFA loan?
How to find your state’s housing finance agency
HFA Preferred and HFA Advantage loans
HFA loans vs FHA loans
FAQs
What is an HFA loan — and what makes them so affordable?
Because HFA loans are offered through state housing agencies, their availability — as well as their exact features and eligibility requirements — can vary quite a bit.
You can typically find HFA loans available in your region by connecting with your state housing agency, commission, authority, or department. A local mortgage lender can also point you in the right direction.
HFA loans are technically offered through a mortgage lender that has partnered with the state agency. They can include conventional loans as well as government-backed mortgages (FHA, VA, and USDA loans).
Down payment requirements on HFA loans vary based on loan type. Down payment assistance can be used to meet the minimum required investment so that your down payment is 0%. The interest rates are usually fixed interest rates, meaning your rate will remain consistent for the entire loan term. A fixed rate can make it easier to budget for your housing payments.
Key features of HFA loans (specifics vary by program)
Minimum down payment 0-5%
Fixed interest rates for the entire loan term
Can often be combined with down payment and/or closing cost assistance
Possibility for reduced private mortgage insurance premiums (PMI), which may be canceled when you have 20% equity
Can be used to buy or refinance a home
Available to both first-time homebuyers and repeat homeowners
May require a homebuyer education course
The types of loans and assistance programs available vary based on where you live.
One state might offer up to $15,000 in down payment assistance via a second, forgivable loan, while another provides funds in the form of a grant.
Others may offer assistance in the form of a 0% interest second loan that you don’t pay on until you sell or refinance the home or when you pay off your mortgage.
If you’re a low- to moderate-income earner who wants to buy a home, there may be at least a program or two that will be a fit for you.
Some states may require you to live in the home for a certain period of time to receive the full down payment benefit. For instance, the housing agency might offer a 0% interest second loan that is forgiven over time — meaning you don’t have to repay it — as long as you live in the home for the agreed-upon period. That period depends on the program guidelines. If you move earlier than expected, you may have to repay all or part of the loan.
The bottom line: There are a lot of different programs out there, all with their own guidelines and requirements.
Who qualifies for an HFA loan?
To be eligible for an HFA loan, you’ll need to meet the income requirements. Again, HFA home loans are for low- and moderate-income borrowers, and your local housing finance agency can tell you the income limits for your area. Typically, income limits are set based on a percentage of the area median income (AMI).
The exact eligibility requirements for an HFA loan will depend on the programs available in your area, but generally speaking, you can expect to need:
Minimum down payment 0-5%
A debt-to-income ratio (DTI) of 45% or less
Low- to moderate-income for your area
To complete a homebuyer education course if you’re a first-time homebuyer
Some HFA programs have a first-time homebuyer requirement, which means you have never owned a home or you haven’t owned one in at least three years. Other HFA loans are available to repeat homeowners.
To learn more about HFA loans in your area, see our state-by-state guide below.
How to find your state’s housing finance agency
The following list includes housing finance agencies in each state, and it can be a starting point for finding HFA loans in your area.
But don’t stop there. Google “housing finance agency,” “housing finance authority,” “homebuyer assistance,” and “community development housing programs,” in your city or town as well.
Some cities or regions within a state have their own housing authorities that may offer homebuyer assistance and affordable loan programs.
It’s important to know all of your loan options so you can choose the one that’s most affordable and best suited to your situation.
Alabama
907-338-6100
Alaska
Phone number: 800-478-2432
Arizona
Phone number: 602-771-1000
Arkansas
Phone number: 501-682-5900
California
Phone number: 877-922-5432
Colorado
Phone number: 800-877-2432
Connecticut
Phone number: 860-721-9501
Delaware
Phone number: 888-363-8808
Florida
Phone number: 850-488-4197
Georgia
Phone number: 800-436-7442
Hawaii
Phone number: 808-587-0620
Idaho
Phone number: 855-505-4700
Illinois
Phone number: 312-836-5200
Indiana
Phone number: 317-489-4220
Iowa
Phone number: 800-432-7230
Kansas
Phone number: 785-217-2001
Kentucky
Phone number: 502-564-7630
Louisiana
Phone number: 225-763-8700
Maine
Phone number: 207-626-4600
Maryland
Phone number: 301-429-7400
Massachusetts
Phone number: 617-854-1000
Michigan
Phone number: 517-335-9885
Minnesota
Phone number: 651-296-7608. The agency’s website says the main line is not currently being answered, but you can email mn.housing@state.mn.us.
Mississippi
Phone number: 601-718-4636
Missouri
Phone number: 800-246-7973
Montana
Phone number: 406-841-2840
Nebraska
Phone number: 402-434-3900
Nevada
Phone number: See contact information for different areas here
New Hampshire
Phone number: 603-472-8623
New Jersey
Submit an information request or email through this form
New Mexico
Phone number: 505-843-6880
New York
Phone number: 212-NEW-YORK
North Carolina
Phone number: 919-877-5700
North Dakota
Phone number: 701-328-8080
Ohio
Phone number: 614-466-7970
Oklahoma
Phone number: 405-848-1144
Oregon
Phone number: 503-986-2000
Pennsylvania
Phone number: 855-827-3466
Rhode Island
Phone number: 401-457-1234
South Carolina
Phone number: 803-896-2211
South Dakota
Phone number: 605-773-3181
Tennessee
Phone number: 615-815-2200
Texas
877-508-4611
Phone number: 800-792-1119
Utah
Phone number: 801-902-8200
Vermont
Phone number: 802-864-5743
Virginia
Phone number: 804-782-1986
Washington
Phone number: 206-464-7139
West Virginia
Phone number: 304-391-8600
Wisconsin
Phone number: 608-266-7884
Wyoming
Phone number: 307-265-0603
Washington, D.C.
Phone number: 202-777-1600
What are HFA Preferred and HFA Advantage loans?
Conventional HFA loans are Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loan products, offered by mortgage lenders in partnership with state housing finance agencies. Fannie Mae HFA loans are called “HFA Preferred” mortgages, while Freddie Mac offers the “HFA Advantage.”
The two are very similar, but there are a couple of differences. For one, HFA Preferred loans can be used to buy multifamily properties (up to four units), as long as you live in one of the units as your primary residence.
HFA Advantage loans are limited to single-family properties, condos, manufactured homes, and Planned Unit Developments.
There are other subtle differences, so check with your lender to see which one will suit your situation better.
HFA loans vs FHA loans: The differences explained
Given their similar monikers, it’s easy to confuse HFA loans with FHA loans. Both can make homeownership affordable to first-time and repeat homebuyers. A key difference is that FHA loans are backed by the the Federal Housing Administration, while conventional HFA Preferred loans are backed by Fannie Mae and conventional HFA Advantage loans are backed by Freddie Mac.
You can qualify for an FHA loan through your state HFA program. Other government-backed loans, including VA and USDA loans, are also options through state HFAs. The specific requirements and guidelines, including down payment, income limits, mortgage insurance, and credit score minimums, vary based on loan type.
HFAs can also set their own program requirements.
HFA loan FAQs
What does HFA mean in mortgage?
HFA refers to a housing finance agency. These are state-run departments that oversee affordable housing initiatives and homebuyer assistance programs. Many of these agencies offer mortgage loans and assistance for low- and moderate-income residents who want to become homeowners.
How do you qualify for HFA?
The exact requirements vary by housing agency and location. You’ll typically need to have a low or moderate income, purchase a primary residence (as opposed to a second home or investment property), and have at least a 0-5% down payment (though you may qualify for down payment assistance). Some programs have a first-time homebuyer requirement as well, which typically means you’ve never owned a home or you haven’t owned one in at least three years.
What is a Freddie Mac HFA Advantage loan?
This is Freddie Mac’s HFA loan option. Freddie Mac sets the standards for the loan program, while individual HFAs determine eligibility and issue the mortgages. This program is similar to Fannie Mae’s HFA Preferred program, except that it can only be used to buy a single-family home, condo, manufactured home, or Planned Unit Development. No 2-4 unit homes are allowed. Additionally, the HFA Advantage may not be used for cash-out refinances.
What is Fannie Mae HFA Preferred?
HFA Preferred is Fannie Mae’s HFA loan product. Though it’s similar to the HFA Advantage loan offered by Freddie Mac, it has an additional feature: it allows you to purchase 2-4 unit multifamily properties as long as you live in one of the units. HFA loan programs can also include government-backed mortgages as well, including FHA, VA, and USDA loans.
Could an HFA loan help you buy a house?
State HFA loans are just one of the many mortgage products that can make buying a home more affordable. If you’re considering buying a house, make sure to talk to a local mortgage lender as soon as possible. They can help you locate affordable loan programs in your area.
*Fairway is not affiliated with any government agencies. These materials are not from the VA, HUD, FHA, USDA, or RD, and were not approved by a government agency.
Some references sourced within this article have not been prepared by Fairway and are distributed for educational purposes only. The information is not guaranteed to be accurate and may not entirely represent the opinions of Fairway.
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