Are you looking for down payment assistance? New Community Home Investment Programs (CHIPs) are launching in Michigan, California, and Nevada. These programs help homebuyers secure between $20,000 and $50,000 to make homeownership attainable.
For real estate agents, these CHIPs are a vital tool to help clients before funds run out. Here is the 2026 breakdown of available Community Home Investment Programs.
Late last year, three new Community Home Investment Programs (CHIPs) were announced in Michigan, California, and Nevada. For buyers who find it difficult to enter the market, these programs create opportunities that make homeownership more attainable. For real estate agents, these programs represent both an opportunity and a responsibility: the opportunity to bring real, accessible solutions to clients, and the responsibility to understand these programs before applications go live or funds run out.
Below is a breakdown of what’s coming, what’s unique about each program, and the actions buyers and agents should take now to get ahead of the demand.
Pontiac, Michigan: CHIP Up to $20,000 for First-Time Buyers
The City of Pontiac launched a major affordability push with its new Down Payment Assistance Program, unveiled on November 19. The program is backed by a partnership with National Faith Homebuyers (NFH) and funded by $437,475 in Community Development Block Grant dollars, marking Pontiac’s first assistance program in years.
Key features:
- Benefit: Up to $20,000 for down payment and closing costs.
- Eligibility: Must earn under 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
- Requirement: Must be a first-time homebuyer within Pontiac city limits and complete education through National Faith Homebuyers (NFH).
- Property must be within Pontiac city limits
- Must complete homebuyer education through NFH
Pontiac leaders emphasized that this program is about more than financial assistance; it’s about neighborhood stabilization and increasing homeownership rates. More information about the program can be found here.
Agent Action Steps:
- Identify and engage clients earning below 80% of AMI who currently hold a purchase contract or are actively pursuing homeownership within the City of Pontiac.
- Engage with NFH to obtain additional details and start discussions with lenders regarding the loan implications of participating in this program.
- Connect clients with NFH’s education requirements now, before applications surge.
- Move quickly; these funds will likely go fast!.
Nevada County, California: CHIP for Middle-Income Families
Nevada County has approved a major new Down Payment Assistance Program designed to help middle-income residents who are being squeezed out of the local housing market. The program, announced on November 20th and expected to launch in February or March of 2026, will provide up to 11 homebuyers with $50,000 loans to help bridge the affordability gap. If applicable, it can be layered with the Town of Truckee program to provide an additional $150,000 in assistance, totaling a maximum of $200,000 to an applicant’s first home.
Key features:
- Up to $50,000 in down payment assistance
- Eligibility capped at:
- 120% of AMI in Western County ($124,500 for a family of four)
- 150% of AMI in Truckee ($187,000 for a family of four)
- 30-year loan at 3% simple interest
- Payments are fully deferred until the home is sold or the 30-year term ends
- Buyers must be prequalified with a lender before applying
- Modeled after successful programs in the Town of Truckee and Placer County,
leaders emphasized that the goal is to support residents who form “the backbone of the community” but have been priced out by steep appreciation and competitive bidding environments. More information about this program can be found here.
Agent Action Steps:
- Identify middle-income buyers who want to purchase in Nevada County or the Truckee area.
- Prompt clients to get prequalified as soon as possible, with a clear plan for the kind of property they hope to buy.
- Monitor the February/March launch timeline and maintain communication with the county regarding any updates or requirements for applicants.
- Prepare to move quickly, as the 11 available loans are likely to be taken immediately.
Nevada’s Worker Advantage Program: $20,000 for the State’s Essential Workforce
Nevada’s Worker Advantage Program was created to support the state’s essential workers, those who keep schools running, protect the public, provide medical care, and maintain vital infrastructure. The program offers $20,000 in down payment assistance, with a goal of helping 900 Nevada families across the state.
Key Features:
- The Worker Advantage Program provides a $20,000 second mortgage.
- For buyers earning under 150% of the Area Median Income.
- There are no first-time homebuyer restrictions.
- Completion of a certified homebuyer education course is required.
- Applicants must have been residents of Nevada for at least six months.
With rising home prices across Nevada and limited inventory in many counties, even essential workers with steady incomes often struggle to save for a down payment. By offering $20,000 in flexible, no-cost assistance, the Worker Advantage Program directly targets this barrier. More information about this program can be found here.
Agent Action Steps:
- Identify eligible clients in education, healthcare, construction, or public safety.
- Verify residency (minimum 6 months) and income against county limits.
- Direct buyers to complete a homebuyer education course early in the process.
- Collaborate with lenders to understand any loan implications of using this program.
Actions for Agents to Take Now
These three programs all share one thing: they’re going to be competitive. Agents who prepare now will be the ones who deliver life-changing results for their buyers, helping them achieve homeownership dreams that might otherwise feel out of reach.
Here are the top five steps agents should take right away, regardless of which program they’re considering:
- Identify qualified buyers early, considering income limits, geographic restrictions, and first-time buyer requirements.
- Prepare all necessary documentation in advance, including tax returns, bank statements, employment verification, and prequalification letters.
- Educate buyers proactively on all aspects of the programs, especially those who need to complete homebuyer education courses.
- Coordinate with lenders experienced in CHIPs to ensure your entire team is on the same page.
- Stay in close contact with program organizers. Make sure to understand program details directly from the source.
Actions for Buyers to Take Now
How about for the homebuyers out there, what steps can they take now? Here are a few action items for them to get prepared:
Here are the top 5 steps to best position yourself for these programs:
- Work with your agent to review the program’s eligibility and requirements, then begin gathering the necessary application documents.
- With your agent’s guidance, identify and engage an approved lender.
- Search for eligible properties and confirm with your agent that they meet program guidelines.
- Review your homebuying budget.
- Double check course requirements and enroll in a homebuyer course if needed.
These three programs all share one thing: they’re going to be competitive. Agents who prepare now will be the ones who deliver life-changing results for their buyers and the homebuyers who need to be one step ahead if they want to take advantage of these CHIPs.
Finding the Best Community Home Investment Program
It’s exciting to see these three new CHIPs. They show that Pontiac County, Nevada County, and the state of Nevada are committed to supporting their residents and the communities they call home. These programs are an investment in your future and your children’s future, so there is no reason to overlook them. If you’re planning to buy in these areas, make sure you explore these opportunities.
If these programs aren’t the right fit for you, create a Homebuyerwallet.com account to explore more than 1,300 other programs that could match your needs. The investment is out there; you just need to find it and have the right team by your side to guide you through the application process.
