Status note: Homes for Heroes (SB 789) is only a proposal, not law. NCHFA's 3% and $15,000 forgivable down payment options are open now.Run the 2-minute check
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NC Home Advantage Mortgage with Down Payment Assistance

Home buying help for North Carolina EMTs and paramedics

North Carolina EMTs and paramedics can use NCHFA's NC Home Advantage Mortgage with up to 3% or $15,000 in forgivable down payment help.

Step 1: Confirm your job is covered

EMTs, paramedics and other EMS workers qualify on the same terms as any buyer, whether they work for a county EMS agency, a hospital system or a private ambulance service. NCHFA has no occupation rule.

Your lender handles standard income and employment verification. There's no EMS certificate to file.

The NC Home Advantage Mortgage is a 30-year fixed-rate loan from the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA), offered through participating lenders. It comes with forgivable down payment help: up to 3% of the loan for first-time and move-up buyers, or $15,000 through the NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment for qualifying first-time buyers and military veterans. The programs are open to any eligible buyer, so teachers and first responders qualify on the same income, credit and home rules as everyone else.

Hourly pay, overtime and part-time shifts

EMS pay often mixes base hours, overtime and per-diem shifts. Your lender looks at your history to decide what counts. Bring two years of W-2s and recent pay stubs so the loan officer can build the strongest income picture, and keep in mind the $158,000 income limit for the NC Home Advantage Mortgage.

The $15,000 option

If you haven't owned a principal residence in the past 3 years, you may get $15,000 toward your down payment, mortgage insurance and closing costs. The home can cost up to $525,000.

Step 2: Collect these papers

  • Recent pay stubs and two years of W-2s
  • Records of any part-time or per-diem EMS work
  • Homebuyer education certificate, if every borrower is a first-time buyer
  • Bank statements for your savings

Step 3: Read the common questions

Do private ambulance and hospital EMS staff qualify?

Yes. Your employer doesn't matter for NCHFA's programs.

Can part-time shifts count as income?

They can, if your lender sees enough history. Ask your loan officer what they need.

Is there an EMS-only program?

Not under current law. Senate Bill 789 would include EMS personnel, but it is pending and not funded.

Other covered jobs

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