NC Home Advantage Mortgage with Down Payment Assistance · Johnston County
Johnston County, North Carolina: down payment help, step by step
Johnston County, with Clayton, Smithfield, Selma and Benson, is a popular place for Triangle public servants to buy a first home.
Step 1: Know the local market
Johnston County Public Schools is the largest local school employer, and the Johnston County Sheriff's Office, Clayton Police Department, Smithfield Police Department and Johnston County EMS cover much of the area's public safety work.
Many Wake County workers also look here for more house for the money. Clayton has grown quickly, while Smithfield, Selma, Benson and Kenly offer smaller-town options. A first-time buyer can use the $15,000 option on homes up to $525,000.
Rural parts of the county may also qualify for a USDA loan, which is one of the loan types allowed with the NC Home Advantage Mortgage. Ask your lender to check an address.
Step 2: Check the Johnston County caps
| Income cap, 1 or 2 people | Income cap, 3 or more | Highest price allowed |
|---|---|---|
| $132,000 | $152,000 | $525,000 |
The $525,000 cap applies to the $15,000 option in Johnston County, which ties Wake for the highest family income limits on this list: $132,000 for 1 to 2 people and $152,000 for 3+. Statewide figures are in the limits table; to test a price against your income, use the budget calculator.
Step 3: Add local help in Johnston County
Our last check turned up no program run just for Johnston County. The statewide options still work here. Open the North Carolina program directory.
Step 4: Book your homebuyer class near Johnston County
Plan on a homebuyer class; most programs want the certificate in hand before you close. Below are HUD-approved agencies within driving distance of Johnston County, with the services, languages and meeting formats each one lists.
| Counseling agency | Town | Miles | Services | Spoken in | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Consumer Education Services, Inc | Raleigh | 28 mi | homebuyer education class, pre-purchase counseling | English, Spanish | Phone |
| Telamon Corporation, Inc | Raleigh | 30 mi | homebuyer education class, pre-purchase counseling | English, Spanish | Face to Face, Phone, Internet |
| Wilson Community Improvement Association, Inc. | Wilson | 30 mi | homebuyer education class, pre-purchase counseling | English | Face to Face, Phone |
| Kingdom Community Development Corporation | Spring Lake | 42 mi | homebuyer education class, pre-purchase counseling | English, Spanish | Face to Face, Phone, Internet |
| Brick Capital Community Development Corporation | Sanford | 45 mi | homebuyer education class, pre-purchase counseling | English, Spanish | Face to Face, Phone, Internet |
Pulled from the HUD housing counseling directory. Ask before you enroll, because programs differ on which classes count.
Major public employers in Johnston County
Some of the larger schools and public safety agencies here:
- Johnston County Public Schools
- Johnston County Sheriff's Office
- Clayton Police Department
- Smithfield Police Department
- Johnston County EMS
These employers are examples. Any eligible Johnston County buyer can use NCHFA's programs. Every job the program covers
Johnston County: questions and answers
Can I work in Raleigh and buy in Clayton?
Yes. Your job location doesn't matter. The home must be your principal residence.
Can I use a USDA loan in Benson or Kenly?
USDA is an allowed loan type. Your lender checks whether the property is eligible.
Do I need to be a first-time buyer?
Only for the $15,000 option. The 3% option is open to move-up buyers too.
Nearby county guides: Wake CountyMecklenburg CountyGuilford CountyForsyth CountyDurham CountyCumberland CountyBuncombe CountyUnion County All counties
