NC Home Advantage Mortgage with Down Payment Assistance · New Hanover County
New Hanover County, North Carolina: down payment help, step by step
In Wilmington and the beach towns of New Hanover County, NCHFA's forgivable help can make a first home more reachable for local public servants.
Step 1: Know the local market
New Hanover County Schools is the county's school employer, and public safety jobs include the Wilmington Police Department, New Hanover County Sheriff's Office, Wilmington Fire Department and New Hanover County Fire Rescue.
Coastal prices in Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach and Kure Beach can climb past the $525,000 cap for the $15,000 option. Inland Wilmington neighborhoods are more likely to fit. If your price is over the cap, the 3% option has no NCHFA sales price limit.
The home must be your principal residence, and you must move in within 60 days of closing. NCHFA loans can't be used for second homes or beach rentals.
Step 2: Check the New Hanover County caps
| Income cap, 1 or 2 people | Income cap, 3 or more | Highest price allowed |
|---|---|---|
| $109,000 | $125,000 | $525,000 |
Near the coast, watch the $525,000 price and loan cap for the $15,000 option. New Hanover's family income limit is $109,000 for 1 or 2 people and $125,000 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 New Hanover County
Our last check turned up no program run just for New Hanover County. The statewide options still work here. Open the North Carolina program directory.
Step 4: Book your homebuyer class near New Hanover 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 New Hanover County, with the services, languages and meeting formats each one lists.
| Counseling agency | Town | Miles | Services | Spoken in | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Wilmington | Wilmington | 6 mi | homebuyer education class, pre-purchase counseling | English, Spanish | Face to Face, Phone, Internet |
| City of Jacksonville | Jacksonville | 47 mi | homebuyer education class, pre-purchase counseling | English | 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 New Hanover County
Some of the larger schools and public safety agencies here:
- New Hanover County Schools
- Wilmington Police Department
- New Hanover County Sheriff's Office
- Wilmington Fire Department
- New Hanover County Fire Rescue
Any eligible New Hanover buyer can use NCHFA's programs, not only these employers. Every job the program covers
New Hanover County: questions and answers
Can I buy a beach condo with this?
Only as your principal residence. Second homes and rentals aren't eligible.
What if the Carolina Beach home is over $525,000?
The $15,000 option won't apply, but the 3% option has no NCHFA price cap.
Do Fire Rescue crews qualify?
Yes. Firefighters qualify on the same terms as any buyer.
Nearby county guides: Wake CountyMecklenburg CountyGuilford CountyForsyth CountyDurham CountyCumberland CountyBuncombe CountyUnion County All counties
