New Mexico Down Payment Assistance

New Mexico Down Payment Assistance Programs

A guide to current down payment assistance options in New Mexico, including the state Housing Finance Agency, well-known city and county programs, and live DPA mortgage pricing for New Mexico homebuyers.

New Mexico Housing Finance Agency

New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (Housing New Mexico) (MFA)

housingnm.org505-843-6880

MFA administers the primary DPA programs for New Mexico. Program details below are current as of April 23, 2026 - confirm current terms directly with MFA before applying.

Statewide DPA Programs in New Mexico

FirstHome

Housing New Mexico (MFA)

Other

Fixed-rate first mortgage for first-time homebuyers; may be paired with FirstDown or HomeNow for down payment and closing cost assistance.

Paired with: Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA

  • First-time homebuyer: Required
  • Primary residence only
  • Minimum FICO: 620
  • Income: County-based limits per MFA schedule (Mortgage Revenue Bond requirements).
  • Homebuyer education required

First-time homebuyer defined as not owning a principal residence in the past three years. Targeted areas may waive FTHB requirement.

Source: housingnm.org

FirstDown

Housing New Mexico (MFA)

Forgivable second

Silent second mortgage up to a percentage of purchase price, capped per MFA guidelines. 0% interest, no monthly payment; forgiven after 10 years of owner occupancy.

Paired with: Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA

  • First-time homebuyer: Required
  • Primary residence only
  • Minimum FICO: 620
  • Homebuyer education required

Must be paired with MFA FirstHome first mortgage. Balance becomes due if the home is sold or refinanced before the end of the forgiveness period.

Source: housingnm.org

FirstDown Plus

Housing New Mexico (MFA)

Forgivable second

$15,000 non-amortizing third mortgage. 0% interest, no monthly payment; forgiven after 10 years of continuous owner occupancy.

Paired with: Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA

  • First-time homebuyer: Required
  • Primary residence only
  • Homebuyer education required

Funded from the New Mexico Housing Trust Fund. Must be paired with FirstHome and typically FirstDown. Subject to funding availability.

Source: housingnm.org

HomeNow

Housing New Mexico (MFA)

Forgivable second

Second mortgage for down payment and closing cost assistance for lower-income first-time homebuyers; may be combined with FirstDown.

Paired with: Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA

  • First-time homebuyer: Required
  • Primary residence only
  • Minimum FICO: 620
  • Income: Lower-income tier; see MFA HomeNow income schedule.
  • Homebuyer education required

Combined FirstDown + HomeNow assistance can reach the MFA published maximum.

Source: housingnm.org

NextHome

Housing New Mexico (MFA)

Forgivable second

Down payment and closing cost assistance paired with a MFA first mortgage; no first-time homebuyer requirement.

Paired with: Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA

  • First-time homebuyer: Not required
  • Primary residence only
  • Minimum FICO: 620
  • Homebuyer education required

Source: housingnm.org

New Mexico Notes for Homebuyers

  • MFA income and purchase price limits are updated periodically; always check the current schedule at housingnm.org.
  • Homebuyer education is required for MFA programs.

2026 Loan Limits in New Mexico

Conforming (Conventional)

$806,500 baseline

FHA

$524,225 floor

Most New Mexico counties use the FHA floor limit.

Live DPA Pricing for New Mexico

Pricing below is sourced live from hundreds of wholesale lenders for a New Mexico scenario. Edit the inputs to match your situation.

FHA Down Payment Assistance

Up to 5% assistance; repayable second at first rate + 2% over 10 years

Min FICO 580
Program details
  • Minimum credit score: 580
  • Non-traditional credit also possible
  • Assistance up to 2.5%, 3.5%, or 5% of the lesser of purchase price or appraised value
  • Assistance can be used for down payment, closing costs, or both
  • Second lien: 10-year fixed, repayable
  • Second lien rate is 2% higher than the first mortgage rate
  • No first-time homebuyer requirement
  • No income cap
  • Purchase of primary residence only
  • Eligible properties: 1-unit residences, PUD, 2-4 units, FHA-approved condos, manufactured (single/double-wide)
  • DTI per AUS and FHA manual underwriting guidelines
  • First lien: FHA 30-year fixed

Assistance amount

1st lien: $386,000 at 96.5% LTV (FHA)
2nd lien: $14,000 (10-yr fixed, 1st rate + 2%)
Assistance is due upon transfer, sale, or refinance. Pricing estimate only — final rates, fees, and eligibility are determined by the lender.
Program details on this page are compiled from official New Mexico Housing Finance Agency and local government sources and were last verified on April 23, 2026. Program availability, funding, eligibility thresholds, and assistance amounts change frequently. Always confirm current terms directly with the administering agency before applying. This page is informational only and is not an offer to lend.

Compare DPA options for New Mexico with live pricing

Rate Direct pairs down payment assistance with live first-lien pricing so you see the combined monthly payment up front.

DPA Programs in Other States