Stuck Saving For Down Payment?
Are you looking to buy a home in Michigan but feeling stuck trying to save for a down payment?
Huge news just dropped that could put $10,000 in your pocket and unlock your dream home. Effective June 1st, 2026, the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) is officially raising its income limits for down payment assistance programs. Updated Income Limits By County
If you thought you made too much money to get help buying a home, it is time to think again. The rules just changed, and more Michigan families now qualify for a massive boost in purchasing power.
Here is how you can cash in on these new changes this summer.
What is MSHDA Down Payment Assistance?
Saving up cash is the number one hurdle for most homebuyers. MSHDA’s MI Home Loan program offers up to $10,000 in 0% interest assistance to cover your down payment and closing costs.
To qualify, your household income must fall under certain limits. Because home prices and wages have gone up, MSHDA just gave those income limits a major bump. Even better? The statewide home sales price limit has jumped to a massive $566,355, meaning you can shop for a much wider range of houses.
Local Focus: How Much Can You Earn and Still Get $10,000?
MSHDA breaks areas into two categories: Targeted (where anyone can qualify, even if you have owned a home before) and Non-Targeted (strictly for first-time homebuyers).
Take a look at the brand-new income limits starting June 1st for Kalamazoo, Ingham, Van Buren, and Calhoun counties:
| County | Am I Restricted to First-Time Buyers? | Income Limit (1–2 People) | Income Limit (3+ People) | Max Home Price |
| Kalamazoo |
No. Entire county is Targeted. Move-up buyers welcome! |
$129,720 |
$151,340 |
$566,355 |
| Ingham |
No. Entire county is Targeted. Move-up buyers welcome! |
$123,120 |
$143,640 |
$566,355 |
| Van Buren |
No. Entire county is Targeted. Move-up buyers welcome! |
$118,080 |
$137,760 |
$566,355 |
|
Calhoun (Albion, Battle Creek, Burlington, Lee Twp.) |
No. These specific areas are Targeted. |
$118,080 |
$137,760 |
$566,355 |
|
Calhoun (Rest of the county) |
Yes. Must be a first-time buyer here. |
$98,400 |
$113,160 |
$566,355 |
Updated Income Limits By County
Three Rules of Thumb for Your Home Search:
-
You Don’t Have to Be a First-Time Buyer everywhere: If you buy in Kalamazoo, Ingham, or Van Buren counties, you can use this program even if you currently own a home.
-
Higher Limits for Families: If you have three or more people living in your household, your income limit jumps significantly—up to $151,340 in Kalamazoo.
-
Location Matters in Calhoun: Buying a house in Battle Creek gives you a higher income ceiling than buying a house out in the rural parts of Calhoun County.
Do You Fit the New Rules? Let’s Check.
Did you apply for a mortgage in the past and get turned down because your income was slightly over the limit?
Take a look at your last tax return or your current pay stubs. If your household income fits into the chart above, you could be sitting on $10,000 of state assistance to help you buy your next home.
These new limits go live on June 1st, but you can get pre-approved right now. Let’s get your application updated today and find your new home! Apply Now Online or Call us at (269) 360-7109
Latest Blog Post
FHA vs Conventional Loan for First Time Buyer in Portage MI: Your 2026 Flight Plan
What if the traditional advice you’ve heard about down payments is actually the very thing keeping your homeownership dreams grounded? Deciding between an FHA vs conventional loan for first time buyer in Portage MI often feels like preparing for a high-stakes takeoff. It’s completely natural to feel a bit of turbulence when you’re staring down credit requirements or confusing mortgage insurance terms. You want to ensure your financial foundation is secure before you leave the runway, yet the fear of rejection can make the whole process feel like a gamble rather than a significant life milestone.
We believe every neighbor deserves a clear flight plan that replaces anxiety with expert guidance. In this detailed comparison, you’ll discover which mortgage path provides the smoothest ascent for your specific situation in the 2026 market. We’ll break down the latest loan limits, compare monthly costs, and show you how to layer MSHDA assistance to give your down payment some extra lift. By the time we finish, you’ll have the confidence to choose the right loan and successfully pilot your way to a new front door in Portage.