Updated · Mike Certo, NMLS #260555
Nevada First-Time Home Buyer Programs Guide
Nevada has a robust first-time buyer program menu — Home Is Possible (HIP), Worker Advantage, AB-540 Attainable Housing, plus county and city DPA programs in Clark, Washoe, and beyond. Here's the practical Nevada FTHB program map.
Nevada first-time buyer baseline
Under Nevada Housing Division (NHD) rules and most national DPA programs, a first-time buyer is someone who has not owned a primary residence in the past three years. Some programs include exceptions for displaced homemakers and single parents. Nevada-specific definitions sometimes vary by program — verify per file.
Home Is Possible (HIP)
The Nevada Housing Division's flagship FTHB program. HIP layers a forgivable DPA second mortgage on top of FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional first mortgages. Highlights:
- Up to a percentage of loan amount as DPA
- Forgivable second mortgage structure
- FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional first mortgage pairing
- Statewide eligibility (program parameters vary by configuration)
- Income and purchase-price limits apply (vary by county)
Home Is Possible — Worker Advantage
Worker Advantage is an enhanced HIP variant for Nevada workers in specific qualifying professions:
- Teachers in Nevada public schools
- First responders (police, fire, EMT) in qualifying departments
- Healthcare workers in qualifying systems
- Active military and qualifying veterans in specific configurations
The Worker Advantage tier typically provides enhanced DPA, sometimes additional pricing benefits. Eligibility is profession-specific.
AB-540 Nevada Attainable Housing
Newer Nevada Attainable Housing Account legislation creates additional DPA tools. Status varies — some components are active, some are in development. See our AB-540 Attainable Housing page for current status.
City and county DPA
Beyond statewide HIP, several Nevada cities and counties offer their own DPA programs:
- City of Las Vegas DPA — within Las Vegas city limits, income-eligible buyers
- City of Henderson — programs serving Henderson buyers
- Clark County DPA — countywide eligibility (verify current funding)
- Washoe County / Reno — regional programs for Reno-Sparks area buyers
City and county programs typically don't combine with HIP — you select one DPA program per transaction.
National programs (work in Nevada)
National programs also serve Nevada FTHB:
- Chenoa Fund — 600+ FICO; FHA pairing; no income cap
- Arrive Home — 620+ FICO; forgivable after 36 months
- Essex/NHF — down payment + closing cost combination
One DPA per transaction (always)
Like every other state, you select ONE DPA program per home purchase. Most Nevada DPA programs don't combine with another DPA. The DPA pairs with one underlying first mortgage (FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional). That's the standard arrangement.
How to pick the right Nevada DPA program
Decision drivers in order: county (programs are often county-restricted), profession (Worker Advantage adds enhancements), credit score (Chenoa for sub-620), and income (state programs have caps; national programs typically don't).
Next step
20-minute call. Bring county, household income, FICO ballpark, profession, and FTHB status. We map your top 2-3 Nevada program fits.
Related
FAQ
Is Home Is Possible only for first-time buyers?
Generally yes for the FTHB configuration, but variations exist. Some HIP variants accept non-first-time buyers under specific rules.
Can I combine Home Is Possible with Worker Advantage?
Worker Advantage is a variant of HIP — not a separate DPA. You select one configuration per transaction.
What FICO do I need for Nevada DPA?
Most Nevada DPA programs require 640+. Chenoa Fund accepts 600+. Below 600 typically means credit improvement first.
Can I use Nevada DPA on new construction?
Yes, but builder timelines often exceed DPA reservation windows. We coordinate reservation timing with the builder schedule.