Minnesota Homebuyer Programs
Many Twin Cities buyers could qualify for help with their down payment or closing costs, and you don't have to be a first-time buyer for every program. Here are programs worth asking a lender about what you may qualify for.
Minnesota Housing
The state's housing finance agency offers first-time buyer mortgages (Start Up) and down payment and closing cost loans, including deferred loans with no monthly payment.
Visit Minnesota Housing →City of Minneapolis (HOM)
Homeownership Opportunity Minneapolis offers a 0% interest down payment and closing cost loan with no monthly payments, for homes within Minneapolis city limits.
Visit City of Minneapolis →City of Saint Paul
The Citywide Downpayment Assistance Program helps eligible buyers purchase in Saint Paul. Funding opens in rounds, so check current status.
Visit City of Saint Paul →Hennepin County
Down payment help for first-time buyers through NeighborWorks Home Partners, when funding is available.
Visit Hennepin County →Homebuyer education
Many programs require a homebuyer class. The Minnesota Homeownership Center's Home Stretch is a common option.
Visit Minnesota Homeownership Center →
Important Information
Programs, funding and eligibility change. I'm not affiliated with these programs; a lender confirms whether you qualify. I can connect you with lenders who work with them.
The programs listed above are provided for educational purposes only. Program availability, funding, loan terms, and eligibility requirements are subject to change. Some assistance programs involve repayable loans rather than grants. Ellie Bechtel is a licensed Minnesota real estate salesperson affiliated with Edina Realty, not a mortgage lender or loan originator. All financing questions, qualification determinations, and loan applications should be directed to a licensed mortgage professional or participating lender. Ellie can help connect you with lenders familiar with these programs.
UPCOMING EVENTS
UPCOMING EVENTS
October 2026
Twin Cities Marathon Weekend — October 2–4, 2026, in Minneapolis and St. Paul.
Fall Remodelers Showcase — October 2–4, 2026, across the Twin Cities.
Minnesota Renaissance Festival — Final weekend through October 4, 2026, in Shakopee.
New Ulm Oktoberfest — October 2–3 and October 9–10, 2026, in New Ulm.
Cine Latino Film Festival — October 7–11, 2026, at The Main Cinema in Minneapolis.
Twin Cities Oktoberfest — October 9–10, 2026, at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.
Owámni: Falling Water Festival — October 10, 2026, at Mill Ruins Park, Water Works and Father Hennepin Bluffs Park in Minneapolis.
City of Lakes Art Fair — October 10–11, 2026, around Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis.
Stillwater Harvest Fest — October 10–11, 2026, in downtown Stillwater.
Open Streets Minneapolis: Hennepin Avenue — October 11, 2026, in Minneapolis.
Twin Cities Film Fest — October 15–24, 2026, in the Twin Cities.
Fall Colors Celebration at Lakewood Cemetery — October 18, 2026, in Minneapolis.
The Sound of Music — October 20–25, 2026, at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis.
Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular — Continues nightly through November 2, 2026, at the Minnesota Zoo.
November 2026
Minneapolis Gift & Art Expo — November 6–8, 2026, at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
Art Attack — November 13–14, 2026, at the Northrup King Building in Northeast Minneapolis.
GLOW Holiday Festival — November 19, 2026–January 3, 2027, at CHS Field in St. Paul.
European Christmas Market — November 20–December 20, 2026, at Union Depot in St. Paul.
December 2026
Saint Paul Winter Carnival Button Unveiling & Tree Lighting — December 5, 2026, at Union Depot in St. Paul.
A Charlie Brown Christmas with the Minnesota Orchestra — December 8–9, 2026, at Orchestra Hall in Minneapolis.
January 2027
Art Shanty Projects — Saturdays and Sundays, January 16–February 7, 2027, on Bdé Umáŋ (Lake Harriet) in Minneapolis.
The Great Northern — January 27–31, 2027, in Minneapolis.
Saint Paul Winter Carnival — January 28–February 7, 2027, in downtown St. Paul and at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds.