Buying a home in North Dakota: the help you may qualify for.

Down payment and closing cost help

From the North Dakota Housing Finance Agency.

• Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance (DCA) and Start

  3% of the first mortgage

  A credit at closing for down payment, closing costs or prepaid items, with an NDHFA first mortgage like FirstHome. DCA is for lower incomes and Start for low to moderate incomes.

• HomeAccess Military and heroes

  Lower-rate financing plus down payment help

  For veterans, single parents, and households with a disabled or elderly member.

Who qualifies: Income and price limits, homebuyer education, through a participating lender.

Property tax exemptions and credits

Exemptions lower your home’s taxable value or your bill. Most aren’t automatic: you apply with your city or county assessor. North Dakota’s official exemptions information.

For homeowners who live in the home

• Primary residence credit

  Up to $1,600 off your property tax

  For North Dakota homeowners on their primary residence, with no age or income limit. One per household.

  How to apply: Online with the Tax Commissioner, usually January 1 to April 1. (North Dakota Tax Commissioner)

For homeowners 65 and older

• Homestead credit (65+ or disabled)

  A reduction in taxable value, based on income

  For homeowners 65 or older, or permanently and totally disabled, with income under the state's limit.

  How to apply: With your city or county assessor. (North Dakota Tax Commissioner)

For veterans

• Disabled veteran credit

  Part of the home's taxable value, by rating

  For veterans with a service-connected disability of 50% or more, and some surviving spouses.

  How to apply: With your city or county assessor. (North Dakota Tax Commissioner)

Want to see which ones fit you? Answer a few questions in the property tax exemptions checker.

Your next steps

1. Work out a monthly cost you’re comfortable with in the home cost calculator. It also lists North Dakota’s programs with the loans you may qualify for.
2. Talk with a free or low-cost HUD-approved housing counselor. Find one near you.
3. Ask each lender which of these programs they work with, and compare Loan Estimates from at least three.
4. Follow the step-by-step home buyer’s guide from budget to keys.

Common questions