- 5 active programs: Nevada has at least five distinct DPA options for Clark County buyers in 2026, ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 in assistance.
- Worker Advantage: up to $20,000 at 0% interest, launched December 2025 for essential workers — the largest Nevada DPA as of this writing. Source: Nevada Housing Division.
- No first-time buyer requirement on most programs: Home Is Possible and Worker Advantage do not require first-time buyer status. MCC typically does.
- Stacking is possible but program-specific: confirm with a licensed local mortgage company which pairs are currently allowed for your loan type.
- Verify before you count on it: all figures are subject to funding availability and NHD program updates — treat this as a starting framework, not a commitment.
Nevada has at least five active down-payment assistance programs available to Clark County buyers in 2026, including the brand-new Worker Advantage program offering up to $20,000 at 0% interest (launched December 2025, administered by the Nevada Housing Division). These programs can reduce — or in some cases eliminate — the cash a buyer needs to close. This tracker compares each program side by side with sourced income limits, structure, and loan-pairing rules, and is updated as NHD publishes changes. All program participation is subject to availability, eligibility, and program terms; not guaranteed.
- Worker Advantage provides the largest Nevada DPA in 2026: up to $20,000 at 0%, targeting essential workers at approximately 150% AMI.
- Home Is Possible provides 4% in second-mortgage assistance with no first-time buyer requirement and works with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans.
- A Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) provides a federal tax credit — stackable with some DPA loans — and is also administered by NHD.
- VA and USDA loans already provide 0% down; DPA layers on top as closing-cost and equity assistance.
- Clark County's 2026 conforming limit is $832,750 (FHFA), covering nearly all Las Vegas median-priced homes under conventional financing.
All Nevada DPA programs compared (2026)
The table below compares every active Nevada Housing Division and county-level DPA program available to Clark County buyers as of June 2026. All income limits are subject to NHD updates; verify current figures at nvhousing.state.nv.us. Availability and program terms are not guaranteed.
| Program | Assistance amount | Structure | Income limit (approx.) | Purchase price limit | First-time buyer req.? | Compatible loans | Status (June 2026) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Worker Advantage | Up to $20,000 | 0% second mortgage; deferred; repayable if sold/refi'd before term | ~150% AMI (Clark County) — estimated; verify with NHD | At or below conforming limit ($832,750 Clark County, FHFA 2026) | No (occupancy required) | FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional (NHD-approved lenders) | Open — verify slots |
| Home Is Possible (HIP) | Up to 4% of loan amount (second mortgage) | 0% second mortgage; forgiven after 3 years if you remain in home | ~$105,000 gross household income (Clark County; subject to NHD update) | At or below conforming limit | No | FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional (30-yr fixed; NHD-approved lenders) | Active |
| Home First | Up to $15,000 | Forgivable second mortgage (prorated forgiveness over time) | Varies by county / household size (NHD publishes limits) | Set by NHD per county | Yes — must not have owned in past 3 years | FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional | Verify availability with NHD |
| Home At Last | Up to $10,000–$15,000 (varies by participating lender) | Grant or forgivable second mortgage (lender-specific) | Set by participating lender and local issuer | At or below conforming limit | Varies (confirm with lender) | FHA, VA, Conventional (through participating lenders) | Confirm with local lender |
| Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) | Federal tax credit: 20–30% of annual mortgage interest | Tax credit (not a cash DPA); reduces federal tax liability annually for life of loan | NHD income limits apply (similar to HIP); published at nvhousing.state.nv.us | Set by NHD | Yes — typically first-time buyer (no ownership in past 3 years) | FHA, VA, USDA, Conventional (issued by NHD-approved lenders) | Active — through NHD-approved lenders |
| VA Loan (0% down) | 0% down payment (no DPA needed for down payment) | VA-guaranteed loan, not a DPA — but DPA can cover closing costs | No income limit on the VA loan itself; DPA layered on top has own limits | No conforming cap with full entitlement (VA.gov) | No (service-connected eligibility) | VA loan only | Pair with HIP or Worker Advantage for closing costs |
| USDA (Rural Dev.) 0% down | 0% down payment in eligible areas | USDA-guaranteed loan — portions of Clark County may qualify; verify with USDA | USDA income limits apply (USDA.gov); typically 115% AMI | Property in USDA-eligible area (most of Las Vegas city core does not qualify) | No (property location is key) | USDA loan only | Pair with HIP if property qualifies |
Income limits and program terms in this table are sourced from Nevada Housing Division (NHD) public program pages and secondary research as of June 2026. AMI percentages and dollar limits change annually. Worker Advantage income limits at approximately 150% AMI are based on NHD public program information at launch (December 2025); the exact limit may have been updated since. Always verify current figures directly at nvhousing.state.nv.us before making financial decisions.
Worker Advantage — the newest Nevada DPA ($20,000 at 0%)
Worker Advantage is the newest and largest Nevada down-payment assistance program as of June 2026, launched by the Nevada Housing Division in December 2025. It provides up to $20,000 at 0% interest as a deferred second mortgage, meaning no monthly payment is due while you remain in the home — the balance is repaid when you sell, refinance, or the loan term ends.
Key eligibility features as of the program's December 2025 launch, per NHD public information:
- Income: approximately 150% of the Area Median Income (AMI) for Clark County — designed to serve moderate-income buyers, not just lower-income households. Verify the current AMI threshold at nvhousing.state.nv.us.
- Occupation focus: essential workers (healthcare, education, public safety), though NHD has expanded eligibility to additional worker categories — confirm current scope with an NHD-approved lender.
- First-time buyer: not required; owner-occupancy is required.
- Property: Clark County is eligible; subject to conforming loan limit ($832,750, FHFA 2026).
- Loan types: available with FHA, VA, USDA, and 30-year fixed conventional loans through NHD-approved lenders.
No local conventional mortgage competitor has a dedicated page on Worker Advantage as of June 2026. If you may qualify, ask your lender specifically about this program — it is not yet widely advertised. See our full Las Vegas down-payment assistance guide for how to apply. All program terms are subject to availability and eligibility; not guaranteed.
As a local mortgage company, we work with NHD-approved programs and can confirm which DPA options pair with your loan type and situation. No commitment required to start. All loans subject to credit, income, property, and underwriting approval. DPA programs subject to availability.
Check my DPA optionsHome Is Possible (NHD)
Home Is Possible (HIP) is Nevada's flagship DPA program, administered by the Nevada Housing Division. It provides up to 4% of the loan amount as a second mortgage at 0% interest, forgivable after approximately three years if you remain in the home. It does not require first-time buyer status.
- Assistance: 4% of the loan amount (for a $400,000 loan, that equals $16,000 — available as a 0% second mortgage).
- Income limit: approximately $105,000 gross household income for Clark County (subject to annual NHD update; verify at nvhousing.state.nv.us).
- Loan types: 30-year fixed FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional (Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac) — through NHD-approved lenders.
- Credit score: minimum varies by loan type; typically 640+ for conventional, 620+ for government loans through HIP.
- Forgiveness: the second mortgage is forgiven after three years in the home; selling or refinancing before that period typically triggers repayment of the remaining balance.
NHD maintains a list of approved lenders on their website. Valley West Mortgage's participation status as an NHD-approved lender should be confirmed directly with NHD or us. Source: Nevada Housing Division — Home Is Possible.
Home First
Home First is a Clark County and Nevada Housing Division program that provides up to $15,000 in forgivable down-payment assistance. Unlike Home Is Possible, Home First typically requires first-time buyer status (no ownership in the past three years) and has income limits set by county and household size.
- Structure: forgivable second mortgage — balance forgiven on a prorated schedule over time; repayable if you sell or refinance before the forgiveness period ends.
- First-time buyer requirement: yes, in most cases (no ownership in past 3 years).
- Income limits: published by NHD per county and household size; verify at nvhousing.state.nv.us.
Program availability is subject to funding and may differ from what is listed here. Verify directly with NHD for current Clark County status.
Home At Last
Home At Last is a mortgage-assistance program offered through certain participating lenders in Nevada, sometimes providing grant funds or forgivable assistance toward down payment and closing costs. The amount varies by lender and program version — typically in the range of $10,000 to $15,000.
- Structure: varies by lender — may be a grant (no repayment) or a forgivable second mortgage.
- First-time buyer requirement: varies; confirm with the specific participating lender.
- Income and price limits: set by the local issuer and lender; typically below $105,000 income and at or below the conforming limit.
Because Home At Last is lender-implemented, not all lenders offer it. Ask specifically whether a lender has a current Home At Last allocation.
Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)
The Mortgage Credit Certificate is a federal program administered in Nevada by the Nevada Housing Division. It is not cash assistance — instead, it provides a federal income tax credit equal to 20–30% of the annual mortgage interest you pay, every year for the life of the loan. For a buyer paying $12,000 in interest in year one with a 20% MCC rate, that is a $2,400 tax credit — reducing their federal tax bill, dollar for dollar.
- Stackable: the MCC can often be combined with Home Is Possible or Worker Advantage, making it the most powerful stack in Nevada DPA (subject to lender and program rules).
- First-time buyer requirement: typically yes — you must not have owned a primary residence in the past three years. Certain federally targeted census tracts may waive this.
- Income and price limits: set by NHD; published at nvhousing.state.nv.us.
- Issued at closing: the MCC is issued by the NHD-approved lender at closing; you claim the credit annually on your federal tax return (IRS Form 8396).
The MCC is the only NHD benefit that continues providing value every year you own the home. Talk to a tax professional about how it applies to your situation. Source: Nevada Housing Division — MCC; IRS Form 8396 instructions.
Pairing DPA with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans
DPA programs do not stand alone — they attach to a first mortgage. Which loan you use determines which DPA programs are available and how the assistance is structured. Below is how each loan type pairs with Nevada DPA.
| Loan type | Down payment (base) | Compatible NV DPA | DPA role | Key note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FHA (3.5% down) | 3.5% min. (620+ score); 10% if 500–619 | Home Is Possible, Worker Advantage, Home First, MCC | Covers down payment and/or closing costs | Clark County FHA limit = $541,287 (HUD 2026). MIP applies; not removable unlike conventional PMI. |
| Conventional (3–5% down) | 3% min. (HomeReady/Home Possible); 5% standard | Home Is Possible, Worker Advantage, Home At Last, MCC | Covers part or all of the minimum down payment | Conforming limit = $832,750 (FHFA 2026). PMI removable at ~20% equity under Homeowners Protection Act. |
| VA (0% down) | 0% with full entitlement (VA.gov) | Home Is Possible, Worker Advantage (for closing costs) | Covers closing costs, funding fee, or builds additional equity | VA loans have no monthly MIP. No conforming cap with full entitlement. Eligible servicemembers/veterans only. |
| USDA Rural Dev. (0% down) | 0% in eligible areas | Home Is Possible (if area qualifies) | Covers closing costs | Most of Las Vegas proper does not qualify; check rural eligibility map at usda.gov. Income limit ~115% AMI. |
Loan type eligibility and DPA pairing depend on the lender's current NHD-approved product menu. A local mortgage company — as a local mortgage company — can confirm which combination is available for your specific file and property. See our affordability calculator to model the monthly payment under each scenario.
Can you stack Nevada DPA programs?
Stacking — using more than one DPA benefit on the same transaction — is possible in Nevada but subject to specific rules that change with each program and lender. Here is how the main combinations work as of June 2026.
- Home Is Possible + MCC: this is the most common Nevada DPA stack. NHD explicitly supports combining HIP second-mortgage assistance with a Mortgage Credit Certificate, provided the lender is approved for both. The HIP covers cash to close; the MCC reduces taxes every year.
- Worker Advantage + MCC: NHD has indicated Worker Advantage may stack with an MCC — verify current status directly at nvhousing.state.nv.us, as this is a newer program.
- Worker Advantage + Home Is Possible: stacking two NHD second mortgages on the same loan is generally not permitted; confirm with the lender.
- VA loan + Home Is Possible: permitted — VA covers the down payment; HIP or Worker Advantage covers closing costs or additional assistance.
Stacking scenarios must be disclosed to and approved by the first-mortgage lender, the DPA program administrator, and underwriting. Program stacking rules change. Confirm current rules with an NHD-approved lender before counting on any combination.
How this tracker is maintained
Sources: Nevada Housing Division (nvhousing.state.nv.us) — Home Is Possible, Worker Advantage, Home First, and MCC program pages; HUD 2026 FHA loan limits (huduser.gov) for Clark County ($541,287 single-family); FHFA 2026 conforming loan limits (fhfa.gov) for Clark County ($832,750 single-family); USDA Rural Development eligibility maps (usda.gov); IRS Form 8396 instructions (MCC federal tax credit).
Date pulled: June 29, 2026. Income limits, program structures, and availability are as published by NHD on that date. Dollar figures and percentage limits are subject to annual and mid-cycle updates by NHD.
Update cadence: this tracker is reviewed when NHD publishes program updates or when the FHFA/HUD publish annual loan limit adjustments (typically January each year). Last full review: June 29, 2026.
Limitations: some program parameters — particularly Worker Advantage slot counts and mid-cycle income limit adjustments — are not published in real time by NHD. Where data is estimated or not directly confirmed from an official page, we note it as "estimated; verify with NHD." Valley West Mortgage is a licensed Nevada mortgage company (NMLS #65506, NV Broker #2118) and not an employee of NHD; this data is provided for educational reference, not as official NHD program documentation.
Cite this tracker: "Nevada Down-Payment Assistance Tracker 2026," Valley West Mortgage (NMLS #65506), conventionalhomeloans.services/nevada-dpa-tracker-2026, published June 29, 2026.
Embed this tracker
Tell us your loan type goal and we will check which programs apply for Clark County. As a local mortgage company, we put a local team on your file to find the right loan and can confirm which DPA programs are currently funded and available for your file. No obligation to start — all loans subject to credit, income, property, and underwriting approval. DPA programs subject to availability and eligibility.
See my DPA optionsFrequently asked questions
How much is the Worker Advantage down-payment assistance in Nevada?
Worker Advantage provides up to $20,000 in down-payment assistance at 0% interest, launched December 2025. It targets essential workers in healthcare, education, and public safety in Clark County (and other Nevada counties). Income eligibility is approximately 150% of the Area Median Income (AMI). The program is administered by the Nevada Housing Division (NHD) and subject to funding availability. Verify current status and slot availability directly at nvhousing.state.nv.us.
What are the income limits for Nevada down-payment assistance programs?
Income limits vary by program. Home Is Possible has an income limit of approximately $105,000 for Clark County (subject to NHD updates). Worker Advantage targets buyers at approximately 150% AMI. Home At Last limits are set by the issuing municipality. Home First limits are set by county. All limits are subject to change; the Nevada Housing Division publishes current limits at nvhousing.state.nv.us.
Can you stack Nevada DPA programs — use more than one at a time?
Some Nevada DPA programs can be layered, but stacking rules vary by program pair and lender. Home Is Possible assistance can in some cases be combined with a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC), which is a separate federal tax-credit benefit also administered by NHD. Worker Advantage and Home Is Possible stacking eligibility depends on the lender, loan type, and current program guidelines. A licensed local mortgage company can confirm which combinations are available for your specific file.
Do Nevada DPA programs require being a first-time home buyer?
It depends on the program. Home Is Possible and Worker Advantage do not require first-time buyer status in most cases — they focus on income limits and property type. The Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) typically requires first-time buyer status (not having owned a home in the past 3 years). Home First and some county-level programs may also have first-time buyer requirements. Verify current program rules with NHD or a local mortgage company before applying.
What is the difference between a DPA grant, a second mortgage, and a forgivable loan in Nevada?
A grant does not need to be repaid as long as you remain in the home for a minimum period (often 3–5 years). A second mortgage is a separate lien on the property that you repay — often at 0% interest or deferred. A forgivable loan is initially a lien but the balance is forgiven over time (prorated per year) if you stay in the home; selling or refinancing before the forgiveness period ends typically triggers repayment of the remaining balance. Worker Advantage is structured as a second mortgage at 0%. Home Is Possible assistance is structured as a second mortgage. Specific terms are set by NHD and are subject to change.
Can you use Nevada DPA with a conventional loan, FHA, VA, or USDA loan?
Yes — Nevada DPA programs are typically paired with specific loan types. Home Is Possible is available with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans through NHD-approved lenders. Worker Advantage is also paired with government and conventional loans through participating lenders. VA and USDA loans already provide 0% down, so DPA layers on top as closing-cost assistance or additional equity. Conventional conforming loans in Clark County have a 2026 loan limit of $832,750 (FHFA). Loan type eligibility is set by each program and is subject to underwriting approval.
- Nevada Housing Division (NHD) — nvhousing.state.nv.us — Home Is Possible, Worker Advantage, Home First, MCC, and Home At Last program pages, accessed June 29, 2026. All program terms and limits subject to change.
- U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) — 2026 FHA loan limits; Clark County, NV single-family = $541,287. Source: huduser.gov.
- Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) — 2026 conforming loan limits; Clark County, NV single-family = $832,750.
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — VA home loan benefits; 0% down with full entitlement; no conforming limit cap.
- USDA Rural Development — rural eligibility maps and income limits; eligibility.sc.egov.usda.gov.
- Internal Revenue Service — Form 8396: Mortgage Interest Credit (Mortgage Credit Certificate federal tax credit).
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau — Owning a Home — homebuyer tools and resources.
Related Nevada home buyer resources
DPA Guide
Down payment assistance Las Vegas 2026
The full Las Vegas buyer guide to Nevada DPA — programs, amounts, and how to apply.
First-time buyers
First-time home buyer Las Vegas
Step-by-step Clark County guide for buyers purchasing their first home in 2026.
Calculator
How much house can I afford?
Model your payment, DTI, and down payment options for Las Vegas homes.
Loan limits
Conforming loan limit Nevada 2026
Clark County's $832,750 conforming limit explained — and when you need a jumbo loan.
FHA buyers
FHA first-time buyer guide
How FHA loans pair with Nevada DPA for Clark County buyers — from our FHA site.