Inside Kansas City’s top down payment assistance programs, from forgivable loans to nonprofit grants

Missouri ranks 15th nationally for how quickly residents can save for a home down payment, needing about 12 years on average. In Kansas City, several down payment assistance programs help buyers, including two from the Missouri Housing Development Commission (MHDC) and Habitat for Humanity’s grant. MHDC offers the First Place and Next Step programs with forgivable loans or lower interest rates, while Habitat provides up to $10,000 in grants. Additional options include Federal Home Loan Bank and local bank programs. Funds are limited and often first-come, first-served.