Helping first-time buyers find — and afford — their dream home is one of the most rewarding parts of real estate. In Kansas, several powerful programs can make the process easier for your clients. As a real estate agent or broker, understanding these programs can not only help you better serve first-time homebuyers but also build trust and win more referrals.

Here’s a breakdown of the key Kansas first-time homebuyer programs you should have in your toolkit:

1. Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) — First-Time Homebuyer Program

The KHRC First-Time Homebuyer Program offers down payment and closing cost assistance for eligible buyers across Kansas (outside Kansas City metro).

Highlights:

• Up to 15-20% of the home’s purchase price as assistance.
• No monthly payments on the assistance if the buyer stays in the home for a set period (forgivable loan).
• Household income limits apply.
• Must contribute at least 2% of the purchase price from their own funds.

Agent Tip: Educate your buyers early about the income limits and area restrictions — some larger counties like Johnson and Wyandotte are not eligible for this specific program.

2. KansasDPA (Down Payment Assistance) Grant — Via Participating Lenders

Some Kansas lenders offer grants or special financing programs under KansasDPA initiatives. These often pair with FHA, VA, or USDA loans to cover down payments.

Highlights:

• It can reduce upfront cash requirements dramatically.
• Often targeted at buyers under a certain income threshold.
• No repayment is required if the buyer stays in a home for a set period.

Agent Tip: Build relationships with loan officers offering DPA options to streamline deals and prevent financing hiccups.

3. City-Specific Programs (e.g., Topeka Opportunity to Own, Wichita Homeownership Program)

Some cities in Kansas have their own localized assistance for first-time buyers.

Examples:

• Topeka Opportunity to Own (TOTO): Provides up to $30,000 in forgivable loans toward home purchase and renovation.
• Wichita HOME Program: Grants and loans for down payment and closing costs within certain city limits.

Agent Tip: If you’re selling in Wichita, Topeka, or Kansas City, make a cheat sheet of local program contacts and requirements to share with prospects.

4. USDA Rural Development Loans

Much of Kansas qualifies as “rural” under USDA loan standards. This can be a major advantage for first-time buyers who might not otherwise afford a home.

Highlights:

• Zero down payment.
• Low mortgage insurance compared to FHA.
• Must meet income and property eligibility standards.

Agent Tip: Use the USDA eligibility map with your buyers to quickly identify real estate and properties that qualify. Rural doesn’t always mean remote — many suburban areas near Wichita, Salina, and Manhattan are eligible!

5. Federal First-Time Buyer Programs (Available in Kansas)

National programs like FHA loans, HomeReady, and Home Possible are all available statewide and often used by Kansas first-time buyers.

Agent Tip: Pair federal options with Kansas-specific grants and assistance to create a “stacked” financing plan that reduces your buyer’s cash burden significantly.

Why This Matters for Agents and Brokers

Knowing about first-time homebuyer programs isn’t just good service — it’s smart business.

• It helps you close deals faster by making buyers more financially prepared.
• It positions you as a trusted expert, not just a salesperson.
• It opens the door to first-time buyer referrals, one of the strongest lead sources in kansas for real estate leads.

Pro Tip: Consider creating a simple “First-Time Buyer Financing Guide” you can hand out at open houses or attach to your email signature (check out online real estate marketing assets for ideas and templates)!

Final Thoughts

Kansas offers more opportunities for first-time buyers than many agents realize. By staying informed and proactively educating your clients, you can help more people achieve homeownership — and build a thriving, referral-based business while doing it.

Stay tuned for more real estate news: We’ll be updating this list as new Kansas programs roll out in 2025!