Published May 11, 2026

First-Time Homebuyer Programs Available in Clark County

Written by Vicky Kalashian

First-Time Homebuyer Programs Available in Clark County header image.

Down payment grants, forgivable loans, and competitive mortgages , here's every program helping Las Vegas and Henderson buyer

Most first-time buyers in Las Vegas think the biggest barrier to homeownership is the down payment. And they're right but what they don't know is that Clark County buyers have access to multiple programs specifically designed to cover or drastically reduce that cost. If you haven't heard of them, you're not alone. Most people only find out about these programs after they've already bought a home and left thousands of dollars on the table. This guide makes sure that doesn't happen to you.

"First-time homebuyer doesn't mean you've never owned a home. It just means you haven't owned one in the past three years and that changes everything."

The Nevada Housing Division: Start Here

The Nevada Housing Division (NHD) runs the state's most widely used assistance programs under the Home Is Possible umbrella. These programs combine down payment assistance with competitive 30-year fixed-rate mortgages and they're available to Clark County buyers right now.

The flagship option, Home Is Possible for First-Time Homebuyers, offers up to 4% of the loan amount in interest-free down payment assistance. On a $400,000 loan, that's $16,000 you don't have to save yourself. The assistance is structured as a second mortgage with no interest and no required payments and it's forgiven entirely if you stay in the home. You need a minimum 660 credit score and must not have owned a primary residence in the past three years. It works with FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional loans.

The Home First Program offers a flat up to $15,000 forgivable after three years in the home, specifically toward your down payment. The Launchpad for First-Time Homebuyers offered through the Nevada Rural Housing Authority bumps the ceiling to 5% of the loan amount for both down payment and closing costs, with a minimum credit score of 640.

If you're an essential worker, the Rural Rocks $20,000 Program is the most generous option in the state up to $20,000 toward down payment and closing costs, available to both first-time and repeat buyers. And if you're a licensed, full-time K–12 teacher at a Nevada public school, the Home Is Possible for Teachers program offers $7,500 in forgivable assistance plus a below-market mortgage rate. CCSD teachers this one's for you.

Important: All Nevada Housing Division programs require an approved participating lender. Not every bank is enrolled. Confirm your lender is on the approved list at homeispossiblenv.org before you start.

What Clark County Is Doing

Clark County is launching something brand new in 2026: the Welcome Home Community Land Trust, the first homeownership program of its kind from a local Nevada government. It offers below-market purchase prices to low-to-moderate income first-time buyers through a community land trust model. Applications are expected to open in Q2 2026. If you want to be notified, email CCCLT@ClarkCountyNV.gov now before the waitlist fills.

The cities of Las Vegas and Henderson don't currently run their own first-time buyer programs, so statewide programs are your best bet locally. Some employers in the valley also offer homebuyer assistance as a benefit worth a quick check with your HR department before assuming it doesn't exist.

[09/05/2026 1:53 am] Kim Rafael: Federal Loans That Make It All Work

State assistance programs layer on top of federal loan types, and the combination is where the real savings happen. FHA loans require as little as 3.5% down with a 580 credit score and pair with most Nevada DPA programs. VA loans require zero down payment, no mortgage insurance, and are available to veterans and active-duty military and the Las Vegas Valley has one of the largest veteran populations in the country, making this one of the most underused benefits in the area. USDA loans also offer zero down payment for eligible properties in certain Clark County ZIP codes, so it's worth checking if your target area qualifies. Conventional loans through Fannie Mae's HomeReady program start at 3% down with PMI that cancels once you reach 20% equity.

How to Get Started

The path is straightforward once you know it. Start by checking your credit score most programs require 640 to 660 minimum, and fixing issues now saves time later. Then complete a HUD-approved homebuyer education course, which is required by nearly all programs and can be done online in a few hours, often for free. Next, find an NHD-approved lender who actively works with these programs your lender choice matters as much as your loan type. Get fully pre-approved (not just pre-qualified) before you start touring homes. And work with a local buyer's agent who knows which programs apply to which neighborhoods and price points, and how to write an offer that wins in a competitive market.

One more thing: several of these programs run on limited funding and can pause mid-year when money runs out. If you're eligible, there is no benefit to waiting. The programs are available now. The homes are available now. The only variable is whether you're ready.

I'll show you exactly what the tax savings look like for your income and goals.

Kyle Simmons, S.0172790 949.933.5833