Where can I get money for a down payment?
Short answer
Down-payment funds often come from savings, from gifts that the loan program allows when they are properly documented, or from official down-payment-assistance programs. Other sources may be permitted by the applicable loan program or lender. Tell the lender the source of the funds, and do not treat any option as guaranteed eligibility.
Full explanation
If cash on hand is short, the CFPB describes several durable paths. You can wait and save. Relatives or other trusted people may give gift funds on some loans if you can document where the money came from and sign a statement that it is a gift rather than a side loan. Local nonprofit or government organizations sometimes offer down-payment or closing-cost assistance, including in the form of a second mortgage on special terms.
Some loan programs or lenders also permit other funding sources. Which sources are allowed, and on what documentation, depends on the program and the lender. Tell the lender which source you plan to use.
This answer does not list program-specific eligibility rules or current assistance amounts. The frozen sources do not promise that you will qualify for any program.