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First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Louisville (Jefferson County), KY

Louisville and Jefferson County first-time buyers: programs you qualify for, market context, and a top-rated contractor shortlist.

Available Programs

Down Payment AssistanceUp to $12,500

KHC Down Payment Assistance

Kentucky Housing Corporation

Assistance for down payment and closing costs for qualifying first-time homebuyers. Repayable over 15 years at 4.75%.

First-time buyer 620+ credit Under $80k income
  • Up to $12,500 in assistance
  • Can be combined with other programs
Learn More
Loan Program100% Financing

USDA Rural Development Loan

USDA

Zero down payment loans for homes in eligible rural areas of Kentucky.

640+ credit Under $92k income
  • No down payment required
  • Competitive interest rates
Learn More
Loan Program3.5% Down Payment

FHA Loan

Federal Housing Administration

Government-backed loans with lower down payment and credit requirements.

580+ credit
  • Only 3.5% down payment
  • Lower credit score accepted
Learn More
Loan Program100% Financing

VA Home Loan

Department of Veterans Affairs

Zero down payment loans for veterans, active military, and eligible spouses.

620+ credit Veterans only
  • No down payment
  • No private mortgage insurance
Learn More
GrantUp to $20,000

Welcome Home Grant

Federal Home Loan Bank of Cincinnati

Grant for down payment and closing costs. Does not need to be repaid. Income must be at or below 80% of MRB limits. Homebuyer must contribute at least $500 of own funds.

620+ credit Under $72k income
  • Does not need to be repaid
  • Not limited to first-time homebuyers
Learn More
Homeownership ProgramAffordable Mortgage

Habitat for Humanity Kentucky

Habitat for Humanity

Partner with Habitat to build or renovate affordable homes with sweat equity.

Under $60k income
  • 0% interest mortgage
  • Build equity through sweat equity
Learn More
Down Payment AssistanceUp to $7,500

KHC Affordable DAP

Kentucky Housing Corporation

Low-interest assistance for lower-income buyers. 1% interest rate, 10-year term.

First-time buyer 620+ credit Under $65k income
  • Only 1% interest rate
  • 10-year repayment term
Learn More
Loan Program3% Down Payment

Conventional 97 Loan

Fannie Mae / Freddie Mac

Conventional loan option with just 3% down for first-time buyers.

First-time buyer 680+ credit
  • Only 3% down payment
  • PMI can be removed at 20% equity
Learn More
Important: Program details, income limits, and availability change frequently. HomeJourney is not a lender, broker, or financial advisor — always verify current terms directly with the program administrator before relying on them.

USDA Rural Eligibility

USDA rural loans are determined by the property address, not the county. Some addresses in Jefferson County may still qualify — check your specific address.

Check your address →
Important: USDA eligibility is determined by the property address, not the county. Some areas of this county qualify and others do not — check your specific address with the USDA eligibility map before relying on a USDA loan.

Local Market

The median home price in Jefferson County is approximately $284,000.

Important: Market figures are estimates from the cited source and are for general context only — not an appraisal or financial advice.

Local Resources in Louisville

Jefferson County's median home sale price was about $284,000 (Redfin county-level data, last 3 months ending June 2026), with homes generally selling close to asking price — steady demand.

Local Down Payment & Homebuyer Programs

Louisville Metro Down Payment Assistance Program

Louisville Metro's Office of Housing provides up to $25,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance (capped at 15% of purchase price) as a partially forgivable 0% interest loan. Open to low-to-moderate income buyers at or below 80% AMI who do not currently own a home. Application window is typically March–April each year; check the program page for the next open window.

Learn more →

Housing Counseling Agencies

HUD-approved agencies offering homebuyer education and counseling.

Louisville Urban League — Center for Housing & Financial Empowerment

(502) 585-4622

Visit website →

Apprisen

(800) 355-2227

Visit website →

Top-Rated Contractors in Jefferson County

Ranked by a Reputation Score from third-party reviews and public records.

Important: Rankings reflect a Reputation Score computed from third-party reviews and public records, with each rating source noted. HomeJourney does not vet, endorse, or guarantee any contractor. Verify license, insurance, and references before hiring.
Flooring
via Angi Reputation 86

Creative Tile LLC

Louisville, KY

4.9(163)

Ceramic, porcelain, granite, marble, glass tile installation. New construction, remodel, repair. Family-owned since 2009.

Tile InstallationRemodelRepair +2 more
15 years experience Within 24 hours

Rating as of 2026-06-09

General Contractor
via Houzz Reputation 84

Bailey Remodeling

Louisville, KY

4.9(78)

Award-winning remodeling with extensive portfolio. NAHB and Home Builders Association of Kentucky affiliated.

Kitchen RemodelBathroom RemodelAdditions +1 more
20 years experience Within 48 hours

Rating as of 2026-06-09

Roofing
via Birdeye Reputation 82

Andes Roofing

Louisville, KY

4.8(91)

Licensed and insured residential and commercial roofing. Works with GAF and Owens Corning architectural shingles.

Roof RepairReplacementStorm Damage +2 more
12 years experience Within 24 hours

Rating as of 2026-06-09

Roofing
via Angi Reputation 77

Commonwealth Roofing

Louisville, KY

5(34)

Founded 1981. Residential and commercial roofing specialists. Kentucky and National Roofing Contractors Association member.

Roof RepairReplacementMaintenance +1 more
43 years experience Within 24 hours

Rating as of 2026-06-09

Roofing
via Yelp Reputation 71

Highland Roofing

Louisville, KY

5(5)

Full-service, family-owned roofing contractor. Four generations of quality workmanship since 1890.

Roof RepairReplacementInspections +2 more
134 years experience Within 48 hours

Rating as of 2026-06-09

General Contractor
via Birdeye Reputation 69

High Bridge Development

Louisville, KY

4.8(32)

Louisville's go-to home remodeling company. High-quality renovations with unmatched craftsmanship.

Kitchen RemodelBathroom RemodelFull Renovations +1 more
10 years experience Within 48 hours

Rating as of 2026-06-09

Frequently Asked Questions

What first-time buyer programs are available in Louisville?

Louisville residents in Jefferson County have access to several programs including the KHC Down Payment Assistance program, FHA loans, and other state and federal options. The programs listed on this page are filtered specifically for Jefferson County. Eligibility depends on income, credit score, and other factors — verify directly with program administrators.

Do I need to be a first-time buyer to qualify?

Some programs require first-time buyer status (generally defined as not owning a home in the past 3 years), but others like FHA and USDA loans are available to all qualifying buyers. Check each program's requirements and confirm eligibility with the program administrator.

How do I find a contractor in Jefferson County?

The top-rated contractors section below lists contractors serving Jefferson County ranked by a Reputation Score derived from third-party reviews and public records. You can also browse the full contractor directory for more options.

Are these program listings guaranteed to be current?

No. These listings are informational only. Program details, funding availability, and eligibility requirements change frequently. Always verify directly with the program administrator before making any financial decisions.

Want to see who offers these services locally? View local sponsors →

Disclaimer: Kentucky Home Journey is an informational resource only. We are not lenders, real estate agents, or financial advisors. Program details, eligibility requirements, and availability change frequently — always verify current information directly with program administrators before making decisions. Contractor listings are aggregated from public sources; we do not endorse, guarantee, or verify their services, credentials, or quality of work. Calculator results are estimates only and should not be considered financial advice. Consult qualified professionals for personalized guidance.

© 2025 Kentucky Home Journey

Not affiliated with Kentucky Housing Corporation or any government agency.