Arkansas down payment assistance, deep-checked against current state program sources.
A current inventory of state-run and state-administered assistance in Arkansas, plus national DPA options. Funding and rate sheets can still change after this review date.
Reviewed September 11, 2026 • Joshua Dobson, NMLS #190260
Quick comparison
| Program | Potential assistance | Published min. FICO | Repayment/Forgiveness | Biggest catch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ADFA Down Payment Assistance Loan Program | $1,000–$15,000 | 640 via current ADFA first-mortgage programs | Second mortgage, 10-year term | Must be paired with an eligible ADFA first mortgage; first-mortgage program determines first-time-buyer and income rules. |
| ADFA StartSmart + DPA | Up to $15,000 through ADFA DPA | 640 | Bond first mortgage paired with ADFA DPA second | This is an underlying first-mortgage route to the same ADFA DPA—not a second stackable $15,000 benefit. |
| ADFA Move-Up + DPA | Up to $15,000 through ADFA DPA | 640 | Non-bond first mortgage paired with ADFA DPA second | Current Move-Up income limit and lender rules apply. |
ADFA Down Payment Assistance Loan Program
ADFA Down Payment Assistance Loan Program is a current state-administered homebuyer assistance option. Mortgage Navigator uses the administering agency as the controlling source and avoids filling changing details with stale third-party numbers.
Published minimum FICO: 640 via current ADFA first-mortgage programs
ADFA StartSmart + DPA
ADFA StartSmart + DPA is a current state-administered homebuyer assistance option. Mortgage Navigator uses the administering agency as the controlling source and avoids filling changing details with stale third-party numbers.
Published minimum FICO: 640
ADFA Move-Up + DPA
ADFA Move-Up + DPA is a current state-administered homebuyer assistance option. Mortgage Navigator uses the administering agency as the controlling source and avoids filling changing details with stale third-party numbers.
Published minimum FICO: 640
National programs Arkansas buyers should also check
National Homebuyers Fund
NHF multi-state assistance may be available through participating lenders. Current lender/product terms control credit, pricing, assistance and repayment or forgiveness.
Published minimum FICO: product/lender specific
Chenoa Fund
Chenoa Fund provides FHA down-payment assistance through approved lender partners. Current matrices control credit, pricing and second-mortgage terms.
Published minimum FICO: product/lender specific
Arkansas's biggest DPA lesson
Arkansas has one core ADFA DPA loan that can be paired with two distinct state first-mortgage paths, StartSmart and Move-Up. The page distinguishes the paths so consumers do not mistakenly add the assistance amounts together.
Let Josh compare the available programs.
Send the city/ZIP, purchase price, credit range, household income and first-time-buyer status.