Energy Smart Loan

Up to 5% Toward Your Down Payment.
Forgiven in 90 Days.

Real down payment help on an FHA loan. No income limits, no first-time buyer requirement, no classes to take, and nothing to pay back after 90 days.

Check If You Qualify How It Works
The Assistance, at a Glance
Up to 5%
of your purchase price (3.5% or 5%), as a forgivable second mortgage applied to your down payment and closing costs
Repayment None after 90 days
Monthly payment on the grant $0
Income limits None
First-time buyers only? No, open to all
If you sell or refinance before day 90, repayment terms of the second mortgage apply.

About the assistance: the down payment assistance of 3.5% or 5% of the purchase price is provided as a forgivable second mortgage recorded as a lien against the property, with a 0% interest rate (0% Annual Percentage Rate), no monthly payments, and no finance charges, and is fully forgiven 90 days after closing, at which point no repayment of any amount is required. If the property is sold or the loan is refinanced before forgiveness, repayment terms of the second mortgage apply. Available with FHA 203(b) first mortgages; first-mortgage rates and APRs vary by borrower and are provided in your Loan Estimate. This is not a commitment to lend.

What 5% Actually Means

Real Dollars, Real Down Payment

Examples at the 5% assistance level, calculated from purchase price. A 3.5% option is also available.

On a $300,000 home
$15,000
toward down payment and closing costs
On a $450,000 home
$22,500
toward down payment and closing costs
On a $600,000 home
$30,000
toward down payment and closing costs
Not Your Typical Assistance Program

How It Compares to
Typical Down Payment Programs

Most assistance programs come with strings attached. This one is built differently.

Typical State DPA Energy Smart Loan
Repayment ✗Usually repayable or due on sale ✓Forgivable 2nd, released after 90 days
Income limits ✗Strict income caps ✓No income limits
Who can use it ✗Often first-time buyers only ✓Open to repeat buyers too
Homebuyer classes ✗Required education courses ✓None required
What funds can cover Down payment only, usually ✓Down payment, closing costs, or rate buy-down
How It Works

Three Steps to Your Keys

STEP 01
Get Pre-Approved
Apply for your FHA loan the normal way. If you meet standard FHA guidelines and the program requirements, including the financed energy upgrade and an eligible state, you can qualify for the assistance. We confirm your numbers up front.
STEP 02
Close With Your Grant
Your 3.5% or 5% grant is applied at closing, covering your down payment and closing costs. Any extra goes straight to your principal.
STEP 03
Forgiven in 90 Days
The assistance is structured as a 2nd mortgage with no payment and no interest, then fully forgiven 90 days after closing. Done.
Where the Grant Comes From

Powered by an Energy Upgrade
You Own Outright

The assistance is funded through an owned home energy system financed into your first mortgage, reflected in your loan amount and payment. There is no separate lease bill, and unlike a solar lease, the system is yours.

Owned, not leased
Unlike a solar lease or PPA, there is no separate lease lien, no separate monthly bill, and no contract to transfer when you sell. The system is yours.
One single payment
The system cost is financed into your FHA first mortgage, which is reflected in your loan amount and monthly payment. One payment covers your home and energy upgrade; there is no separate lease bill.
You generate your own power
The system produces electricity for your home. Energy production and economics vary by home, location, and utility; our team walks you through the specifics for yours.
Program Details

Energy Smart Loan at a Glance

Loan Type
FHA 203(b). Purchase and rate/term refinance. Primary residence only.
Assistance Amount
3.5% or 5% of purchase price as a forgivable 2nd mortgage. Fully forgiven after 90 days.
Use of Funds
Down payment, closing costs, or rate buy-down. Excess applied to principal.
Eligibility
Standard FHA qualifying. No income limits, no first-time buyer requirement, no education classes.
Eligible States
Program available in most states, excluding AK, HI, NY, PR. Lender and originator licensing apply; confirm availability for your property state.
Underwriting
Standard FHA. Manual underwriting permitted. Approve/Ineligible AUS finding acceptable.
Common Questions

Frequently Asked

Do I ever have to pay the assistance back?
Not if you stay put through forgiveness. The assistance is a second mortgage with no monthly payment and no interest, fully forgiven 90 days after closing. If you sell or refinance before day 90, the second mortgage's repayment terms apply; after forgiveness, nothing is owed.
Is this only for first-time homebuyers?
No. Unlike most state assistance programs, there is no first-time buyer requirement. Repeat buyers are welcome.
Are there income limits?
No income limits. Qualifying is based on standard FHA guidelines plus the program requirements, with no added income caps.
What is the energy system part about?
The grant is funded through an owned home energy system whose cost is financed into your FHA loan. You do not pay for it separately, and unlike a solar lease there is no separate lease lien and no separate monthly bill. Our team walks you through exactly how it is sized for your home before you commit to anything.
Can I use the funds for closing costs instead of the down payment?
Yes. Funds can go toward your down payment, closing costs, or a rate buy-down, in whatever combination works best for your file. Anything left over is applied to your principal.

See What 5% Looks Like on Your Price Range

A 15-minute pre-approval tells you your grant amount, your payment, and your buying power. No cost, no commitment.

Apply Now
📞 (617) 595-2500
📧 roc@ccm.com
🌐 rochomeloans.com
Ivan Duarte · NMLS #32559  |  CrossCountry Mortgage · NMLS #3029