Call Get Pre-Approved
HomeGuides › KHRC Down Payment Assistance — The Complete Kansas Guide
GUIDE · KHRC

KHRC Down Payment Assistance: The Kansas Complete Guide

The Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) administers state-level down payment assistance programs that make homeownership accessible to thousands of Kansas buyers every year. Here’s how they work and how to stack them with your mortgage.

What KHRC is

KHRC is Kansas’s state housing finance agency. It administers federal funds (Section 8 rental vouchers, Low-Income Housing Tax Credits) and state down payment assistance programs. Visit kshousingcorp.org for current program details.

The flagship program — First Time Homebuyer Program

KHRC’s First Time Homebuyer Program provides down payment and closing cost assistance to qualifying Kansas buyers. Assistance typically runs 15-20% of the loan amount as a forgivable second mortgage (forgiven over time if you stay in the home). Eligibility: first-time buyer (no primary residence ownership in past three years), income at or below county/household-size limits, home price at or below KHRC maximum, minimum 640 credit score.

How it stacks with your first mortgage

KHRC assistance is a second loan behind your first mortgage. The first mortgage is typically an FHA or Conventional 97 loan originated by a participating lender (including Kansas Mortgage Lending). The KHRC assistance covers the down payment and some closing costs — so you can close with very little out of pocket.

Income limits by county and household size

KHRC uses county- and household-size-specific income limits (typically around 80% of area median income, higher for larger families). Limits are published by KHRC and updated periodically. Higher-cost counties (Johnson, Douglas) have higher limits than rural counties.

Home price limits

KHRC sets maximum purchase prices by county — roughly in line with FHA loan limits. Higher in Johnson County, lower in rural counties. Check current limits at application.

Home buyer education requirement

KHRC requires completion of a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. This is a 4-8 hour online course you can complete during pre-approval. Certificates are good for 12 months.

The real numbers for a Kansas first-time buyer

A typical KHRC first-time buyer in Kansas might purchase a $200,000 home with FHA financing ($7,000 down), use KHRC for most of the down payment and closing costs, and close with roughly $1,000-$2,000 out of pocket. The specific math depends on the property, county, and program details. We run the scenario at pre-approval.

Other Kansas first-time buyer programs

In addition to KHRC, some Kansas municipalities operate local down payment assistance programs (e.g., specific KC metro initiatives, Wichita-area programs, local church and nonprofit partnerships). We know the stackability rules and which programs work with which first-mortgage type.

Frequently asked

Does Kansas have first-time homebuyer down payment assistance?

Yes. The Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC) administers the state’s first-time homebuyer down payment assistance program. Typical assistance is 15-20% of the loan amount as a forgivable second mortgage, stackable with FHA or Conventional 97 first mortgages.

What are KHRC income limits in Kansas?

Income limits vary by county and household size — typically around 80% of area median income, with higher limits for larger households. Higher-cost counties like Johnson run higher; rural counties run lower. Check current limits at application.

Can I combine KHRC with an FHA loan?

Yes. FHA is the most common first-mortgage pairing with KHRC assistance. Conventional 97 / HomeReady / Home Possible also pair with KHRC for eligible buyers.

Ready to apply what you’ve read?

Start a real pre-approval in about ten minutes, or call (620) 860-4480.

Get Pre-Approved