BFF's own DPA program covers the 3.5% FHA down payment with a second mortgage — repayable or forgivable after 3 years. 600 FICO AUS. No first-time homebuyer requirement. Available in most states. The most accessible DPA program in BFF's portfolio.
Program at a Glance
The BFF DPA Program is BFF's proprietary down payment assistance product built on an FHA first mortgage. The second mortgage covers the FHA 3.5% down payment requirement — resulting in 100% financing at closing. Unlike CalHFA programs which are California-only and require a first-time homebuyer, BFF DPA is available in most states and has no first-time buyer restriction. It's the most accessible DPA program in BFF's portfolio.
Key parameters from the BFF BFF DPA Program Matrix. Download the PDF for complete guidelines before pricing any BFF DPA Program scenario.
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Structure | FHA first mortgage (96.5% LTV) + BFF second mortgage (3.5% or 5%) |
| Min FICO (AUS) | 600 — TOTAL Scorecard Approve/Eligible required |
| Min FICO (Manual UW) | 660 |
| Min Loan (First) | $75,000 |
| Max Loan (First) | FHA county loan limit for subject property |
| Second Mortgage Options | 3.5% repayable · 3.5% forgivable (after 3 years) · 5% repayable |
| CLTV | 100% (3.5% second) · 101.5% (5% second) |
| FTHB Requirement | None — any eligible borrower qualifies |
| Homebuyer Education | Required — must be completed before closing |
| Income Limits | None |
| Seller Concessions | Up to 6% of purchase price (FHA maximum) |
| Temporary Buydowns | 2-1 buydown allowed (purchase transactions) |
| Manufactured Homes | Double-wide manufactured homes eligible |
| Occupancy | Primary residence only |
| AUS | FHA TOTAL Scorecard · Approve/Eligible required for 600–659 FICO |
Below CalHFA's 640 floor. Below most DPA program minimums. BFF DPA at 600 AUS FICO is the primary path for buyers with thin but positive credit histories who need down payment help.
No FTHB requirement. A repeat buyer with strong income and credit but minimal cash savings can use BFF DPA just as easily as a first-timer. CalHFA programs wouldn't qualify them.
CalHFA only works in California. BFF DPA is available in most other states. For FHA DPA buyers in TX, FL, AZ, CO, NY, and elsewhere, BFF DPA is the program.
Double-wide manufactured homes are eligible — expanding the affordable housing universe for buyers who need DPA and are purchasing in markets with significant manufactured inventory.
Unique among DPA programs — BFF DPA allows a 2-1 temporary buydown. Zero down payment plus a temporarily reduced rate in the first two years. Seller-funded if seller credits are available.
Buyers planning to live in the home for 3+ years get the forgivable second — the 3.5% down payment is completely forgiven after 3 years with no repayment. Turns DPA into a true grant.
No. The BFF DPA program has no first-time homebuyer requirement. Any eligible borrower — whether buying their first home or their fifth — can use the BFF DPA program. This is one of the most significant advantages over CalHFA programs, which require at least one borrower to not have owned a primary residence in the past 3 years. A repeat buyer with strong income but limited savings qualifies for BFF DPA the same as a first-timer.
BFF DPA offers three second mortgage structures: 3.5% forgivable — the second mortgage is completely forgiven after the borrower occupies the home for 3 years (prorated repayment if they sell or refi before 3 years); 3.5% repayable — standard subordinate lien repaid at sale or refinance, no forgiveness; and 5% repayable — a larger second that covers the full 3.5% down plus additional closing cost assistance, reaching 101.5% CLTV. If the borrower plans to stay 3+ years, the forgivable second is almost always the best choice.
The minimum is 600 for AUS Approve/Eligible findings through FHA TOTAL Scorecard. This is the lowest FICO floor of any BFF DPA program — CalHFA Government requires 640 and CalHFA Conventional requires 680. For manual underwriting, the minimum is 660. Borrowers with FICO scores between 600 and 639 must have an AUS Approve/Eligible result to qualify.
No. The BFF DPA Program has no income limits. This is another advantage over CalHFA programs, which have CalHFA county income limits that change regularly. A higher-income borrower who simply doesn't have cash saved for a down payment can use BFF DPA without any income ceiling blocking eligibility.
Yes. The BFF DPA Program allows a 2-1 temporary buydown on purchase transactions. This is a meaningful differentiator — the combination of a DPA-funded down payment and a seller-funded 2-1 buydown can dramatically lower the borrower's out-of-pocket costs and first-year payment. The borrower gets zero down payment from the DPA second and a reduced payment in years 1 and 2 from the buydown. They must qualify at the full note rate.
BFF DPA Matrix — Rev. 03/02/26
If the borrower stays 3+ years, the 3.5% forgivable second is completely gone — no repayment at sale, no lien outstanding. Make sure your borrower understands this option before defaulting to repayable.
Required before closing. Start the borrower on a HUD-approved course early. Late completion is the most common DPA delay.
Price it in the Quick Pricer, download the matrix, or call your AE. We Deliver.
