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Virginia Housing Plus Second Mortgage - Northern Virginia

Your entire required down payment covered. Let's see if you qualify.

The Virginia Housing Plus Second Mortgage is a real second mortgage that covers your entire required down payment when you buy with a Virginia Housing first. Available for FHA and Conventional firsts, first-time and repeat buyers under the Expanded income limits. The first conversation is free and starts with a soft pull that does not affect your score.

Free & no obligation Virginia Housing approved lender First-time and repeat buyers Soft credit check only
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The biggest barrier to buying in NoVA

Most buyers have the income. The down payment is what stops them.

Northern Virginia home prices mean the required down payment is a significant obstacle even for well-qualified buyers. The Virginia Housing Plus Second Mortgage is designed exactly for this situation: it covers your entire required down payment with an amortizing second mortgage, so you can stop waiting and start owning. This is not a grant - it is a real second loan that builds your equity from day one.

What the Plus Second gives you

Three things that change the math

1

Your entire required down payment covered

The Plus Second covers your full required down payment on a Virginia Housing FHA or Conventional first - so you buy the home without waiting to accumulate that cash separately.

2

First-time or repeat buyer

Unlike many down-payment programs, the Virginia Housing Plus Second via non-bond Expanded firsts does not require first-time buyer status. Repeat buyers with qualifying income are welcome.

3

High income limits for Northern Virginia

Under the Expanded non-bond limits (effective August 1, 2026), qualifying income up to $245,000 is accepted for any household size in the NoVA market - much higher than typical DPA program thresholds.

The key numbers

What the program makes possible in Northern Virginia

Program assistance facts from Virginia Housing guidelines - not rates or payment quotes.

Up to $245K
Qualifying income accepted (NoVA, eff Aug 1, 2026, any household size)
Entire down payment
Second covers your full required down payment with a Virginia Housing first
First-time or repeat
Non-bond Expanded firsts welcome repeat buyers - no three-year rule

Program facts per Virginia Housing guidelines rev May 2026; income limits effective Aug 1, 2026. The Plus Second is an amortizing second mortgage - not a grant. Not a commitment to lend; all loans subject to credit approval and program eligibility. Programs subject to change.

How we get you to the keys

Four steps to closing with your down payment covered

Confirm eligibility and get pre-approved

We check your qualifying income against the Virginia Housing limits, verify the property fits program guidelines, and issue a pre-approval for both the first and the Plus Second together.

Homebuyer education (first-timers)

If this is your first home, Virginia Housing requires an approved education course. We point you to the right one early - completing it before you find the home keeps your timeline clean.

Shop and make your offer

Armed with pre-approval for both loans, you shop with confidence. Your offer goes in with the full picture: first and second structured together, designed to close.

Underwriting and close

Both loans are underwritten and funded together at closing. The second covers your required down payment - and you walk out with the keys and real equity in the home.

Your team

A Virginia Housing approved lender and an experienced NoVA Realtor

Good questions

What buyers ask most about the Plus Second

Is the Plus Second a grant I never repay?

No. The Plus Second is a real amortizing mortgage with a monthly payment. It covers your required down payment, but you do repay it alongside your first. It is not forgivable or deferred - it is a genuine second mortgage. If you are looking for a true grant, ask us about the Virginia Housing DPA Grant program instead.

Do I have to be a first-time buyer?

Not with non-bond Expanded firsts. The Expanded program allows repeat buyers with qualifying income up to $245,000 (NoVA, effective August 1, 2026) and no price cap. Bond firsts do require first-time buyer status (three-year rule applies, with targeted-area exceptions).

What income is counted toward the limit?

For the non-bond Expanded program, the limit applies to qualifying income - the income used to qualify for the loan. For bond firsts, household income applies (all adults). We walk through which limit applies to your situation.

Can I use the Plus Second with a VA or USDA loan?

No. The Plus Second works only with Virginia Housing FHA, FHA Bond, Conventional, or Conventional Bond firsts. It is not available with VA, USDA/RHS, or refinance loans.

Can I combine it with a Virginia Housing grant?

No. The Plus Second cannot be stacked with Virginia Housing DPA grants or CCA grants. You choose one path or the other.

Will you pull my credit?

The first conversation starts with a soft pull - it does not affect your score. A hard pull is required only when you formally apply, and we do that only when you decide to move forward.

Stop waiting to save. Start owning.

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