Down Payment Assistance in Rochester and Southeast MN
You may need less saved than you think. These programs help first-time buyers in Rochester, Olmsted County and southeast Minnesota cover the down payment and closing costs, and here's how they fit into your buying process.
What down payment help is available in Rochester and southeast Minnesota?
Minnesota Housing Start Up and Step Up are the starting point anywhere in the state. Depending on where you buy, you may add SEMMCHRA, Red Wing HRA, the Austin and Mower County Home Ownership Fund, Bluff Country HRA or First Homes. Why it matters to you: help usually runs through your lender, so match programs before you choose one.
On this page
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Find your program by area
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Program details
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Common Questions
What down payment assistance is available in southeast Minnesota?
Minnesota Housing Start Up and Step Up are the starting point anywhere in the state. Depending on where you buy, you may add SEMMCHRA, Red Wing HRA, the Austin and Mower County Home Ownership Fund, Bluff Country HRA or First Homes.
Is there a down payment program just for Rochester or Olmsted County?
Not right now. In Rochester, Olmsted County, the City of Winona, Byron or Stewartville, you’d use Minnesota Housing (plus SEMMCHRA where it applies). Income-qualified buyers in the Rochester area can also look at First Homes, which is tied to community land trust homes.
Which counties does SEMMCHRA cover?
Dodge, Fillmore, Goodhue (not Red Wing), Houston, Wabasha and Winona County (not the City of Winona), including Kasson, Dodge Center and Wabasha.
How do I apply for down payment help?
Help usually works alongside your mortgage and goes through your lender. Note which programs match your area, then ask your lender, “Do you work with these?” If a program has deadlines, like applying 4 weeks before closing, tell me early so we can plan around it.
Are these programs always available?
Funding changes fast. Status on this page is as of October 2026, so always confirm details with the program and your lender before you count on any help.
If you want to talk through your situation, the form is below.
