Best Illinois Mortgage Lenders of 2026
Illinois homebuyers can get help with down payments and closing costs with these programs through the Illinois Housing Development Authority.
- Available to: Eligible first-time and repeat homebuyers with at least a 640 credit score can qualify.
- Income limits: Vary by county (see IHDA income limits)
- First-time homebuyers only? No
- Loan options: 30-year fixed-rate mortgages
- Down payment and closing cost assistance: Program provides 5% of the purchase price (up to $7,500) in assistance for a down payment and closing costs. Requires a cash contribution of $1,000 or 1% of the purchase price, whichever is greater. Assistance is interest-free and deferred for the life of the mortgage.
- Available to: First-time and repeat homebuyers with at least a 640 credit score are eligible.
- Income limits: Vary by county (see IHDA income limits)
- First-time homebuyers only? No
- Loan options: 30-year fixed-rate mortgages
- Down payment and closing cost assistance: Provides 4% of purchase price, up to $6,000, in assistance for a down payment and closing costs. Requires a cash contribution of only $1,000 or 1% of the purchase price, whichever is greater. Assistance is forgiven monthly over 10 years.
- Available to: First-time and repeat homebuyers with at least a 640 credit score are eligible.
- Income limits: Vary by county (see IHDA income limits)
- First-time homebuyers only? No
- Loan options: 30-year fixed-rate mortgages
- Down payment and closing cost assistance: Provides 10% of the purchase price (up to $10,000) in assistance for a down payment and closing costs. Requires a cash contribution of $1,000 or 1% of the purchase price, whichever is greater. The interest-free loan is repaid over 10 years.