Skip the big upfront down payment. With the Arrive Home™ Earned Equity Program, you build equity over time and turn monthly payments into ownership.
Verify Your Arrive Home™ Earned Equity Eligibility
The Arrive Home™ Earned Equity Program is an innovative path to home ownership that bridges the gap between renting and buying.
Instead of needing a large down payment and traditional mortgage on day one, you enter into an ownership equity agreement.
Your monthly payments not only cover living in the home but also help you gradually build equity until you take full ownership.
You select a qualifying home.
A government-backed entity purchases the home using FHA financing.
You sign an ownership equity agreement and move in.
Your payments cover both housing and building equity.
Over time, you can assume the FHA loan, refinance into your own mortgage, or pay off the remaining balance to gain full legal ownership.
Best of all, you keep 100% of the property appreciation when you become the official owner — there’s no shared equity.
The program is designed to make homeownership more accessible and sustainable.
No large upfront down payment – Start with as little as 3.5%.
Forgivable second lien – A 1% “soft second” is forgiven after 10 years.
Build equity while you live – Payments aren’t wasted on rent.
Keep all appreciation – You own the gain in value, not the program.
Flexible credit options – Minimum 580 FICO, or use alternative credit like rent and utility history.
Wide property choices – Single-family homes, townhomes, modular, manufactured, and FHA-approved condos qualify.
Inclusive eligibility – Available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, DACA recipients, and ITIN holders.
The program is designed to include more buyers than traditional mortgages. You may qualify if you meet these guidelines:
U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, DACA recipients, or non-permanent residents with an ITIN.
At least one valid credit score of 580 or higher. Alternative credit (rent, utilities, phone bills) may be used if no traditional score.
Housing costs should not exceed 43–50% of income, and total debts should not exceed 50–60%. Strong financial history may allow exceptions.
Must be your primary residence.
Down Payment: 3.5% minimum.
Forgivable Assistance: 1% “soft” second lien, no payments, forgiven after 10 years.
Income Documentation: Must show proof of income from employment or self-employment. Non-occupant income cannot be the sole qualifier.
Financial History: Bankruptcies, foreclosures, or large new debts may trigger stricter rules or waiting periods.
Getting started is simple:
Check Your Eligibility – Use our free eligibility tool.
Find a Qualifying Home – Work with your lender to confirm the property meets FHA and program rules.
Gather Documents – Proof of income, ID, and credit or alternative tradelines.
Submit Application – Apply through an approved lender familiar with the program.
Sign Agreement – Review and finalize the ownership equity agreement.
Move In – Start living in your home while building equity toward full ownership.
The Arrive Home™ Program is a great fit for:
Renters who want monthly payments to go toward ownership.
First-time buyers who don’t have a large down payment saved.
Self-employed buyers who need flexible qualification options.
Non-traditional borrowers, including ITIN holders and DACA recipients.
Families who want a structured, affordable way to transition into homeownership.
Requires big upfront down payment, higher credit score, and immediate mortgage responsibility.
Smaller entry cost, credit flexibility, and a gradual path to ownership with full rights and future appreciation.
No — once you take ownership, all appreciation is yours.
You can qualify using documented rent, utility, or phone payment history.
Yes, gift funds are allowed.
No — it is automatically forgiven after 10 years.
No, this program is only for primary residences.
The Arrive Home™ Earned Equity Program is a groundbreaking alternative for those who can afford monthly housing payments but don’t have a large down payment or perfect credit.
With a low entry cost, credit flexibility, and no shared appreciation, it provides a clear and affordable path to full homeownership.
