Edited and reviewed by CEO Vatche Saatdjian — 30+ years of experience — Expert on FHA loans

DOWN PAYMENT SOURCES

More ways to fund your down payment than you realize

FHA accepts gift funds, grants, 401k withdrawals, seller concessions, and Nevada assistance programs. You don't need to save every penny yourself—there are more funding paths than most buyers know about.

Gift Funds
Grants (DPA)
401k Funds
Seller Credits

Nevada Licensed • NMLS #65506 • FHA Down Payment Experts Since 1995

Nevada family discussing FHA down payment funding sources and gift funds
100%
Gift funds allowed on FHA 3.5% down

Acceptable FHA Down Payment Sources

FHA guidelines allow multiple funding sources—often combined—to reach your 3.5% down payment. Here's what's accepted in Nevada.

Gift Funds

100% ALLOWED

Your entire 3.5% down payment can come from gifts. Acceptable donors include family members, employers, charitable organizations, and close friends.

Required Documentation
Gift letter + proof of donor funds + transfer confirmation
Nevada Advantage
Common in Las Vegas and Reno first-time buyer market
No Repayment Required
True gift, not a loan—donor can't expect repayment

Down Payment Assistance (DPA)

NEVADA PROGRAMS

Nevada Housing Division (NHD) and HOME Investment grants can provide up to $15,000 toward your FHA down payment and closing costs.

Nevada Housing Division Grant
Up to $15K for first-time buyers statewide
HOME Investment Partnerships
Clark County and Washoe County specific programs
FHA-Friendly
Most Nevada DPA programs pair well with FHA loans

401(k) & Retirement Funds

CAUTION ADVISED

You can withdraw or borrow from 401(k)/IRA accounts, but it may trigger taxes and penalties. First-time buyers get some exemptions.

IRA First-Time Buyer Exemption
Up to $10K penalty-free withdrawal (taxes still apply)
401(k) Loan Option
Borrow up to 50% of vested balance (repay with interest)
Lender Requirement
401(k) loan payment counts toward your DTI ratio

Seller Concessions

UP TO 6%

Seller can contribute up to 6% of the purchase price toward your closing costs and prepaid items (not the down payment itself, but reduces your cash need).

Covers Closing Costs
Appraisal, title, origination, prepaid taxes/insurance
Nevada Strategy
Common in Las Vegas/Reno buyer's markets
Negotiation Tool
Request in offer; seller may accept if property needs quick sale

Personal Savings

MOST COMMON

Your checking/savings account funds are the most straightforward source. Lender requires 2 months of bank statements showing consistent balance.

Documentation Simple
Just bank statements—no gift letters or explanations
2-Month Seasoning
Large deposits need explanation (gift funds, tax refund, etc.)
Nevada Target
~$13,300 for median $380K Las Vegas home (3.5% down)

Combination Strategy

RECOMMENDED

Smart Nevada buyers combine multiple sources: personal savings + gift funds + DPA grant + seller concessions = maximum buying power, minimum out-of-pocket.

Example: $380K Las Vegas Home
3.5% Down Payment: $13,300
Your Savings: $5,000
Gift from Family: $3,300
NV DPA Grant: $5,000
Total Coverage: $13,300 ✓

Let's Build Your Down Payment Strategy

We'll review your situation and identify every funding source available to you—combining options to minimize your out-of-pocket costs while maximizing buying power.