The Buyer’s Guide to Homeownership from Stifel is an informational resource designed to walk prospective buyers through the homebuying process. It outlines key steps such as preparing finances, getting pre-approved, shopping for a home, securing a mortgage, and closing on a property.

Midland States Bank offers reduced closing costs (about $1,295 in savings) to people who serve their communities, such as healthcare workers, teachers, first responders, law enforcement, and military members. Eligible applicants can apply through a loan officer using the promo code “HERO” and must provide proof of their profession or service. The program applies to a wide range of loan types, including conventional fixed and adjustable-rate mortgages, FHA, VA, USDA, jumbo loans, and down payment assistance programs.

This program from Guild Mortgage is designed to help first-time and underserved homebuyers afford a home by reducing upfront costs. It provides a lender credit of up to $5,000 that can be used toward closing costs, making it easier to purchase a home in eligible areas. The program can be combined with common loan types (like conventional, FHA, and VA loans) and allows low down payments (as little as 0–3%). The eligible census tracts are very similar to the LNYW program boundaries.

The Jayson Tatum Foundation, in partnership with the SoFi Generational Wealth Fund, will provide grants to qualifying low-to-moderate income first-time homebuyers to assist with some of the down payment costs for those qualifying applicants purchasing a home in St. Louis City, St. Louis County or St. Charles County, as well as a grant up to a maximum of $1,000 (of which up to $750 covers the home warranty if not provided by seller or a third party) for an annual home warranty with roof leak repair coverage, and approved and associated service call fees, for the twelve months immediately following the home purchase for the first-time homebuyers who are eligible.

This program from Midwest BankCentre is a limited-time offer that helps make homeownership more affordable by providing an interest rate about 1.5% below current market rates on eligible mortgages. It’s primarily geared toward income-qualified buyers purchasing a primary residence and applies to 30-year fixed conventional loans, helping reduce monthly payments and overall borrowing costs. To qualify, borrowers generally must meet income limits, use the home as their primary residence, and satisfy standard credit and underwriting requirements. The program is still open as of March 2026.

St. Louis Community Credit Union has partnered with Starlight to offer members the Pathways Resource Connector—a free, secure online tool designed to help you identify and apply for state/government assistance programs and other local resources. Receive personalized, step-by-step support, including program application guidance and reminders.