Of the programs tracked by Down Payment Resource, for example, 69% offer down payment assistance.

These programs have provided an average of $11,000 in assistance to individual home buyers, according to Down Payment Resource, a nationwide database of roughly 2,500 home ownership programs that helps match buyers and properties. That assistance can vary greatly between disparate cost-of-living markets like Southern California and Iowa, according to Down Payment Resource. Some 87% of properties are eligible for some kind of assistance.

Start by talking to a local mortgage broker. They’ll be familiar with the programs that are most likely to benefit you — including local home-buyers programs that might not be as well publicized.

But how do you find the right one?

You know first-time home-buyer programs are out there.

Read More on HouseLogic