Virginia Housing Plus Second Mortgage - program facts for NoVA buyers
The Virginia Housing Plus Second
{{example.name}} ({{example.situationNote}}) buying at {{example.homePrice}} in Northern Virginia. The Plus Second covers their entire required down payment with an amortizing second mortgage alongside a Virginia Housing first. Per Virginia Housing guidelines rev May 2026; income limits eff Aug 1, 2026; programs subject to change.
| Factor | Expanded Non-Bond First (+ Plus Second) | Bond First (+ Plus Second) | No Program - Save Own Down Payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Down payment covered | Entire required amount | Entire required amount | Must provide from own savings |
| First-time buyer required | No - repeat buyers welcome | Yes - 3-year rule (targeted-area exception) | N/A |
| NoVA income limit (eff Aug 1, 2026) | Up to $245K qualifying income (any household size) | Up to $186K / $217K household income (1-2 / 3+ people) | None |
| Purchase price limit | No price cap | $800,000 cap | None |
| Minimum FICO (first) | 620+ (FHA first) / 640+ (Conventional first) | 620+ (FHA first) / 640+ (Conventional first) | Varies by loan product |
| 680+ tier benefit | Additional second of approx 1.5% of price for closing costs (all borrowers must be 680+) | Additional second of approx 1.5% of price for closing costs (all borrowers must be 680+) | N/A |
| Can stack with VH grants? | No | No | N/A |
| Best for | Higher-income NoVA buyers; repeat buyers; no price cap needed | Lower-income first-timers within bond limits and price cap | Buyers who prefer no second loan and can save the down payment |
Two separate analyses - never mix these up
Four questions to evaluate the Plus Second for your situation
Is your qualifying income within the Expanded limit?
Non-bond Expanded: up to $245K qualifying income in NoVA (eff Aug 1, 2026). Bond: household income up to $186K / $217K (1-2 / 3+ people). Which limit applies depends on which first you use.
What FICO tier do you fall into?
620+ for FHA first, 640+ for Conventional first. 680+ (all borrowers) unlocks an additional second of approximately 1.5% of the purchase price for closing costs. Your tier changes what is available.
Are you comfortable with two mortgage payments?
The Plus Second is an amortizing loan - it has a monthly payment from day one alongside your first. Budget for both. It is not forgiven and not deferred. This is a key tradeoff to evaluate honestly.
Is your lender a Virginia Housing approved lender?
Only VH-approved lenders can originate the Plus Second. CrossCountry Mortgage, LLC is an approved lender. Confirm approval status before you commit to any lender for this program.
See your personalized numbers - free
Scan the code or reach out. We confirm your income track, assess your FICO tier, and structure both the first and the Plus Second together using your real price and profile - no obligation.
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