Tools & Resources for
Homeowners & Homebuyers
Buying or keeping a home in our region should not feel out of reach. The resources in this section connect Region G residents to the programs, counselors, and partners that can make homeownership possible, and sustainable, for working families across Arenac, Bay, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Isabella, Midland, and Saginaw counties.
Most of these programs come from trusted state and local organizations. All of them are designed to help real people in our communities. The teachers, nurses, skilled trades, manufacturing workers, and service professionals who keep our region running.
Homebuyer Assistance Programs
The Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) is the largest source of homebuyer help in the state, and most of our region qualifies for its programs.
- MI Home Loan. A mortgage program for first-time homebuyers statewide and for repeat buyers in MSHDA Targeted Areas. Offers below-market interest rates with income limits. Must be used with an MSHDA-approved lender.
- MI 10K Down Payment Assistance (DPA). Up to $10,000 in interest-free assistance for down payment, closing costs, or prepaid expenses. Paired with the MI Home Loan. Homebuyer education is required.
- Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC). A federal tax credit equal to 20% of annual mortgage interest paid, available every year for the life of the loan, up to 30 years. It reduces federal tax liability for the full term of homeownership.
- Pathway to Housing. The central hub for all MSHDA homebuyer programs, including education requirements, lender directories, and program details. The right starting point for most buyers exploring MSHDA.
Housing Counseling & Education
Homebuyer education is required for MSHDA programs, and it is one of the most useful steps any buyer can take, even outside of MSHDA. A few hours of counseling can save thousands of dollars and years of stress.
- Home to Stay Housing Assistance Center. A HUD-approved counseling agency serving Midland, Saginaw, and Bay counties. Offers homebuyer education, financial literacy, and foreclosure prevention.
- MSU Extension Financial and Homeownership Counseling. Financial education and homeownership counseling available throughout Michigan, including multiple locations across Region G.
- MSHDA Housing Education. Required coursework for MSHDA loan programs. Covers the homebuying process, budgeting basics, and how to sustain homeownership after closing.
Home Repair & Weatherization
Owning a home is one thing. Maintaining it is another. With nearly half of our region’s housing stock built before 1970, repair and weatherization resources are essential to keeping families safely and affordably housed.
- Weatherization Assistance Program. Reduces energy costs for income-eligible households through home energy improvements. Administered locally through Community Action Agencies.
- Habitat for Humanity affiliates. Region G is served by Habitat affiliates in Saginaw-Shiawassee, Bay County, Midland County, and Isabella County. Programs include new home construction, rehabilitation, and critical home repair.
- Mid Michigan Community Action Agency (MMCAA). Weatherization, home repair, and housing stabilization services for Arenac, Bay, Clare, and Gladwin counties. Contact: (989) 386-3805.
- Home to Stay of Midland County Weatherization, home repair, and housing stabilization services for Midland County. Contact: (989) 496-9550.
Financial Assistance & Stability
Sometimes a home is at risk because of a medical emergency, a job loss, or a utility bill that came in higher than expected. These resources can help families stay housed through hard moments.
- 211 Northeast Michigan. A free 24/7 helpline that connects residents to emergency financial assistance, utility help, and housing resources across all eight Region G counties. Dial 2-1-1 or 888-636-4211.
- Legal Services of Eastern Michigan (LSEM). Free legal aid for fair housing issues, foreclosure prevention, and housing rights in Saginaw, Bay, and Midland counties.
- Center for Civil Justice (CCJ). Legal services covering housing and consumer law and tenant rights in Saginaw and Bay counties.
Sometimes a home is at risk because of a medical emergency, a job loss, or a utility bill that came in higher than expected. These resources can help families stay housed through hard moments.
Homebuyer Assistance Programs
MI Home Loan
Mortgage program for first-time homebuyers statewide and repeat buyers in targeted areas. Below-market interest rates with income limits.
MI 10K Down Payment
Assistance (DPA)
Up to $10,000 interest-free loan for down payment, closing costs, or prepaid expenses. Must be used with MI Home Loan. Homebuyer education required.
Mortgage Credit
Certificate (MCC)
Tax credit of up to 20% of annual mortgage interest paid, available every year for the life of the loan (up to 30 years).
Pathway to Housing
Central hub for all MSHDA homebuyer programs, including education requirements and lender search.
Housing Counseling & Education
Home to Stay Housing Assistance Center
HUD-approved housing counseling agency offering homebuyer education, financial literacy, and foreclosure prevention. Serves Midland, Saginaw, and Bay counties.
MSU Extension Financial & Homeownership Counseling
Financial education and homeownership counseling programs available throughout Michigan.
MSHDA Housing Education
Required homebuyer education courses for MSHDA loan programs. Framework covers the homebuying process, budgeting, and sustaining homeownership.
Home Repair & Weatherization
Weatherization
Assistance Program
Reduces energy costs for low-income households through home energy improvements. Administered through local community action agencies.
Habitat for Humanity
(Region G Affiliates)
Home construction, rehabilitation, and critical home repair programs. Affiliates in Saginaw-Shiawassee, Bay County, Midland County, and Isabella County.
Mid Michigan Community
Action Agency (MMCAA)
Weatherization, home repair, and housing stabilization services for Arenac, Bay, Clare, and Gladwin counties.
Affordable Housing Alliance
of Midland County
501(c)(3) nonprofit developer focused on affordable housing production in Midland County.
Financial Assistance & Stability
211 Northeast Michigan
Free 24/7 helpline connecting residents to emergency financial assistance, utility help, and housing resources across all 8 Region G counties.
Legal Services of Eastern Michigan
Free legal aid for fair housing issues, foreclosure prevention, and housing rights in Saginaw, Bay, and Midland.
Center for
Civil Justice
Legal services for housing & consumer law, tenant rights in Saginaw and Bay counties.