JPFA Series 2025A bond loan: lower rate plus 4% help
First-time buyers in Jefferson Parish can get 4% of the final loan amount for down payment and closing costs, plus a below-market fixed first mortgage: 5.85% for FHA, VA and USDA, or 6.10% for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, as of March 12, 2026.
JPFA Series 2025A Single Family Mortgage Revenue Bond Program
Taking applications
Jefferson Parish
Help available
4% of the final loan amount for down payment/closing costs, plus a below-market fixed first mortgage (5.85% FHA/VA/USDA, 6.10% Fannie/Freddie as of the March 12, 2026 rate reduction)
Kind of help
Forgivable second loan
Who it's for
First-time homebuyers buying in Jefferson Parish; first-time rule waived for veterans and targeted census tracts
Only for first-time buyers?
Yes
Also worth knowing
Apply through a participating lender. 0% soft second forgiven after 5 years.
Stacks with JPFA's $2,500 Heroes to Homeowners grant (see occupation_specific). This is a separate first mortgage, so it cannot be combined with an LHC HomeStart first mortgage. JPFA phone 504-736-6311.
The Jefferson Parish Finance Authority (JPFA) funds this program with mortgage revenue bonds, which is how it can offer a fixed rate below the market. As of the March 12, 2026 rate reduction, government loans (FHA, VA, USDA) were priced at 5.85% and conventional Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loans at 6.10%. Rates can move, so ask a lender for the current figure.
The second benefit is assistance equal to 4% of the final loan amount, delivered as a 0% soft second mortgage that is forgiven after five years. On a $200,000 loan, used here only as an example, that would be $8,000 toward down payment and closing costs.
Who the bond loan serves
The program is for first-time buyers purchasing in Jefferson Parish. The first-time rule is waived for veterans and for homes in targeted census tracts. JPFA's releases don't list income or price limits, so a participating lender confirms them for your household size. The Jefferson Parish guide has local employers and the HomeStart Assist limits for comparison.
Choosing between JPFA and HomeStart Advantage
This is its own first mortgage, so it can't be combined with an LHC HomeStart first mortgage. You pick one. HomeStart Advantage has no first-time requirement and a published $125,000 household cap, while JPFA advertises a specific below-market rate. JPFA's Comfort of Home program is another option with no first-time rule. One add-on is confirmed: JPFA's $2,500 Heroes to Homeowners grant stacks with this bond loan for education and healthcare workers, first responders and military. Loan type affects your rate here, and our FHA vs. conventional vs. VA vs. USDA guide lays out the differences.
Applying through a lender
You apply through a participating lender, not JPFA. Ask the lender to quote the Series 2025A rate next to a HomeStart Advantage quote so you can compare total cost. If you've owned a home recently and don't qualify for a waiver, Comfort of Home and HomeStart Advantage are the Jefferson Parish alternatives, since neither requires first-time status. The parish's own FTHAP is a separate option for buyers at 51% to 80% AMI. Questions about the program itself go to JPFA at 504-736-6311. You can check your eligibility in a few minutes before you call.
Summarized from the program's official page as of November 2026. Funding and rules can change, so confirm the current terms with the program or a lender who takes part. Louisiana Down Payment Assistance has no connection to this program.
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