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First-time home buyer programs in Sterling Heights, MI

Quick answer

First-time buyers in Sterling Heights, MI can use 3%-down conventional loans (up to the $832,750 Macomb County conforming limit), 3.5%-down FHA, or VA and USDA where eligible, plus 1 verified city, county or statewide assistance program. On the $260,700 median home, 3% down is about $7,821 and the estimated payment is $2,190/month at 7.18%.

By Purchase Mortgage Loan Editorial Team Checked against official sources per our editorial standardsData last updated

Median household income: $78,429; value-to-income ratio 3.32. Sterling Heights ranks 26 by home value and 4 by population among 102 places in our MI dataset.

What does a first-time buyer loan cost on a typical Sterling Heights home?

ItemSterling Heights
Median home value (Census ACS)$260,700
Michigan median home value$217,600
Down payment (3%)$7,821
Loan amount$252,879
Estimated monthly payment (PITI + MI)$2,190
Income needed (28% / 36%)$94,000 / $73,000
Macomb County 2026 conforming limit (1 unit)$832,750
Max purchase price at the limit$858,000

Rate assumption: 7.18% (Freddie Mac PMMS 30-year fixed average, week of November 5, 2026). Change it in the payment calculator.

Payment includes Michigan's 1.28% effective property tax rate (Census ACS), $1,110/yr homeowners insurance (NAIC state average) and an estimated 0.5% PMI.

What is the 2026 conforming loan limit in Sterling Heights?

Sterling Heights is in Macomb County. Conventional 3%-down loans go up to the $832,750 conforming limit (price ≈ $858,000); FHA loans go up to $541,287.

The Sterling Heights median home value of $260,700 is 20% above the Michigan median, and within what the county limit supports.

Which down payment assistance programs can Sterling Heights buyers use?

First-time buyer loans in nearby cities

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First-time buyer loan FAQs for Sterling Heights

On the $260,700 median: 3% conventional ≈ $7,821, 3.5% FHA ≈ $9,125, and 0% for eligible VA or USDA buyers. Conventional loans above $832,750 in Macomb County become jumbo loans.

At the $260,700 median value (above the Michigan median of $217,600), the estimated payment of $2,190/month at 7.18% needs about $94,000 a year under the 28% housing guideline, or $73,000 if your total debts stay under 36%.

0 city-level, 0 county-level and 1 statewide programs are verified for this city (1 total). Check each official administrator's eligibility rules and available funds.

Sources

Data last updated October 23, 2026.

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Figures on this page are estimates for educational purposes only and are not a loan offer or commitment to lend. Rates, loan limits, fees and assistance programs change frequently and vary by lender, location and borrower profile. Confirm current terms with a licensed loan officer.