Skip to main content

Your first home. Closer than ever.

Eligible first-time homebuyers may qualify for up to $20,000 in down payment assistance.¹

FirstTimeHomeBuyerGrant-Header-1173x422

If you’ve been dreaming of purchasing your first home, Launch Down Payment Assistance could help make those dreams a reality. And we’re here to guide you through your journey.

DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE

Launch. Helping homebuyers like you.

DOWN PAYMENT ASSISTANCE

Launch. Helping homebuyers like you.

Through our partnership with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (FHLBI), Lake Trust is proud to bring our members the Launch - Down Payment Assistance program. Launch provides up to $20,000 in down payment, housing counseling, and closing costs assistance to qualified first-time homebuyers when purchasing their primary residence.

Applications through Lake Trust for FHLBI's Launch Program will be accepted starting April 14, 2026, but don't wait to apply! Eligible first-time homebuyers will be assisted on a first-come, first-served basis until the available grant funds are exhausted.

FirstTimeHomeBuyerGrant-Switchback

Program qualifications.

First-time homebuyers may be eligible to receive Launch program grant funds through Lake Trust if they meet the following criteria.²  

    • Intend to purchase an eligible property in Michigan (house, condo, or townhouse)
    • Have a documented household income that does not exceed 80% of Area Median income
    • Have the ability to contribute at least $500 cash towards the purchase of the home
    • Are pre-approved for a mortgage with our partners at Mortgage Center³
    • Are a Lake Trust Credit Union member prior to closing
    • Successfully complete an eligible Homebuyer Education Program

Use a mortgage calculator to get an idea of what your monthly loan payment might look like.

Use Calculator

Get started.

Please complete the form below to get started. Our partners at Mortgage Center will contact you to determine if you are eligible for the Launch Down Payment Assistance program. The team at Mortgage Center can be reached at 877.288.2862 with further questions.

With a Lake Trust membership and a direct deposit of $400 or more per month, you can save 0.25% APR on your mortgage.⁴

SEE MORE DETAILS

Find more support on your path to home.

How to budget for a home.

See tips on how to budget for a new home and figure out a comfortable monthly payment.

VIEW BUDGETING TIPS

How to make a plan and start paying off debt.

Break out of the debt cycle and enhance your financial wellbeing.

MAKE A PLAN

¹The maximum amount available to first-time homebuyers cannot exceed $20,000, or 20% of the purchase price, whichever is less. The minimum that can be requested per household is $1,000.

 

²Additional eligibility restrictions apply. Approval to receive Launch program grant funds is solely determined by FHLBI, and is made on a first-come, first-served basis until the grant funds are depleted. Neither Lake Trust nor Mortgage Center approve or deny the Launch program application. Mortgage Center gathers the information and documentation needed to complete the Launch Down Payment Assistance program application. Lake Trust will then submit the completed Launch Down Payment application to FHLBI on behalf of the qualified Lake Trust member.

 

³Mortgage Center is an Equal Housing Lender, NMLS# 282701. Lake Trust Credit Union is Federally Insured by NCUA and is an Equal Opportunity Lender

 

Offer for 0.25% rate discount is available on purchase and refinance transactions. Application must be taken between February 5th, 2026 through May 31st, 2026. Mortgage amount must be between $40,000 and $832,750 to be eligible. Mortgage rates current as of 2/17/2026 and assumes a 30-year fixed-rate purchase of a detached, owner-occupied property with a loan to value ratio of 75% and a credit score of 780. A loan amount of $225,000 at an interest rate of 5.875% and an APR of 5.998% has a payment of $1,330.96 with 0.125 points due at closing. Payment does not include property taxes/insurances; actual payment will be higher if these are added to the payment. Offer applies to first mortgages financed with Mortgage Center and excludes FHA and VA government loans, as well as loans for investment properties. Applicants must be or become a primary Lake Trust Credit Union member and establish recurring direct deposits of paycheck, pension, or government benefits (such as Social Security) via ACH prior to mortgage closing. Person-to-Person payments (such as Zelle®) are not considered a direct deposit for purposes of this offer. Direct deposit must be at least $400 per deposit. Rate for 30-year fixed rate traditional (Fannie or Freddie) mortgage will not be eligible for promotional rate reduction if rate prior to promotion is below 5.50%.  Offer may not be combined with any other promotion or discount. The offer has no cash value. This offer is non-transferrable. Terms are subject to credit and mortgage approval. Offer is subject to end at any time. Mortgage Center is an Equal Housing Lender, NMLS# 282701. Lake Trust Credit Union is Federally Insured by NCUA.

Forbes 2025 Best-In-State Credit Unions

Lake Trust is honored to be a Forbes Best-In-State Credit Union.

You are now leaving the Lake Trust website.

Lake Trust Credit Union is not responsible for the content, availability, security or compliance of any linked third party websites. In addition, the site’s privacy policies may differ from those of Lake Trust.