Really? I have sold to several using the MN assistance program and USDA over the past few years. All have been very diligent about making payments and building equity. They had good credit, good jobs and some savings but little reserves. Down payment assistance allowed them to retain an emergency fund and $ for repairs/updates when moving in. They saved by not renting and everyone of them has continued to do well.  I do appreciate that "little skin in the game" caused problems in the past but the new programs are vetting out and helping very good candidates get into their first homes.

Actually you cannot use USDA in Blaine Minnesota or anywhere in the 7 county metro area but some of the counties just outside the city do allow it. In Minnesota there are some great programs for down payment assistance based on need. Some are loans that are forgiven after a period of time and some are just subsidies that do not require repayment at all. All dependent on need, credit score and a variety of factors. Pretty nice programs help those who want to own a home.