Is there assistance to help cover closing costs?

Yes — several routes can reduce the cash you bring to closing. State and local Housing Finance Agencies offer closing-cost assistance, often bundled with down-payment programs as grants or low-interest second loans. You can also negotiate seller concessions, where the seller agrees to pay part of your closing costs (loan programs cap how much, commonly 3%–6% depending on loan type and down payment). Lender credits are another option: the lender covers some costs in exchange for a slightly higher interest rate, which can make sense if you're short on cash or don't plan to stay long. Gift funds from family can apply to closing costs too, with a gift letter. Finally, some loans roll certain costs into the financing. Ask your loan officer to lay out each option's long-term cost so you don't trade a small upfront saving for a much larger interest bill.