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Homebuyer Incentives and Education

The City of Moorhead recognizes residential growth is important to our community and economic vitality. We offer special programs including a property tax rebate, special assessment loans, free recreation passes, and mortgage and down payment financing programs from the State of Minnesota.

PROGRAMS FOR HOMEBUYERS

Building or Buying New

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Make Moorhead Home

Property Tax Credit

Brand new homes built in Moorhead are eligible for a two-year property tax rebate. The rebate will save a new home buyer thousands of dollars by rebating two years of property taxes. On a new $300,000 home, the total value of the rebate may be more than $7,500 (estimate). Calculate Your Rebate

How does the new home construction rebate work?

There is no maximum construction limit and land value is included in the rebate calculation. Special function levies and special assessments are not included in the rebate. Calculate Your Rebate

Do I Need to Apply?

No. When a building permit for a new home is issued, the property is automatically enrolled in the rebate program. If you have any questions on the program timing, just contact the City Assessor’s Office at 218.299.5310. 

Do I Need to be a First-Time Homebuyer?

No. As long as you are building a new home or buying one that has not yet been occupied, you are eligible.  You don’t need to be a first-time homebuyer, and there are no income limits or other restrictions

When Will I Get My Check?

Tax payments are due as scheduled on May 15 and October 15 of each year, and the rebate of the eligible portion of the tax payments is scheduled to be refunded in December of each year of eligibility. 

If I Sell My Home During the Rebate Period, who gets the Check?

The rebate check will be made payable to the owner of record for the property at the time the rebate is processed. If you sell the property during the rebate term, you should specify distribution of this rebate as a provision of your sales agreement with the buyer. 

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Program expires 12/31/2026 unless extended.

Downpayment and Closing Costs

Loan Programs

Minnesota Housing loan progams includes downpayment and closing cost loan program options totaling up to $18,000 in available loans for eligible borrowers.

MN Housing Loan Programs

Welcome Home Pass

A Welcome Home Pass includes a season of golf, swimming, and recreation programming for the whole household. No application is necessary on the part of the homebuyer; passes are distributed periodically as real estate transactions are recorded.

PROGRAMS FOR HOMEBUYERS

Buying An Existing Home

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Downpayment and Closing Costs

Loan Programs

Minnesota Housing loan progams includes downpayment and closing cost loan program options totaling up to $18,000 in available loans for eligible borrowers.

MN Housing Loan Programs

Golf Pass

Moorhead welcomes all homebuyers with a round of golf! No application is necessary on the part of the homebuyer; passes are distributed periodically as real estate transactions are recorded.

Additional Incentives and Benefits

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MN Child Tax Credit

You may qualify for a Child Tax Credit of $1,750 per qualifying child, with no limit on the number of children claimed. This is a refundable credit, meaning you can receive a refund even if you do not owe tax. Visit the MN Department of Revenue for more information

Free College Tuition

Tuition is 100% covered in Moorhead for eligible applicants at participating colleges. Learn more about the available programs below:

Free School Meals

The Minnesota Free School Meals Program is available in school districts, charter schools, and nonpublic schools across the state. Schools participating in the program must meet the requirements of the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.

To learn more about your school's breakfast and lunch offerings, visit your school's website or connect with your school's nutrition program manager.