Home financing in Hill County.
County-by-county financing guides. No paperwork. No social. No ID.
1 institutions are headquartered inside the Hill County line, Havre included, and 1 more keep a branch here. Below, we say which is which.
Not this lane? Business FinancingPersonal Financing
The doors in Hill County.
The CDFIs, credit unions, and microlenders that actually say yes — county by county, in two languages. We are not a lender. Nobody paid to be listed. And where a county has no good doors, we say so.
- 2
- DOORS HERE
- 1
- BASED HERE
- 33
- MT COUNTIES WITH DOORS
- Lane
- Home Financing
- People
- 16Kresidents of Hill County
- Covers
- Havre
- Elsewhere in MT
- Missoula County →9 doors — the biggest list of any other county in Montana
- State
- Montana →33 of 56 counties hold a door in this lane
- Northern Montana Hospital Credit UnionPersonal
Based elsewhere, with a member-facing office inside the Hill County line. You can walk in.
- Altana Credit UnionPersonal · Home · Business capital
- Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.Community lending · Business capital
- MoFiBusiness capital
- Mission Asset FundAccepts ITIN
Zero-interest lending circles and credit building. SSN or ITIN accepted. Works through nonprofit partners across the country.
Personal - Grameen AmericaAccepts ITIN
Microloans for women entrepreneurs. Requires photo ID and proof of address — no SSN requirement. Branches in major metro areas.
Business capital
How to read this list.
We do not ask for your name, your email, or your number. Nothing on this page changes based on who you are.
A door is headquartered here when its head office sits inside the county line. The rest are based elsewhere and keep a branch you can walk into. We list both, and we label which is which.
Every institution on this page comes from public federal data — the CDFI Fund certified list (Aug 2026), NCUA credit union data (Jun 2026), and the SBA microloan intermediary list (Sep 2026) — plus a short national tier we verified by hand. We refresh each list as its agency publishes. No listing is paid.
Buying or investing in a home in Hill County, Montana is very achievable, even if you are self-employed, new to credit, or use an ITIN instead of a Social Security number. This guide walks you through the types of financing available, who qualifies, what paperwork to gather, and which local lenders and community organizations actually serve the Havre and Hill County area. State programs through Montana Housing can lower your costs significantly, and local credit unions and CDFIs are often more flexible than national banks. Take your time, ask questions, and work with a trusted local intermediary before signing anything.
It's a process, not a rejection.
Home financing — most commonly a mortgage — is a loan that lets you purchase or refinance a home by spreading the cost over many years, typically 15 to 30.
You make monthly payments that cover the principal (the amount borrowed) and interest (the cost of borrowing).
In Hill County, Montana, the real estate market is anchored by the city of Havre and surrounding agricultural communities. Home prices here are generally lower than the Montana average, which means smaller loan amounts and, often, more manageable monthly payments.
There are several loan types you may encounter:
- Conventional loans are offered by banks and credit unions and usually require a credit score of 620 or higher and a down payment of 3–20%.
- FHA loans (Federal Housing Administration) allow down payments as low as 3.5% and are more forgiving of lower credit scores. They are a popular starting point for first-time buyers.
- USDA Rural Development loans are especially relevant in Hill County because much of the area qualifies as rural. These loans can require zero down payment.
- VA loans are available to eligible veterans and active-duty military. Havre is home to many veterans connected to nearby Malmstrom Air Force Base (Great Falls) and Fort Assinniboine history, so local lenders are familiar with VA products.
- Montana Housing loans are state-backed programs layered on top of FHA, USDA, or conventional loans to provide lower interest rates and down payment assistance.
Think of a mortgage as a long-term partnership with a lender. The goal is to find terms that fit your actual income — not just the maximum amount a lender will offer you.
Forget what the banks say.
Hill County's economy is shaped by agriculture, healthcare (Havre is the regional medical hub for north-central Montana), retail, railroad employment (BNSF has a significant presence), and small construction and trades businesses. If you work in any of these sectors — including as a solo contractor or self-employed tradesperson — you can qualify for a home loan, though your documentation path may differ from a salaried employee.
Self-employed and solo contractors: Expect lenders to ask for two years of federal tax returns (Schedule C or Form 1065 if you have a partnership).
Lenders average your net income over two years, so large write-offs can reduce your qualifying income.
A local loan officer familiar with agricultural and trades income — like those at Havre-area credit unions — will understand this better than a call-center lender.
ITIN holders: If you do not have a Social Security number but have an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), you can still buy a home in Montana. ITIN mortgages are not government-backed, so you will need to work with lenders who have specific ITIN loan programs.
Several Montana CDFIs and community banks have these programs.
You typically need 2 years of tax returns filed with the ITIN, a larger down payment (often 10–20%), and proof of stable income.
First-time homebuyers: Montana Housing defines a first-time buyer as someone who has not owned a home in the past three years. This opens the door to down payment assistance and reduced-rate loans.
Veterans: VA loans require a Certificate of Eligibility, but local lenders can help you obtain one. No down payment and no private mortgage insurance (PMI) make VA loans one of the strongest products available.
Small real estate investors: If you are purchasing a 1–4 unit property to rent out, you can use conventional or portfolio loans. Local lenders are often more willing to underwrite investment properties in smaller markets like Havre than large national institutions.
Get your papers in order.
Gathering your paperwork ahead of time makes the process much smoother. Here is what most lenders in Hill County will ask for:
For all borrowers:
- Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or Matricula Consular)
- Social Security number or ITIN
- Two most recent pay stubs (if employed by someone else)
- Two years of W-2s or 1099s
- Two years of federal tax returns (all pages, all schedules)
- Two to three months of bank statements
- Information on any other debts (car loans, student loans, credit cards)
For self-employed or solo contractors, add:
- Business bank statements (2–3 months)
- Year-to-date profit and loss statement
- Business license or DBA registration, if applicable
For ITIN borrowers, add:
- ITIN letter from the IRS
- Two years of tax returns filed under ITIN
- Additional proof of residence (utility bills, lease agreements)
- Larger down payment documentation (source of funds)
For veterans:
- DD-214 discharge papers
- Certificate of Eligibility (your lender can often pull this directly)
For investment properties:
- Current lease agreements (if the property is already rented)
- Documentation of rental income
Tip: Keep digital copies of everything in a secure folder. You may need to submit these documents to multiple lenders if you are shopping for the best rate, which you should always do.
The doors worth knowing.
This is the most important section.
ALL 2 DOORS, BY NAME AND BY TOWN- 2
- DOORS HERE
- 28
- ACROSS MT
Based in Billings, Montana. A credit union — owned by its members rather than by shareholders, which is exactly what changes the conversation after a bank has said no.
BEST FORA personal loan, or building a credit file from nothing, and buying, repairing or refinancing a home.Based in Havre, Montana. A member-owned credit union, which means the people deciding on your file answer to depositors in the same towns you work in.
BEST FORA personal loan, or building a credit file from nothing.
Don't fall into these traps.
Taking your time and asking questions protects you. Here are the warning signs to watch for in Hill County and anywhere in Montana.
A trustworthy lender will never tell you that a deal expires tonight or that you must sign immediately. If someone is rushing you, slow down or walk away.
Origination fees above 1–2% of the loan amount, excessive 'processing' or 'administrative' fees, and prepayment penalties are red flags. Always ask for a Loan Estimate (a standardized form lenders are required by law to give you within three business days of your application) and compare it line by line.
These arrangements are not always predatory, but in Montana they can leave buyers without the legal protections of a standard mortgage. If you are considering a land contract or rent-to-own, have a Montana-licensed real estate attorney review it before you sign.
Homeowners who have equity in their property are sometimes targeted by 'investors' who offer to 'save' them from financial trouble in exchange for signing over the deed. Never sign over your deed to anyone without independent legal advice.
Being encouraged to refinance repeatedly — each time rolling in new fees — erodes your equity over time. Refinancing makes sense when rates drop significantly or your financial situation genuinely improves.
If you are buying with an ITIN, be especially cautious of lenders who offer very easy approvals with very high interest rates or large balloon payments. Work through a CDFI or HUD-approved counselor who has no financial incentive to push a particular loan product.
Always verify a lender's Montana license at the NMLS Consumer Access website (nmlsconsumeraccess.org). This is free and takes two minutes.
There is no rush. Hill County's housing market, while active, does not have the frenzied bidding wars of larger Montana cities. Take the time to get pre-approved, compare at least two or three Loan Estimates, and talk to a HUD-approved housing counselor before you commit.
The rules where you are.
Montana has several state-level rules and programs that directly affect home financing in Hill County. Understanding these can save you real money.
Montana Housing Programs:
The Montana Board of Housing offers below-market fixed interest rates through its Regular Bond Program. These are layered onto FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional loans, meaning you get the government loan protection plus a lower state rate. Income and purchase price limits apply — in Hill County, these limits are relatively generous because the area is not a high-cost market.
Montana Homeownership Network (MHN):
A statewide network of HUD-approved housing counselors, including NeighborWorks Montana. Completing a HUD-approved homebuyer education course (often available online or in Havre) is required for some Montana Housing loans and is strongly recommended for all first-time buyers. It is free or very low cost.
USDA Rural Development Eligibility:
Havre and most of Hill County qualify for USDA Rural Development Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loans. This is a zero-down-payment option for moderate-income buyers. Income limits for a family of four in Hill County are currently in the $90,000–$110,000 range (check current USDA maps, as limits are updated). The USDA Rural Development Montana State Office is in Bozeman and works through local lenders.
Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee:
For members of federally recognized tribes — including the Chippewa Cree Tribe of the Rocky Boy's Reservation, which is in Hill County — the HUD Section 184 program offers a 2.25% down payment option and flexible underwriting. NADC and some local banks are approved Section 184 lenders.
Montana's Anti-Predatory Lending Laws:
Montana has the Montana Mortgage Act (MCA Title 32, Chapter 9), which licenses and regulates mortgage lenders and brokers. Before working with any lender, verify they are licensed with the Montana Division of Banking and Financial Institutions. You can check at the Nationwide Multistate Licensing System (NMLS) website for free.
Property Taxes:
Hill County property taxes are assessed by the Montana Department of Revenue. Tax rates are generally modest compared to other states, but factor them into your monthly budget. Your lender will typically escrow property taxes as part of your mortgage payment.
The short version.
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Here is the short version of what you need to know to move forward confidently.
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Step 1 — Talk to a housing counselor first. Contact NeighborWorks Montana or the Montana Homeownership Network before you talk to any lender. They are free, they are on your side, and they will help you understand what you can realistically afford and which programs you qualify for.
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Step 2 — Gather your documents. Use the list in Section 3 of this guide. Having everything ready speeds up the process and shows lenders you are organized and serious.
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Step 3 — Contact local lenders. Start with Havre Federal Credit Union, Bear Paw Credit Union, First Interstate Bank (Havre), or Glacier Bank. If you are a tribal member, contact NADC about Section 184 loans. If you use an ITIN, start with NeighborWorks Montana or NADC.
Same county, another question.
Business FinancingLoans, lines of credit, and capital for small businesses and contractorsSEE IT IN HILL COUNTY →
Personal FinancingPersonal loans, credit building, and ITIN-friendly financing optionsSEE IT IN HILL COUNTY →33MT COUNTIES WITH DOORSThe whole stateEvery county in Montana, in this same lane.28 institutions fund homes and repairs inside Montana county lines.OPEN THE STATE →Still don't see your situation?
Ask Iris. She'll explain it the way it should have been explained the first time.