Achieve Homeownership Goals with the HOME Foundation Grant
Many Oregon residents find themselves stuck in the renters’ cycle, with the ability to afford monthly mortgage payments but lacking the necessary funds for a down payment. Fortunately, the HOME Foundation Buyers Assistance Grant, funded by the Rogue Valley Association of Realtors (RVAR) in collaboration with the Oregon Association of Realtors (OAR), is here to provide a way out of this predicament. This program is dedicated to helping eligible homebuyers by offering financial assistance of up to $1,000, which can be applied towards a down payment, closing costs, or prepaid items.
Eligibility Requirements To be eligible for the program, applicants must meet specific criteria. This assistance is exclusively available to first-time homebuyers who have not owned a home in the past three years. They must secure pre-approval for a conventional or government-insured/guaranteed home loan. Additionally, the household income of the buyers should not exceed the State of Oregon Median Income, which is currently $64,600. Applicants are required to contribute at least $500 of their funds. Completion of the Realizing the American Dream Homebuyer Education class, conducted by ACCESS at Rogue Community College campuses, or the online alternative class at www.ehomeamerica.org, is mandatory.
Furthermore, meeting with a Certified Homeownership Counselor at ACCESS within the last 12 months is a prerequisite. Property Location Any property purchased under this program must be situated in Jackson or Josephine County, Oregon, and serve as the buyer’s primary residence. Homebuyer Education After completing the homebuyer education course and consulting with a counselor at ACCESS, applicants become eligible to apply for the HOME Foundation Buyers Assistance Grant. To initiate the process, they should collaborate with lenders and real estate agents who are active members of the Southern Oregon Multiple Listing Service. These professionals will pre-approve them for a qualified mortgage and assist in applying for ACCESS on behalf of the buyer.
