SEE ALSO: Neighborhood Stabilization Program [Espaņol ]

HOME OWNERSHIP Two Programs to Help Make Dreams a Reality for Homebuyers Building Stronger Families Building Stronger Communities Building a Better Future

Two Programs to Help Make Dreams Come True . . . Program 1 Down Payment Assistance Grant Qualified first-time homebuyers (see income limits below) are eligible for up to $10,000 of assistance to provide a down payment and to pay closing costs.  The minimum amount of assistance provided is $1,000. Also, all first-time homebuyers, including those participating in the county's HOME program, are eligible this year for a tax credit of up to $8,000 if they purchase a home between January 1, 2009 to November 30,2009. Note: Potential homebuyers must be prepared to provide $500 in cash towards the purchase of the home.  The amount is non-refundable.   Property Use and Type of Home to Purchase The purchasing household must occupy the property as their principal residence for a period of five years.  If you move before five years, you will be required to repay the entire grant. A single family dwelling unit, located within the specified geographic area is eligible. Mobile homes, condominiums, town houses, duplex or multi-plex units are NOT eligible types of residential dwelling units. Mobile County's Down Payment Assistance Program is helping first-time homebuyers make their dreams of home ownership come true. The program is funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  The program is designed to provide affordable housing for low and moderate income families. Program 2 New Construction of Affordable Homes Through arrangements with licensed contractors, the HOME program has newly constructed homes available for purchase, along with additional mortgage assistance of up to $30,000, for qualified homebuyers.  Applicants do not have to be first time homebuyers to be eligible for the New Construction Program.  In addition, participants in the New Construction Program may also take advantage of the Down Payment Assistance Program, even if they are not first-time homebuyers. The home must be the principal residence of the family and the purchasing household must not own a home at the time of application or at the time of closing. The mortgage assistance is provided as a deferred loan. Who Can Apply? You must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident alien. Residency Requirements Individuals and households buying within the urban county consortium geographical area - which includes Chickasaw, Citronelle, Creola, Mount Vernon, Saraland, Satsuma, Irvington and the unincorporated areas of Mobile County - are eligible. Individuals and households buying within the City of Mobile, Bayou La Batre, Dauphin Island and Prichard are not eligible for this program because these cities are part of a separate entitlement. How to Apply All persons interested in participating in either of the HOME programs must first attend a Homebuyer's Training/Counseling Program to learn about credit requirements, the loan process and budgeting for home ownership.  Training is conducted by:  Consumer Credit Counseling of Mobile:  (251) 602-0011. Upon completion of training, participants will be issued a certificate of completion. The training classes are free and are held throughout Mobile County.  Please call Consumer Credit Counseling of Mobile for class locations, dates and times. Income Eligibility To be eligible to participate in either of the HOME programs, you must have an anticipated annual (gross) income for the next 12 months that does not exceed 80% of the current median family income (based on household size) for Mobile County. 2009 Income Limit (Income limits are revised annually) 1 Person $27,700 2 Person $31,700 3 Person $35,650 4 Person $39,600 5 Person $42,750 6 Person $45,950 7 Person $49,100 8 Person $52,250 The chart above shows the income limit for participation in the programs for various household sizes in the urban county consortium geographical area.       For more information about Mobile County Down Payment Assistance Program and the New Construction of Affordable Homes Program, call:  Consumer Credit Counseling of Mobile (251) 602-0011 or the Mobile County Commission (251) 574-5065.   Brought to you by the Mobile County Commission *Funds provided by a grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)