Frequently Asked Questions

The First Time Homebuyer’s Program has HOME funds to assist eligible low income homebuyers with down payment and closing cost assistance for the purchase of a home in the City of Lawrence. The FTHB program received new funding in July and it is available in August on a “Fist-qualified”, “first-come”, “First serve” basis.

The FTHB program provides qualify homebuyers with up to $25,000 in financial assistance that can be applied toward:

• Down payment
• Closing cost and down payment
• Buying down points to reduce your interest rate

The actual amount awarded is based on the lender’s loan product requirement for down payment, estimated closing cost, Earnest Deposits made and any Seller’s concessions listed in the Purchase & Sales Agreement.

To qualify for the FTHB program, the applicant must:

• Be a First Time Homebuyer
• Have a CHAPA-approved Homebuyer class
• Meet the HUD-HOME income limits and HOME Value Limits
• Property must pass a Housing Quality Standard Inspection
• Meet the program’s affordability ratio criteria
• Contribute 1.5% of the purchase price to the use of down payment
• Purchase an owner-occupied property in the City of Lawrence

Interested applicants can apply once they have an accepted offer to purchase a home in Lawrence. Please note that all interested homebuyers should schedule an “Intake Session” months prior to applying for assistance. We recommend for a homebuyer to first take a homebuyer class and have a pre-approval letter from a lender before scheduling an Intake Session.

The application can take up to 45 days depending on the complexity of the real estate transaction. Please note that during the last two weeks of June and the first three weeks of July, the City of Lawrence is reconciling its city budget and will not accept any applications.

The City of Lawrence does not offer homebuyer classes. There are three HUD approved agencies that offer homebuyer classes and one-to-one counseling sessions in the City of Lawrence.  For a list of agencies that offer homebuyer classes and register for a class go to:  www.chapa.org

No, the borrower must close on the City loan first before funds are distributed. The check cannot be release until the City receives the deed, the Settlement Statement and a signed HOME loan note, mortgage and restriction.