Washington County Homebuyer Assistance Program 2021

January 9th, 2021

The Washington County Homebuyer Assistance Program helps home owners to address housing needs in our region.

The Washington County Home Buyer Assistance (HBA) program aims to help income-qualified potential Washington County homeowners through the process of buying a home. The program will provide financial assistance of up to $24,999 to approximately 5 eligible applicants.

Location requirements:

• Outside of the 100-year floodplain

• Located in Washington County and served by City water and sewer.

Applicant requirements for Washington County Homebuyer Assistance Program:

• Annual gross household does not exceed 80% of the current area median income for Washington County.

• Property must be potential homeowner’s primary place of residence for at least five years

Home types that qualify for the Washington County Homebuyer Assistance Program:

• Single family property (one unit)

• Condominium

• Newly constructed homes

• Manufactured home:

  • Built in 1976 or later

  • Permanently affixed to a site-built foundation

  • Towing hitch and running gear removed

  • Installed on land owned by the potential property owner

  • Dwelling and site taxed as real estate

Financial assistance for the Program:

• Maximum $24,999 given to assist with up to:

  • 50% of the lender-required down payment

  • $350 toward a property inspection fee

  • $3,500 toward closing costs
  • Limited funding toward addressing lead-based paint and/or radon hazards in the home
• Receding forgivable loan:
  • 20% of the loan forgiven annually over five years
  • Repayment of principal amount due to the Iowa Economic Development Authority if the property is sold or transferred before five years

Property standards for the Washington County Homebuyer Assistance Program:

• Must meet either the local jurisdiction’s housing codes or Iowa’s Minimum Housing Rehabilitation Standards (IMHRS).

• Repairs to comply must be completed before closing, and costs for these repairs should be negotiated between buyer and seller.

• A full Uniform Relocation Act-compliant appraisal must be conducted by a licensed appraiser, and an inspection must be conducted by ECICOG’s Housing Specialist.

• Program is subject to HUD’s Lead Safe Housing Rule, and home must be inspected for lead based paint hazards. A limited amount of funding is available to address lead-based paint hazards identified by ECICOG’s inspector, subject to budget approval.

• Must be located in a community that provides municipal water and sewer connections.

How to apply for the Washington County Homebuyer Assistance Program:

• Fill out the application intake survey.

• Email Paula Mitchell at [email protected] with questions

• Application forms can be found here on the East Central Iowa Council of Governments website
• The attachments below have more details about the program.

In conclusion,  the Washington County Homebuyer Assistance Program helps home owners to address housing needs in our region. For instance, the funds can be used towards down payments, property inspection fees, and closing costs.  Above all, its a great opportunity to increase affordable housing in Washington County.