Workforce Housing Program

The City of Houston’s (City) Housing and Community Development Department (HCDD) is proud to offer the Workforce Housing Downpayment Assistance Program to our eligible citizens. The Workforce Housing Downpayment Assistance Program was created to provide Houston residents the opportunity to purchase a new home in the Houston Hope areas or any area/neighborhood designated by the Mayor of Houston for revitalization. This program will provide families whose combined gross annual income is 80 – 110 percent of Houston’s median income with downpayment, closing cost and pre-paid items assistance. The level of assistance provided to each approved applicant will be $30,000.

	HCDD staff will administer the Workforce Housing Downpayment Assistance Program according to the policy and procedures set forth in the administrative guidelines. (add link to Administrative Guidelines)
	Funding for Workforce Housing Downpayment Assistance Program will be available through the Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone (TIRZ)
	The Workforce Housing Downpayment Assistance Program will provide direct financial assistance to offset portions of the down payment, closing costs, pre-paid items and principal required for home purchase.

Eligibility Requirements

	The applicant must complete at least eight (8) hours of homebuyer education from any participating HUD-approved Housing Counseling Agency (updated 5.26.2009).
	The applicant must purchase a newly constructed residential property. A new construction is defined as a property that is proposed, under construction, or has been completed less than a year according to the Certificate of Compliance.
	The property must be located in Houston Hope areas or any area/neighborhood designated by the Mayor of Houston for revitalization.
	See Eligible locations
	HCDD Inspection Services Section is required to conduct an independent physical inspection on the property. Despite the HCDD’s inspector completing a physical inspection of the property, it is highly encouraged that the potential homebuyer gets his/her own TREC inspection/td>
	The sales price for the property cannot exceed the Single Family Mortgage Limits under Section 203(b) of the National Housing Act
	The applicant must invest at least $500 into the home buying transaction (i.e. earnest money, appraisal, etc.)
	The family must have $1,000 but not more than $35,000 in liquid assets (including retirement accounts)
	The applicant must demonstrate the ability to obtain a mortgage loan (financial, credit worthiness, etc.) and sustain ownership over the period of affordability of ten (10) years.

City of Houston