LIMITED FUNDS
We offer a purchase assistance program for first-time, low income homebuyers to help them finance their first home.Financial Assistance for Low Income Homebuyers
The Low Income Purchase Assistance Program helps first-time, low income homebuyers purchase homes by providing loans to cover the down payment, acquisition, and closing costs.Who’s eligible
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First-time homebuyers who have not had an ownership interest in any real property at any time during the last three years
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U.S. Citizens, lawful permanent residents, or other qualified aliens.
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Homebuyers must have a middle FICO score of at least 660.
- Applicants whose total household income of all of the adults, 18 years of age or older who will be living in the home, is at or below the income limits shown on the table below
| Household Size | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Household Income Limit | $77,700 or less | $88,800 or less | $99,900 or less | $110,950 or less | $119,850 or less | $128,750 or less | $137,600 or less | $146,500 or less |
Other Program Requirements
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Applicants must attend an 8-hour, in-person Homebuyer Education Class given by one of our approved providers
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Applicants must contribute a minimum of 1% of the home price from their own funds as down payment. Some homebuyers may be required to contribute more than 1% toward the down payment
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Homebuyers must occupy the home as their principal residence
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If eligible, applicants who apply for this program may also be required to apply for the Mortgage Credit Certificate Program (MCC)
Loan Amount
We provide a loan of up to $161,000 for down payment, closing costs, and acquisition.
Home purchase price limit
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Single Family Homes: $1,081,100
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Condominiums & Townhomes: $679,250
Loan terms
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Deferred, requiring no monthly payments
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Loans have a Shared Appreciation component in which the City will share a certain percentage of the appreciation in the value of the property. For an example of Shared Appreciation, click here
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Repayment is due on sale, title transfer, first mortgage repayment, or in 30 years
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Refinancing of first mortgage is allowed under certain conditions
Eligible properties
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One unit properties, i.e. single family residences including townhomes and condominiums
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Properties must be located in Los Angeles
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Properties cannot be tenant occupied, unless the tenant is the prospective homebuyer
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Approved short sales/pays, foreclosed and REO properties and regular sales
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All properties are inspected by the City to ensure they meet all applicable state and local housing standards and code requirements. We also conduct a Lead Based Paint Visual Assessment on the property to identify deteriorated paint in the homes. All properties must pass the City inspection. Any required corrections or repairs on the property should be done at the cost of the owner or homebuyer and must be completed before the application for financial assistance is submitted.
Example of how this program works?
We provide purchase assistance up to a maximum of $161,000. The Low Income Purchase Assistance loan provides the difference between the purchase price plus closing costs (up to 5% of the sales price) and the amount of the buyer’s first mortgage loan, down payment and other funding sources.
EXAMPLE
| Home Purchase Price: | $536,666 |
| Homebuyer’s Closing Costs: | $16,100 |
| Total Funds Needed: | $552,766 |
| First Mortgage: | $384,199 |
| Homebuyer Down Payment (1% of Purchase Price): | $5,367 |
| Gift/Additional Buyer Cash/Other Source | $2,200 |
| LAHD LIPA Loan | $161,000 |
| Total Funds Available: | $552,766 |
How to apply
Due to limited funds, LAHD is implementing a modified loan reservation process. See below for the loan reservation schedule with the number of loan reservations per round.
- Wednesday, November 13, 2024 – 15 Loan Reservations (10 MIPA and 5 LIPA)
- Wednesday, January 8, 2025 – 15 LIPA Loan Reservations
- Wednesday, March 12, 2025 – 15 LIPA Loan Reservations
Please contact one of our Participating Lender English / Participating Lender Spanish to get pre-qualified for a first mortgage and City loan or call (213) 808-8800 for more information. In order to apply for the program, you must apply with one of the LAHD Participating Lenders.
