RIHousing’s new Down Payment Assistance Program – the First Down Program – is designed to help strengthen housing demand and increase homeownership opportunities for first-time homebuyers. The down payment assistance is structured as a forgivable loan secured by a second mortgage. Buyers who remain in homes purchased with the assistance for at least 5 years are not required to repay the loan. If the buyer sells, refinances, or no longer uses the home as their primary residence within the first 5 years after closing, a portion of the loan would need to be repaid.
Property must be located in one of the five communities hit hardest by the foreclosure crisis: Cranston, Pawtucket, Providence, Warwick, Woonsocket
Eligibility
To qualify for the First Down Program you must:
- Be a first-time homebuyer purchasing a 1-4 family home or condominium
- Meet RIHousing loan and income limits (see below)
- Obtain a RIHousing-funded first mortgage through a Participating Lender or RIHousing
- Occupy the home as a primary residence
Loan Limits
The down payment assistance of $7,500 is forgivable after 5 years of owning the home, and you must maintain it as your primary residence. The maximum loan limit allowed is $454,250 for a one- to four-family home or eligible condominium.
Income limits
To be eligible for the First Down Program, your total annual household income must be less than $93,623 (for a 1-2 person household) or $107,667 (for a 3+ person household).
Availability
The First Down Program is only available in conjunction with a RIHousing first mortgage, available through our network of Participating Lenders and the RIHousing Loan Center.
Limited Funds – Act Now
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Contact one of our Participating Lenders or Mortgage Originators today to find out more about other program offerings such as the FirstHomes Tax Credit, a great option to help new homebuyers save a little extra money.