Homebuyer Assistance

HOMEBUYING/HOMEOWNERSHIP ASSISTANCE SERVICES

 

Organizations providing services to Richmond residents.

 

Community Housing Development Corporation

We are a full-service housing development corporation creating vibrant communities throughout the Bay Area and we are here to serve you.

1535 Fred Jackson Way, Suite A, Richmond, CA 94801

(510) 412-9290

info@communityhdc.org

www.communityhdc.org

 

Richmond Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc.

12972 San Pablo Ave.

Richmond, CA 94805

(510) 237-6459

info@eastbaynhs.org

https://richmondnhs.org/

 

Homeownership Opportunities
510-412-9815 
Homeownership Opportunities, Inc. provides information and services to people and families that would like to purchase and own a home. They can help walk you through the home buying process from beginning to end.
 
Lao Family Community Development
865 Rumrill Boulevard, Suite B

San Pablo, CA 94806
510-215-1220 
Lao Family Community Development provides housing counseling, outreach, and education to first-time home buyers with a focus on limited-English speakers from Southeast Asia. 

 

SparkPoint Contra Costa (Richmond office)

1000 C MacDonald Avenue
 Richmond, CA  94804
 Phone:  510-779-3200
 Bgeishirtcantrell@richmondcf.org

 

1ST TIME HOMEBUYER ASSISTANCE SERVICES

 

Education/Counseling

  • CHDC Courses:   Courses include Homebuyer Education Course, Post Purchase Homeowner Education, and Foreclosure Education.   Fees may apply.
  • RNHS E-Learning:  Courses include Homebuyer Education Course and Post Purchase Homeowner Education. Fees may apply.

Mortgage Credit Certificate Program - The Mortgage Credit Certificate Program, authorized by Congress in the Tax Reform Act of 1984, provides financial assistance to "First time homebuyers" for the purchase of new or existing single-family home. In 1985, the State adopted legislation authorizing local agencies, such as Contra Costa County, to make Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCCs) available in California. Contra Costa County MCC authority can be used in all cities as well as the unincorporated areas of the County. The Contra Costa County Community Development Department will administer the program.

 

Foreclosure Intervention and Loan Modification

 

 Down Payment Assistance Programs

 

  • Cal HOME - Cal HOME Program offers up to $38,000 in a “silent” down payment assistance loan for low-income households purchasing in Contra Costa. This loan is secured by a Deed of Trust on the property and requires no monthly payments.
  • IDEA/WISH - Workforce Initiative Subsidy for Homeownership (WISH) - WISH grants can help first-time homebuyers overcome the biggest barrier to homeownership: downpayment and closing costs. Targeted to individuals and families earning up to 80% of the area’s median income, these programs match $4 for every $1 a homebuyer contributes toward the purchase of a home, up to the Federal Housing Finance Agency annual maximum subsidy limit. 
  • NeighborhoodLIFT - NeighborhoodLIFT is now available in the Greater San Francisco Bay Area! The NeighborhoodLIFT® program, a collaboration between Wells Fargo and NeighborWorks® America, offers down payment assistance for eligible homebuyers who complete approved homebuyer education. The program provides eligible homebuyers with $25,000 to use toward down payment and/or closing costs on qualified homes.

California Home Source Lease Purchase Program
The Lease Purchase Program allows qualified residents to choose a home, lease it for 3 years, and assume the mortgage at the end of the lease term. The program is designed to provide home ownership opportunities to persons with credit difficulties, lack of credit history, or lack of a down payment.
 
California Housing Finance Agency (CHFA)
 The mission of CHFA Homeownership Program is to provide affordable housing opportunities by offering below-market interest rate mortgage loans to very low-to-moderate income first-time home buyers. They offer a large variety of programs that may be right for you.
 
 The advantages to obtaining a CHFA loan are:

  • Lower interest rates generally available
  • Minimum down payment of 3-5%
  • Lower fees to borrowers

 Other Affordable Housing Resources

 

To learn about other affordable housing opportunities in your area, contact your county or city housing authority, or visit:

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development – offers consumer information regarding homeownership assistance programs, rental and homebuying assistance programs, consumer workshops, a searchable database to tap information about homes

 

Mortgage Bankers Association of America – a national membership association that offers homebuying tips, information about refinancing, detailed news on purchasing, owning and managing a home mortgage

 

National Low Income Housing Coalition – a national policy advocacy organization that provides fact sheets and a list of frequently asked questions on topics ranging from homeownership to public housing to homeless assistance

 

Freddie Mac – offers extensive information and resources on buying vs. renting, how to get ready to purchase a home, and the mortgage process KnowYourOptions.com – Fannie Mae offers information and resources on homebuying, including a mortgage calculator.