Home prices have risen dramatically in Humboldt County and some much-needed assistance could be on the way for aspiring homebuyers. The county has received two grants to assist lower-income community households to buy a house. Due to high demand and lack of funding the wait list for the Homebuyer Assistance Loan Program is reopening for the first time since 2016. The Pre-application to get on the waiting list is on the county’s website.
The program offers low-interest, deferred payment, gap loans to qualified applicants. The county loan can be up to 50% of the total loan package.
Given the marketplace and loan program requirements, not everyone will qualify. Aspiring homebuyers must be low income to qualify for the county program but have enough income to qualify for a first loan from a conventional lender. Typically, households earning less than $40,000 are unlikely to find a home in today’s marketplace even with the county loan program. More information on the program can be found in the Homebuyer Information Sheet.
Applicant Eligibility
Borrowers must be low-income based on family size (3-4 people, $55,900 or less) and the homeowner must not have owned a home in the last 3 years.
Eligible Properties
Homes must be in the unincorporated areas of the county. The properties must be vacant, or owner-occupied. The maximum purchase price is between $307,000 and $416,000, depending on the program. Homes also can’t have health and safety issues at the time of purchase.
Application Process
The county uses a pre-application to establish the waiting list. The Pre-application form can be downloaded and sent via e-mail to plbl_grants@co.humboldt.ca.us, or mailed or dropped off at the Humboldt County Planning and Building Department at 3015 H Street, Eureka, Ca 95501.
The applicant’s position on the wait list is based on the date and time it is received. After receipt and review of the pre-applications, staff will contact the applicants to confirm the applicant’s position on the list. The list will close when it reaches 25 applicants. When the applicant reaches the top of the wait list, they will receive a full application.
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For More Information:
Andrew Whitney
Housing and Grants Program Coordinator
707-268-3735