HOUSING

Direct Homebuyer Assistance

The Direct Homebuyer Assistance program is a 0% interest deferred loan. Repayment of the loan is due and payable upon transfer of the title.

What We Do

Properties located within a special flood hazard area will be ineligible for assistance.

A maximum of $30,000 or 20% of the project cost can be used for the down payment of one housing unit, including associated closing costs. Each applicant is required to provide $1,000 of their own money to cover a portion of the required closing fees and pre-paid escrow accounts. A $500 closing fee, which can be used toward the $1,000 requirement, will be charged at the time of closing.

All applicants are required to secure a Single Family Mortgage Loan from a lender of their choice to purchase the single-family home. A letter of
pre-qualification and good faith estimate from a financial institution is required to accompany the application.

Each applicant must attend a Homebuyer’s Education Workshop prior to loan closing. Homebuyer education classes include an educational packet and instructional materials on topics such as family financial management, record keeping, maintenance and upkeep, landscaping, lawns and pest management, appliances and home furnishings.

Application Process

1

Northeast Economic Development, Inc. Nebraska Affordable Housing Trust Funds Direct Homebuyer Assistance Program Guidelines can be foundĀ  here.

2

Contact NENEDD staff for a Direct Homebuyer Assistance application or download the pre-application here.

3

Income verification of household gross income is required and will be conducted upon receipt of completed application and requested documents. Pre-approval is required from a primary lender.

4

The Board of Directors will approve or deny all Direct Homebuyer Assistance applications. Their determination is final. A subordinated lien will be placed upon the property in second position behind the primary lender.

Eligibility

The housing unit to be purchased must be located in one of these counties:

  • Antelope

  • Boone

  • Burt

  • Cedar

  • Colfax

  • Cuming

  • Dixon

  • Dodge

  • Knox

  • Madison

  • Nance

  • Pierce

  • Platte

  • Stanton

  • Thurston

  • Wayne

Eligibility for the program is determined by family size and household income, and varies by county in which they receive assistance.

Applicants for assistance shall not currently own or have any interest in other real property at the time of application.

The purchase price limit of any one existing property is $231,000 for all of the counties listed above, with the exception of Dixon ($250,600), Dodge ($237,300), Madison ($259,000), and Platte ($275,800) counties. The purchase price limit for any newly constructed (never lived in) property is $369,600 for all counties listed above with the exception of Platte ($409,150).

No property or any portion assisted through this program may be retained for rental purposes. Existing residential property to be purchased can not be occupied by another renter.

The property will be maintained as the owners primary residence throughout the duration of the loan.