Downpayment Assistance Program

Access to homeownership for many households can be an impediment for many desiring to acquire their own home.  A critical barrier for prospecting homebuyers often is an inability to provide a sufficient down payment or pay closing costs in purchasing a home.  The City, acting through the Office of Housing makes homebuyer assistance loans available to help expand home ownership opportunities for low and moderate-income households.

The Downpayment Assistance Program (DAP), available through the Office of Housing, offers potential homebuyers $3,000.00 in financial support.  This program is available to households whose incomes are no greater than 80.0% of the area median income of the area median income, adjusted for family size.  The chart below establishes the income limits specific for these participants for 2013:

                                     Maximum Household Income

                                    1 Person      $45,100

                                    2 Persons    $51,550

                                    3 Persons    $58,000

                                    4 Persons    $64,400

                                    5 Persons    $69,600

                                    6 Persons    $74,750

These programs are supported by HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, and are designed to provide upfront financial support in the form of down payment and closing costs assistance, as well as work in conjunction with homebuyer counseling.  Applications are considered on a first-come, first-serve basis and levels of assistance are subject to available funding.  General requirements for all first-time homebuyers include:

• Not having owned a home during the previous three (3) tax years. 
• Household income may not exceed 80% of the area median income.
• Applicants must contribute a minimum of 1% of their own funds toward the purchase of the property.
• The property must be the borrower(s) primary residence.
• The property must be located within the City of Springfield.
• The price must not exceed 95% area median purchase price for single-family properties (1 to 4 units)
• The maximum loan-to-value is subject to lender program requirements but may not exceed 103%.
• The property must satisfy the minimum HUD Housing Quality Standards (HQS) requirements. 
• Qualifying ratios for housing and total debt expenses may not exceed 33% and 43%, respectively.
• Applicants must successfully complete a CHAPA or HUD certified homebuyer education class.  Landlord training is required for properties with 2 or more units.

For more information about the DAP program, contact Patricia Montana or Maritza Santiago at the Office of Housing, 1600 East Columbus Avenue, Springfield, MA or by phone at (413) 787-6500