Legacy Program
Information for Homeowners
City First Homes, now Homes by CFE, developed the Legacy Shared Appreciation Program to counteract displacement as home prices climbed and prospective purchasers found it challenging to afford properties in DC. With an initial investment from the DC government, CFH developed a down payment assistance program: Each borrower was given a 0% interest loan, also called a recoverable grant, as a second trust mortgage for down payment assistance, and the property’s affordability was maintained by sharing any equity appreciation between the borrower and CFH at the time of sale.
We also promoted homeownership through stewardship services that supported the operating boards of several Limited Equity Cooperatives with self-management and governance. At its height, the Legacy Shared Appreciation program contained 53 active loans, plus 214 properties under stewardship through various cooperatives.
Updates
As the market evolved, we looked for fresh ways to serve prospective homeowners, emphasizing minority borrowers in DC. With Homes by CFE’s new down payment assistance program (DPA Program), we are shifting more of the power to the borrower, enabling them to choose the home that best fits their family’s needs rather than the affordability being tied to a specific property.
This new program better serves the local community by providing benefits that families can feel for generations. The shared appreciation from selling any legacy program property will be reinvested into Homes by CFE and help put homeownership in reach for more people. If when legacy program homeowners want to sell their properties, there is a borrower who might benefit from assistance from the new DPA Program; they should refer that borrower to Homes by CFE to determine their eligibility.
We remain committed to all our homeowners. You can learn more about the program’s transition through the Legacy Program Transition Notice and FAQ that borrowers received in 2021. If you have any questions regarding your loan, please reach out to us at info@homesbycfe.org so we may assist you.
Homeowner Forms
Intent to Sell Form
Notify City First Homes staff of the sale of your property. This will help us to make sure the sale of your property goes smoothly.
View Form
Capital Improvement Form
Use this form to notify City First Homes of any planned or completed improvements to your property. You can attach reciepts and the describe the improvements made to your property. This information will be stored in the borrower's file.
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Refinance Request Form
This form will help staff prepare the key forms for your refinance and ensures you have the information necessary to start and complete the process with the new lender.
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