DPA Program Eligibility

Borrowers must meet all requirements listed below to qualify for the program. If you have additional eligibility questions, please reach out to us to discuss.

Eligibility

  • Borrower must not currently own property or have not purchased a property in the past three years, consistent with the FHA definition of a first-time homebuyer.
  • Program assistance is for the purchase of a primary residence only.
  • Borrower must qualify for a conventional mortgage, and the mortgage lender must be willing to accept the terms of the Homes by CFE Down Payment Assistance loan. In order to process your preapplication, potential borrowers should have a pre-approval from a mortgage lender. 
  • Borrower must be at or below 140% Median Family Income (MFI) as defined by the DC Department of Housing and Community Development, to qualify for assistance. See the inclusionary zoning charts for more information on income limits based on household size. See the current MFI income limits here.
  • After the loan closes, the borrower may not have more than six months of cash reserves. Cash reserves are defined as mortgage payment plus taxes and insurance. (This does not include 401ks.)
  • Borrower must identify as Black and/or Latinx. (Find out more about  Special Purpose Credit Programs.)
  • Home purchase price must be under $584,000. This figure is reviewed annually based on federal guidelines.
  • Borrower must complete the Homes by CFE homebuyer orientation before finalizing  program eligibility. 
  • Property must be in the District of Columbia.
  • Borrower must participate in homeownership counseling and provide a certificate of completion to Homes by CFE prior to closing on your home purchase. 

Ready to Apply for Assistance?

If you meet all of the eligibility requirements listed above, please fill out the Homes by CFE program application. The application takes a few minutes of your time, and one of our loan officers will follow up with you as soon as possible to discuss your eligibility and the next steps of the process.

 

DPA Program Application

Eligibility FAQ

Have additional eligibility questions? Contact us.     Contact