discover down payment and closing cost options

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  3. Get your certificate and unlock your access to ownership
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You hear it almost every day. Millennials, aspiring first-time buyers, those trying to return to ownership after a foreclosure, they are all telling the same story; it’s almost impossible to buy property today.

For many, housing prices are far outpacing wage increases. That makes the dream of homeownership seem like it’s getting farther away with every passing day.

Luckily, that doesn’t have to be the case. Buying property isn’t impossible, even in today’s climate. And Lehvl can help you get there.

Levhl

leh · vl

Lehvl is the first nationwide application that makes finding affordable paths to homeownership easier. With Lehvl, you can qualify for grant subsidy and property-buying programs across the country. Plus, you’ll gain access to a variety of resources, including buyer education portals, personalized coaching, and more.

If you’re like many aspiring buyers and don’t have access to a down payment or a cosigner, you can’t still make homeownership a reality. Lehvl levels the playing field.

If you have the will, there is a way to own a property. Let Lehvl help get you there.

Whether you want to buy a home or a multi-family unit, you need three things by your side:

down payment

Closing Costs

Know-how

With Levhl, you can have it all.

Evaluate your options

check eligibility

What is down payment and closing cost assistance and how does it work?

Down payment and closing cost assistance programs provide aspiring buyers with funds to cover some or all of those costs. In most cases, the money is provided at closing and handled directly by your lender.

There are several potential sources of down payment and closing cost assistance. This includes federal, state, county, and city government organizations as well as nonprofit agencies. At times, the organizations who offer help aren’t well-publicized, causing many to miss out on the programs.

Precisely with programs are available varies depending on several factors, particularly where you plan to buy a home. As a result, not everyone will be eligible for the same options.

Pros and cons of down payment and closing cost assistance programs

CALHFA ADU Grant provides up to $40,000 to reimburse pre-development and non-reoccurring closing costs associated with the construction of the ADU. Predevelopment costs include site prep, architectural designs, permits, soil tests, impact fees, property survey, and energy reports.

Pros

  • CALHFA ADU Grant provides up to $40,000 to reimburse pre-development and non-reoccurring closing costs associated with the construction of the ADU. Predevelopment costs include site prep, architectural designs, permits, soil tests, impact fees, property survey, and energy reports.
  • Grants don’t have to be repaid. As long as you meet all of the program’s requirements, the money is yours for free.

Cons

  • Some mortgage programs that offer down payment assistance do come with costs, such as higher interest rates.
  • Using a down payment assistance program could result in a mortgage interest rate that’s 1.75 percent higher than you may qualify for otherwise. This makes the cost of buying higher over time and also creates a higher monthly payment.

How can I qualify?

Down payment and closing costs assistance programs help make ownership more affordable. However, not everyone qualifies for the programs. Several factors determine eligibility, including where you want to purchase a home and your income.

About 60 percent of down payment and closing cost assistance programs focus on first-time buyers. Other qualifiers you may see include:

  • Credit score
  • Debt-to-income ratio
  • Completion of homebuyer education program
  • Military or veteran status
  • Employment in a public service position

It’s also common for programs to have guidelines regarding the property itself. For example, certain structure types aren’t eligible, and there could be home loan size limits.

Signing up for a homebuyer education program is a great way to unlock opportunities and access to programs. Additionally, if you want to find out more about what’s available in your area, local real estate professionals, state housing finance agencies, and local housing authorities may be able to help.

Testimonials

Glynnis M

Five Stars

Very informative! I no longer feel alone in this process, I feel I can trust this agency

TJ M

Five Stars

Katherine was wonderful. I loved her. Very caring, informative and No-nosense - she tells it like it is. That's the way it should be.

Dara A

Five Stars

What a VERY helpful and informative webinar! Thank you, Katherine and HPP Cares!!

Marjanna R

Five Stars

Fabulous!! Lots of great info. Look forward to presentation when on site. Nice to know there is help, or an advocate out there if I should decide to move forward. Thanks again!!!

Marbella

Five Stars

This ADU presentation was a wealth of knowledge and great resources were provided in a way where it wasn't too overwhelming. Katherine was an an impressive presenter.

Adrienne J

Five Stars

Amazing and so so helpful! A wealth of resources!

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Progress

As a social enterprise, HPP CARES CDE has achieved significant and wide-ranging accomplishments in recent years. Working under the National Coalition for Equities' (NCFE) umbrella, our focus has been on advocating for a strong community voice among federal and state regulators and major private sector corporations. We've dedicated ourselves to addressing public policy issues, particularly those related to wealth and income inequality impacting affordable homeownership and small business growth.

Through collaborative efforts with NCFE, HPP CARES CDE has expanded outreach initiatives, leading to increased corporate social responsibility and consumer protection awareness. Our endeavors have enabled us to engage with a broader audience, forge partnerships with numerous companies, and engage with regulators, all with the goal of supporting deserving individuals in achieving sustainable homeownership, fostering successful small businesses, protecting consumers, and empowering California communities.

At HPP CARES CDE, we are committed to championing opportunities for people of color to become integral partners in our mission to reduce income and wealth inequality, thereby contributing to the creation of stronger futures for all minority groups.