Down Payment Assistance

The biggest obstacle to homebuying is lack of upfront cash.

CPAH provides eligible Lake County homebuyers with up to 5% of the purchase price to help with down payment and closing costs.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Assistance is provided in the form of a 0%-interest deferred loan with no monthly payments, forgiven at a rate of 1/60th every month. Loan forgiveness begins 60 days after closing. The loan is fully forgiven after 5 years and 60 days in the home.

  • Participants must be first-time homebuyers, defined as any borrower that has not owned a home in the last 3 years. First time homebuyers also include individuals who are displaced homemakers or single parents who have previously only owned a home with a former spouse.

  • Homebuyers must put down $1,000 or 1% of the purchase price, whichever is greater.

  • Homebuyers must complete an in-person homebuyer education class and individual counseling from CPAH.

  • Homebuyers must certify their intent to owner-occupy the home as their principal residence for 5 years after closing. The loan (less the amount forgiven each month) will be immediately payable if the home (i) does not remain the buyer’s principal residence, (ii) if there is a transfer of title, or (iii) if there is a cash out refinance during the 5-year period of affordability.

  • A home inspection is required; any code violations or significant health or safety issues must be repaired prior to closing.

  • Homebuyers must qualify for financing with a CPAH Participating Lender.

  • Properties must be a 1-unit single family home (attached or detached) located in Lake County, Illinois and have a maximum value of $289,750.
  • The combined gross (pre-tax) income from all sources for all members of the household cannot exceed 80% of the area median income (AMI) for the household size, as listed below.

 

Household Size
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
80% AMI
$58,350
$66,700
$75,050
$83,350
$90,050
$96,700
$103,400
$110,050

Please review the full guidelines for additional requirements:

DAP Buyer Guidelines (English | Spanish)

How to get started:

We strongly encourage you to attend a Home Buyer Education Class. REGISTER FOR A CLASS

For additional information, please call 847.263.7478 ext 10 jrosales@cpahousing.org