Down Payment Assistance

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.

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