Down Payment Assistance

The biggest obstacle to homebuying is lack of upfront cash.

CPAH provides eligible Lake County homebuyers with up to $13,999 to help with your down payment, closing costs, and lower your interest rate.

About the program:

CPAH provides up to $13,999 in assistance to qualified Lake County residents toward the purchase of a home. Assistance comes in the form of a 0% interest loan with no monthly payment. Instead, the loan is forgiven at a rate of 1/60th every month. If you stay in the home for 5 years (60 months), the loan will be completely forgiven. These funds can be used for your down payment, closing costs, or to buydown your interest rate.

Here’s what you need to know:

  • Qualified participants must not have owned a home in the last 3 years (individuals who are displaced homemakers or single parents who have previously only owned a home with a former spouse can qualify).
  • Properties must be a 1-unit single family home located in Lake County, Illinois and have a maximum value of $304,950.

  • 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.

  • If the home is sold within the first five years, the loan (minus the forgiven amount) will become immediately payable. After 5 years the loan is fully forgiven. 

  • A home inspection is required before closing, and any significant repairs must be made.

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

  • 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
$61,800
$70,600
$79,450
$88,250
$95,350
$102,400
$109,450
$116,500

Please review the full guidelines for additional requirements:

DAP Buyer Guidelines (English | Spanish)

How to get started:

  1. Call us today at 847.263.7478 ext 10 or email at asanchez@cpahousing.org
  2. We strongly encourage you register to attend a Home Buyer Education Class.