Home Ownership

Purpose of the Program

The purpose of the Homeownership Assistance Program is to assist first-time home buyers in purchasing a home within Augusta-Richmond County.

Down payment assistance is available to eligible applicants in the form of a deferred-payment loan and low-interest loans in which Housing and Community Development (HCD) will provide up to the required down payment or closing cost (not to exceed $5,000).

For more information, please view the Program Manual.

Criteria

Applicants must:
  • Have a satisfactory income
  • Be employed
  • Have a satisfactory credit history
  • Meet certain federal income guidelines
  • Agree to participate in a pre-purchase counseling program

Application Procedure

  1. Applicant contacts a realtor and selects a home for purchase
  2. Applicant schedules an appointment with one of the participating local lending institutions to complete an application for a loan
  3. Once a sales contract has been signed, the lender sends all relevant information to HCD
  4. HCD reviews the application and inspects the property
  5. If application is approved, owner is notified and a voluntary sales certification is sent to the seller
  6. Upon receipt of voluntary sales certification, the closing is scheduled with the closing attorney
For additional information please contact Maria Young or Sonya Johnson.