Assistance for First-time Homebuyers
Temporarily Suspended: Please see homebuyer resources at the bottom of the page
As part of a larger City initiative to increase homeownership, Harrisonburg Redevelopment and Housing Authority (HRHA) will operate a Homebuyer Assistance Program to support low to moderate income families and individuals purchase homes in the $250,000 (Updated February 2021) and below market within the City of Harrisonburg.
Stop by the Reservoir Street Office (143 Reservoir Street) or call (540) 437-9545 to speak to our Program Coordinator.
More information and initial application below.
The Homebuyer Assistance Program helps you purchase your own home by:
- Connecting you with community resources to improve your credit score and financial readiness
- Helping you understand the home buying process, including a required, free online course
- Providing financial assistance through one or both of the following:
- (Updated 2021) Down Payment Assistance up to $6,000 through a low interest (1.5%) loan to assist over a 5-year term
- Closing Cost Assistance up to $4,000 through a forgivable loan over a 5-year term (do not need to pay back as long as you reside in the home for 5 years).
“I am very grateful for the Homebuyer Assistance Program because without it, I would not be a home owner now! I really appreciated Everett’s enthusiasm and support and I enjoyed the online education class that was required as well. I am so thankful this program exists and I just want to shout it from the rooftops in case more people qualify and don’t know about it!”
“The Homebuyer Assistance Program was invaluable to us as first time homebuyers. It allowed us to make a larger down payment which should really help us out financially in the long term. The online course presented a lot of useful information and was user friendly, making it easy to understand all the new information that can otherwise be intimidating when it is your first time buying a home. We are so thankful that we had the opportunity to participate in this program and purchase our first home!”
“Gracias al programa de Asistencia al Comprador de Vivienda, logré uno de mis sueños, que era tener mi casa. Un millón de gracias por su paciencia y trabajar con nosotros todos los días.”
“Thanks to the Homebuyer Assistance program, I achieved one of my dreams, which was to have my house. Thank you a million for your patience and working with us every day.”
Do I Qualify?
Is there an income limit to participate in the program?
Yes, to be able to participate in the program, your income must be between 50%-80% of the area median income. Check the chart below to see if you qualify.
Area: Harrisonburg/Rockingham FY 2022 Median Family Income: $95,900
Adjusted Income Limits (by household size)
| 1 Person | 2 Persons | 3 Persons | 4 Persons | 5 Persons | 6 Persons | 7 Persons | 8 Persons | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extremely Low (30%) | $17,050 | $19,720 | $24,860 | $30,000 | $35,140 | $40,280 | $45,420 | $50,560 |
| Very Low Income (50%) | $28,350 | $32,400 | $36,450 | $40,500 | $43,750 | $47,000 | $50,250 | $53,500 |
| Low & Moderate Income (80%) | $45,400 | $51,850 | $58,350 | $64,800 | $70,000 | $75,200 | $80,400 | $85,550 |
Can you purchase a home anywhere?
This program is currently be funded jointly by HRHA and the City of Harrisonburg, therefore all homes purchased through the program must be within the City of Harrisonburg limits.
Looking at homes in the county but need assistance? Check in with the Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission about their first time homebuyer program.
Does HRHA buy the house?
No, HRHA does not buy the home. We provide down payment and closing cost assistance, as well as insight through the process. You will work with your own real estate agent and lender to find a home and secure a mortgage.
What do I need to do to apply for the program?
To apply for the program, fill out this initial application and submit it online. A Credit Score of 620 is needed to participate in the program. Our Homebuyer Assistance Program coordinator Victoria Hill will be glad to help you through the program process. You can also call her to learn more: (540) 437-9545 or reach out by email at vhill@harrisonburgrha.com
What does the program offer?
The Homebuyer Assistance Program helps you purchase your own home by:
+ Connecting you with community resources to improve your credit score and financial readiness
+ Helping you understand the home buying process, including a required, free online course
+ Providing financial assistance through one or both of the following:
– up to $6,000 through low interest (1.5%) loan to assist with down payment (5-year term)
– up to $4,000 through no interest, forgivable loan (if in home for 5 years) to assist with closing costs
Homebuyer Resources
Credit Repair Resources
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau- Credit Report and Scores
Homeownership Educational Resources
Virginia Housing- Homebuyer Education Course
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau- Informational Mortgage Educational Resources
HUD Housing Counseling Agencies (Counseling Assistance Through The Homebuying Process)
Virginia Housing- Find a Real Estate Agent
Central Shenandoah Planning District Commission
Regional First-time Homebuyer’s Programs
USDA Rural Development- U.S. Department of Agriculture Homebuyer Programs
USDA Single Family Housing Programs
USDA Multifamily Housing Programs
Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (Virginia DHCD)
Homeownership Down Payment Assistance Program
Home Repair/Improvement/Maintenance Resources
HUD Home Repair Resources for Virginia
Home Repair Resources for Single-Family Homes in Rural Areas
