California Association of REALTORS® HAF Closing Cost Assistance Grant Program

February 3, 2022

RNHS is excited to be the administrator of the HAF Closing Cost Assistance Grant Program supporting First Time Homeowners to realize their homeownership dreams.

The program helps first-time homebuyers bridge the affordability gap by providing them with up to $10,000 in closing cost assistance. Each grant is provided to low-to-moderate income (120% AMI and below) first-time homebuyers who utilize the services of a CA REALTOR®.

These homeownership gaps aren’t new and, for many groups, they’re getting wider.  Experts suggest that lack of generational wealth is (can be) to blame, often leaving members of underserved communities with less funds to cover the closing costs and down payment for a home. Rather than just observing the trends, we’re taking action.

Please find the checklist and application to move your request forward. Applications will be processed & approved on a first-come-first-served basis.

The maximum grant amount is $10,000 and the lender financing your loan will need to accept the terms & conditions of the HAF program which is a grant program with no repayment requirement.

Visit C.A.R.’s Housing Affordability Fund website for more information.

For information on Area Median Income Limits, visit Fannie Mae AMI Lookup Tool

 

Please complete the Interest Form to see if you qualify for the HAF Closing Cost Assistance Grant Program.
Once completed – if you meet the minimum requirements, you will be asked to complete an additional Closing Cost grant application.

Complete Housing Affordability Fund Interest Form

Approved Vendor List

Pending Approval Vendor Listing

  • Guild Mortgage
  • RPM Mortgage
  • Chase
  • Bank of the West

Note: If you do not see your lender listed above, please contact Ieshia Edgerton at ieshia@ eastbaynhs.org to assist the lender through the lender approval process.

 

Program Criteria

  • Recipient must be a first-time homebuyer.
  • Recipient must be a member of an underserved community, including LGBTQ+.
    • Recipient must be a member of an underserved community: (*“Underserved Community” includes: (i) people of color; (ii) persons who are homeless or otherwise experiencing housing instability; (iii) persons with disabilities (physical or mental), particularly persons living in housing with one or more qualities of an institutional setting, persons leaving institutions, or persons at-risk of institutionalization; (iv) persons living in impoverished areas or experiencing persistent poverty or inequality, including historical wealth disparities as compared to majority groups; and (v) lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) persons.)
  • The property being purchased by recipient must be a single-family residence.
  • The purchased property must not have an affordable housing deed restriction.
  • Recipient’s income must be no more than 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI).
  • Recipient must be represented by a CA REALTOR® in the transaction.
  • Recipient must certify they intend occupy within 60 days of escrow close for a minimum of 3 years.
  • Recipient must use either government or conventional GSE financing.
  • Recipient must be left with no more than $20,000 in savings after the purchase.

Checklist

  • Copy of your Real Estate contract.
  • Last 2 years W-2’s for all borrowers on the loan.
    (This is to confirm your household does not exceed 120% AMI).
  • 3 months bank statements for all borrowers, and all bank accounts.
    (This is to confirm your post-close assets).
  • A confirmation your lender will accept the terms and conditions of the HAF Closing Cost Assistance Grant Program.

Complete Housing Affordability Fund Interest Form

If you need further assistance, please call Cymone Goree at (510) 237-6457 ext. 1615 or ieshia@eastbaynhs.org.