Closing Cost Assistance Program (Baranof Island Housing Authority)
Closing Cost Assistance Program (Baranof Island Housing Authority) is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Sitka, Alaska, administered by Baranof Island Housing Authority (BIHA).
The program asks for
- First-time homebuyer — with exceptions: No home ownership in prior 3 years; exceptions for prior marital home or inherited non-occupied share (Exec. Director discretion).
- The home is occupied as a primary residence
- A completed homebuyer education course, through AHFC Home Choice first-time homebuyer education course
- Residency: Sitka area resident
- Citizenship or immigration status: Alaska Native/American Indian tribal member (CDIB/BIA proof; Sitka Tribe enrollment for tribal preference)
- Tribal member + Sitka resident; first-time homebuyer; income <100% MFI; $1,500 minimum contribution; AHFC Home Choice certificate; signs Second/Third Mortgage Agreement; background/credit fees apply. Min credit, DTI, max price, annual cap not stated.
- A home inside Sitka city limits
It doesn’t cover
- Households above 100% of area median income
- Homes outside Sitka
These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.
Income limit
100% of Sitka City and’s area median income
HUD sets the area median income each year. The limit changes with household size, so a family of five has a higher limit than a single homebuyer.
Where it applies
Sitka’s homesThe homes in Sitka
- 51.5% single-familysingle-family
- 4.1% townhousetownhouse
- 25.3% 2–4 units2–4 units
- 9.9% 5+ unitscondo & apartment buildings (5+ units)
- 9.2% mobile & othermobile home & other
$450,300
Sitka median home value
50.5%
built before 1980
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-year. More about buying in Sitka
How to apply
How to applyThree steps, in this order
Take a homebuyer education course
Required by the program, through AHFC Home Choice first-time homebuyer education course.
Contact Baranof Island Housing Authority (BIHA) to reserve funds
Funds are reserved through First come, first serve once approved and a good faith estimate is issued, and are subject to availability.
Work with a lender who handles the program
Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.
Questions about this program
What is Closing Cost Assistance Program (Baranof Island Housing Authority)?
Closing Cost Assistance Program (Baranof Island Housing Authority) is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Sitka, Alaska, administered by Baranof Island Housing Authority (BIHA). BIHA's Closing Cost Assistance offers Sitka-area Alaska Native/American Indian first-time homebuyers under 100% MFI up to $5,000 for closing costs, secured by a second/third deed of trust that converts to a forgiven grant after five years of occupancy. Applicants contribute at least $1,500 of their own funds and complete an AHFC Home Choice course. Up to $5,000 toward closing costs. Forgiven after 5 years. 0% interest. Sitka-area AIAN families. Funding comes from NAHASDA / federal funds (BIHA is TDHE for Sitka Tribe of Alaska).
How much assistance does it provide?
Closing Cost Assistance Program (Baranof Island Housing Authority) offers up to $5,000 in assistance. Homebuyer contribution: Minimum $1,500 out of pocket (earnest money and/or lender-required improvements). Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Baranof Island Housing Authority (BIHA) determines any individual award.
Do you have to pay it back?
Closing Cost Assistance Program (Baranof Island Housing Authority) is forgiven after 5 years, so a homebuyer who stays that long does not repay it. Repayment is triggered by Transfer of property before the fifth year of ownership triggers recapture from sale/transfer proceeds. The assistance is recorded in Second or third mortgage (Deed of Trust) position. Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.
Who qualifies?
Closing Cost Assistance Program (Baranof Island Housing Authority) is open to first-time homebuyers and homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. "First-time" has exceptions here: No home ownership in prior 3 years; exceptions for prior marital home or inherited non-occupied share (Exec. Director discretion). A homebuyer education course is required, through AHFC Home Choice first-time homebuyer education course. Residency requirement: Sitka area resident. Citizenship or immigration status: Alaska Native/American Indian tribal member (CDIB/BIA proof; Sitka Tribe enrollment for tribal preference). Tribal member + Sitka resident; first-time homebuyer; income <100% MFI; $1,500 minimum contribution; AHFC Home Choice certificate; signs Second/Third Mortgage Agreement; background/credit fees apply. Min credit, DTI, max price, annual cap not stated.
What are the income limits?
Closing Cost Assistance Program (Baranof Island Housing Authority) limits household income to 100% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size. Less than 100% of Area Median Family Income (HUD). The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’s. Area median income figures are published by HUD and updated annually, so check the current table for the county before relying on a number.
Is there eligibility for specific groups?
Closing Cost Assistance Program (Baranof Island Housing Authority) names American Indian and Alaska Native homebuyers among the groups it serves. Being named here means the program mentions the group, not that membership alone qualifies an applicant — the rest of the eligibility rules still apply.
Where does it apply?
Closing Cost Assistance Program (Baranof Island Housing Authority) serves homebuyers purchasing in Sitka, Alaska.
How do you apply?
Applications for Closing Cost Assistance Program (Baranof Island Housing Authority) go through Baranof Island Housing Authority (BIHA), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. Funds are reserved through First come, first serve once approved and a good faith estimate is issued. Hey Prescott is not a lender and does not accept applications; this page describes the program so a homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.
Also for Sitka homebuyersOther programs open to Sitka homebuyers
- Manufactured Home LoanUp to $175,000
- NeighborhoodLIFT Down Payment Assistance (NeighborWorks Alaska)Up to $12,500
- New Home Construction Rebate (AHFC)Up to $10,000
Whether two programs can be combined is up to each agency. Ask before you apply.
All 77 programs for SitkaProgram terms are set by Baranof Island Housing Authority (BIHA) and can change; confirm on the official site before you apply.