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NeighborWorks Columbus DPA

Columbus, Georgia

Last verified
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Assistance

$5,000

The maximum the program publishes — not an offer

Income limit

80% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

Repayment

Forgivable

Forgiven after 5 years

What is NeighborWorks Columbus DPA?

NeighborWorks Columbus DPA is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Columbus, Georgia.

  • NeighborWorks Columbus offers multiple down payment and closing cost assistance programs for homebuyers in a 4-county area (Chattahoochee, Harris, Marion, and Muscogee counties). The First-Time Homebuyer Product provides up to $17,500; the Community Partner Product offers up to $20,000 for law enforcement, educators, healthcare workers, firefighters, first responders, veterans, and essential workers; and the Hallock Soldiers Fund provides up to $5,000 forgivable assistance for military veterans. Minimum $1,000 borrower contribution required. Administered by NeighborWorks Columbus, a HUD-certified housing counseling agency and CDFI.
  • Multiple DPA programs for homebuyers in Chattahoochee, Harris, Marion, and Muscogee counties.
  • First-Time Homebuyer Product provides up to $17,500 for down payment and closing costs (at or below 80% AMI).
  • Community Partner Product offers up to $20,000 for essential workers including law enforcement, educators, healthcare workers, firefighters, first responders, and veterans.
  • Hallock Soldiers Fund provides up to $5,000 deferred subordinate mortgage for active duty or former military members.
  • Minimum $1,000 borrower contribution required with zero cash back at closing.
  • HUD-certified counseling and pre-purchase financial literacy required.
  • Funding comes from Nonprofit.

How much assistance does it provide?

NeighborWorks Columbus DPA offers between $5,000 and $20,000 in assistance, depending on the award tier a buyer qualifies under.

  • The program asks buyers to contribute $1,000.
  • The program can be combined with other assistance, subject to the rules of each.
  • Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — the administering agency determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

NeighborWorks Columbus DPA is forgiven after 5 years, so a buyer who stays that long does not repay it.

  • Repayment is triggered by Sale, No Longer Primary, and Transfer of Title.
  • The assistance is recorded in 2nd Lien position.
  • Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

NeighborWorks Columbus DPA is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • First-time homebuyer — with exceptions: Not owned principal residence in past 3 years (Community Partner Product available to repeat buyers)
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • On credit: Must meet primary lender's credit requirements
  • A completed homebuyer education course
  • Citizenship or immigration status: U.S. Citizen or Permanent Resident
  • Pre-purchase financial literacy counseling required through NeighborWorks Columbus (HUD-certified); Minimum $1,000 personal funds required with zero cash back at closing; Community Partner Product available to essential workers (law enforcement, educators, healthcare, firefighters, veterans) without FTHB requirement; Hallock Soldiers Fund for military veterans/active duty with 5-year owner-occupancy forgiveness requirement

The program excludes

  • Households above 80% of area median income

These are the program's own published rules, not a decision about any individual — the administering agency and a lender determine who actually qualifies.

What are the income limits?

NeighborWorks Columbus DPA limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

  • 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.

What kind of home can it be used for?

NeighborWorks Columbus DPA can be used for Single Family, Condo, Townhouse, and New Construction.

  • New construction is eligible.

Where does it apply?

NeighborWorks Columbus DPA serves buyers purchasing in Columbus, Georgia.

How do you apply?

Applications for NeighborWorks Columbus DPA go through the administering agency, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program before funds are reserved.

  2. Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved through First-Come-First-Served, and are subject to availability.

  3. 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 buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

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