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.

NeighborWorks Columbus DPA offers between $5,000 and $20,000 in assistance, depending on the award tier a homebuyer qualifies under. The program asks homebuyers 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.

NeighborWorks Columbus DPA is forgiven after 5 years, so a homebuyer 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.

NeighborWorks Columbus DPA is open to first-time homebuyers and homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. "First-time" has exceptions here: Not owned principal residence in past 3 years (Community Partner Product available to repeat buyers). On credit, the program states: Must meet primary lender's credit requirements. A homebuyer education course is required. 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.

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.

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

NeighborWorks Columbus DPA serves homebuyers purchasing in Columbus, Georgia.

Applications for NeighborWorks Columbus DPA go through the administering agency, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. Funds are reserved through First-Come-First-Served. 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.