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HOPE of Evansville Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program

HOPE of Evansville Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Evansville, Indiana, administered by HOPE of Evansville, Inc. (with City of Evansville Department of Metropolitan Development).

Last verified Source: HOPE of Evansville, Inc. (with City of Evansville Department of Metropolitan Development)

The program asks for

  • First-time homebuyer — with exceptions: Exceptions for divorcees, owners of manufactured homes, and those who owned a home more than 3 years ago.
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through HOPE's Framework online homebuyer education course ($80 fee), plus 1-on-1 counseling as needed.
  • Residency: Property must be within the City limits of Evansville and occupied as primary residence.
  • A home inside Evansville city limits

It doesn’t cover

  • Purchases above the $219,000 price cap
  • Homes outside Evansville

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

Where it applies

Evansville’s homes

  • 64.1% single-family
  • 2.9% townhouse
  • 10% 2–4 units
  • 21.9% 5+ units
  • 1% mobile & other

A tick marks a kind of home the program’s record lists. The agency confirms it for the home you choose.

$143,100

Evansville median home value

72.7%

built before 1980

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-year. More about buying in Evansville

How to apply

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through HOPE's Framework online homebuyer education course ($80 fee), plus 1-on-1 counseling as needed..

  2. Contact HOPE of Evansville, Inc. (with City of Evansville Department of Metropolitan Development) to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved through Pre-purchase application to HOPE; subject to availability of HUD funds, 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 homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

Questions about this program

What is HOPE of Evansville Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program?

HOPE of Evansville Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Evansville, Indiana, administered by HOPE of Evansville, Inc. (with City of Evansville Department of Metropolitan Development). HOPE of Evansville, a nonprofit HUD-approved housing counseling agency, offers a homebuyer down payment assistance match to qualified first-time buyers purchasing within Evansville city limits. Buyers contribute at least $1,000, which HOPE matches on an as-needed basis up to a maximum of $15,000 for down payment and/or closing costs. Assistance is provided as a forgivable grant secured by a deed restriction held by the City of Evansville DMD, with no payments due during the affordability period. Down payment/closing cost match up to $15,000. No monthly payments; forgiven over affordability period. Includes Framework homebuyer education and 1-on-1 counseling. Funding comes from HUD funds (administered through the City of Evansville Department of Metropolitan Development).

How much assistance does it provide?

HOPE of Evansville Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program offers between $1,000 and $15,000 in assistance. Homebuyer contribution: Clients must contribute at least $1,000 toward the home purchase (which HOPE matches as needed). The program can be combined with Buyer's own first mortgage from a lender of their choice. Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — HOPE of Evansville, Inc. (with City of Evansville Department of Metropolitan Development) determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

HOPE of Evansville Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program is a forgivable loan, so the balance is forgiven once the program's conditions are met. Repayment is triggered by Partial or total repayment if the buyer fails to occupy the home as primary residence, sells, or refinances within the affordability period. The assistance is recorded in Subordinate (deed restriction recorded; City of Evansville DMD listed as second mortgage holder) position. Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

HOPE of Evansville Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program is open to first-time homebuyers and homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. "First-time" has exceptions here: Exceptions for divorcees, owners of manufactured homes, and those who owned a home more than 3 years ago. A homebuyer education course is required, through HOPE's Framework online homebuyer education course ($80 fee), plus 1-on-1 counseling as needed. Residency requirement: Property must be within the City limits of Evansville and occupied as primary residence.

What are the income limits?

HOPE of Evansville Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program sets its income limit as follows: Clients must meet HUD-published income eligibility guidelines (by household size) provided with the application; HOPE references being below 80% AMI for Vanderburgh County. All household income and assets verified via third-party documentation. 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?

HOPE of Evansville Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program caps the purchase price at $219,000. Eligible property types include Single Family. New construction is eligible.

Where does it apply?

HOPE of Evansville Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program serves homebuyers purchasing in Evansville, Indiana. Targeted neighborhoods: City of Evansville.

How do you apply?

Applications for HOPE of Evansville Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program go through HOPE of Evansville, Inc. (with City of Evansville Department of Metropolitan Development), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. Funds are reserved through Pre-purchase application to HOPE; subject to availability of HUD funds. 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 Evansville homebuyers

Whether two programs can be combined is up to each agency. Ask before you apply.

All 75 programs for Evansville

Program terms are set by HOPE of Evansville, Inc. (with City of Evansville Department of Metropolitan Development) and can change; confirm on the official site before you apply.