First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program (HOME Program)

What is First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program (HOME Program)?

First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program (HOME Program) is a silent second mortgage for homebuyers in Jefferson County, Louisiana, administered by Jefferson Parish Department of Community Development.

• Jefferson Parish, a HUD HOME Participating Jurisdiction, provides purchase subsidy (down payment/closing cost) assistance to low-to-moderate income first-time homebuyers. Assistance is up to $50,000 per client in Jefferson Parish and up to $60,000 in Kenner, structured as a HOME subsidy subject to a HUD affordability period (5/10/15 years by amount) with recapture on default. Buyers must complete homebuyer training, obtain pre-approval from an Approved Lender using a fixed-rate first mortgage, and purchase a turn-key home in Jefferson Parish/Kenner.
• Up to $50,000 ($60,000 in Kenner) in HOME-funded down payment and closing cost assistance for eligible LMI first-time homebuyers.
• This is a federal program, so it is available beyond a single state or city.
• Funding comes from HUD HOME Investment Partnerships Program (Jefferson Parish is a HOME Participating Jurisdiction).

How much assistance does it provide?

First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program (HOME Program) offers up to $50,000 in assistance.

• Award tiers: Up to $50,000 per client in Jefferson Parish; up to $60,000 per client in the City of Kenner.
• Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Jefferson Parish Department of Community Development determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program (HOME Program) is deferred, so no payments are due until the home is sold, refinanced, or the first mortgage is paid off.

• Repayment is triggered by Entire HOME assistance becomes immediately due upon an event of default during the affordability period (fraud, sale, no longer principal residence, renting, commercial use, failure to maintain UPCS condition or required insurance, unauthorized refinancing).
• The assistance is recorded in Second position.
• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program (HOME Program) is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program (HOME Program) limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

• Household income must be at least 51% and not more than 80% of AMI for the New Orleans-Metairie-Kenner LA MSA. 2025 median $89,800; 80% (Low) 4-person limit = $71,850. A child's income cannot be used to qualify.
• 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?

First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program (HOME Program) caps the purchase price as follows: Home must meet a maximum appraised value under the HOME Program; specific dollar limit not published.

• Eligible property types include Single Family, Condo, and Manufactured.
• Manufactured homes are eligible.

Where does it apply?

First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program (HOME Program) is a federal program, so it is not limited to Louisiana.

How do you apply?

Applications for First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program (HOME Program) go through Jefferson Parish Department of Community Development, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

1. 1

   Take a homebuyer education course

   Required by the program, through HUD-approved housing counseling agencies (Financial Fitness and First-Time Homebuyer Training); certificate valid 2 years..

2. 2

   Contact Jefferson Parish Department of Community Development to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved with the provider and are subject to availability.

3. 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.