City of Grand Rapids Homebuyer Assistance Fund (HAF)
City of Grand Rapids Homebuyer Assistance Fund (HAF) is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Grand Rapids, Michigan, administered by City of Grand Rapids Community Development Department.
The program asks for
- First-time homebuyer — the program sets its own definition
- The home is occupied as a primary residence
- A completed homebuyer education course
- Household must have $10,000 or less in assets (or after closing). Property must be in Grand Rapids city limits, meet HUD/FHA minimum property standards, pass structural/mechanical/electrical/plumbing inspections, meet lead-based-paint guidelines, and have a purchase price at or below HUD-established limits. Applications must be submitted through a participating lender.
- A home in Kent County
It doesn’t cover
- Households above 80% of area median income
- Homes outside Kent County
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
80% of Kent County’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
Kent County’s homesThe homes in Kent County
- 64.9% single-familysingle-family
- 6.5% townhousetownhouse
- 7.3% 2–4 units2–4 units
- 17.5% 5+ unitscondo & apartment buildings (5+ units)
- 3.8% mobile & othermobile home & other
$289,900
Kent County median home value
54%
built before 1980
U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-year. More about buying in Kent County
How to apply
How to applyThree steps, in this order
Take a homebuyer education course
Required by the program before funds are reserved.
Contact City of Grand Rapids Community Development Department to reserve funds
Funds are reserved with the provider 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 City of Grand Rapids Homebuyer Assistance Fund (HAF)?
City of Grand Rapids Homebuyer Assistance Fund (HAF) is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Grand Rapids, Michigan, administered by City of Grand Rapids Community Development Department. City of Grand Rapids program offering up to $7,500 to low- and moderate-income homebuyers for down payment, closing costs, and prepaid expenses on a home within Grand Rapids city limits. Provided as a forgivable second mortgage with a 60-month term, forgiven pro-rata for each complete month the buyer resides in the home. Up to $7,500 toward down payment, closing costs, and prepaid expenses. Funding comes from Federal Community Development funds (HUD).
How much assistance does it provide?
City of Grand Rapids Homebuyer Assistance Fund (HAF) offers up to $7,500 in assistance. Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — City of Grand Rapids Community Development Department determines any individual award.
Do you have to pay it back?
City of Grand Rapids Homebuyer Assistance Fund (HAF) is forgiven after 5 years, so a homebuyer who stays that long does not repay it. Repayment is triggered by Secured by a second mortgage/promissory note with a 60-month term; forgiven pro-rata each complete month of residence. Outstanding balance due if owner stops occupying as primary residence before forgiveness completes. 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?
City of Grand Rapids Homebuyer Assistance Fund (HAF) is open to first-time homebuyers and homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. "First-time homebuyer" usually means not having owned a home in the last three years, but the program sets its own definition. A homebuyer education course is required. Household must have $10,000 or less in assets (or after closing). Property must be in Grand Rapids city limits, meet HUD/FHA minimum property standards, pass structural/mechanical/electrical/plumbing inspections, meet lead-based-paint guidelines, and have a purchase price at or below HUD-established limits. Applications must be submitted through a participating lender.
What are the income limits?
City of Grand Rapids Homebuyer Assistance Fund (HAF) limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size. Household income at or below 80% of Area Median Income (per published CDD income limits by household size). 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?
City of Grand Rapids Homebuyer Assistance Fund (HAF) caps the purchase price as follows: Purchase price at or below HUD-established limits.
Where does it apply?
City of Grand Rapids Homebuyer Assistance Fund (HAF) serves homebuyers purchasing in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
How do you apply?
Applications for City of Grand Rapids Homebuyer Assistance Fund (HAF) go through City of Grand Rapids Community Development Department, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. 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 Kent County homebuyersOther programs open to Kent County homebuyers
- ICCF Community Homes Individual Development Account (IDA) ProgramUp to $4,000
- Habitat for Humanity of Kent County Homeownership ProgramAssistance available
- FHLBank Indianapolis Launch Down Payment Assistance (HOP)Up to $20,000
Whether two programs can be combined is up to each agency. Ask before you apply.
All 73 programs for Kent CountyProgram terms are set by City of Grand Rapids Community Development Department and can change; confirm on the official site before you apply.