Sault Tribe Housing Authority Down Payment Assistance Program

What is Sault Tribe Housing Authority Down Payment Assistance Program?

Sault Tribe Housing Authority Down Payment Assistance Program is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Kincheloe, Michigan, administered by Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Housing Authority.

• The Sault Tribe Housing Authority Down Payment Assistance Program provides up to $9,500 in down payment and closing cost assistance to qualifying low-income enrolled Sault Tribe members who are first-time homebuyers purchasing in the tribe's seven-county eastern Upper Peninsula service area. A 5-year lien is placed on the home. The program is open year-round until funds are exhausted.
• Up to $9,500 toward down payment and closing costs.
• Open year-round.
• For first-time tribal homebuyers.
• Deferred via 5-year lien.
• This is a federal program, so it is available beyond a single state or city.
• Funding comes from Native American Housing Assistance and Self-Determination Act (NAHASDA) / HUD tribal housing funds.

How much assistance does it provide?

Sault Tribe Housing Authority Down Payment Assistance Program offers up to $9,500 in assistance.

• Buyer contribution: Must pay at least $500 of own cash toward closing costs and/or down payment.
• Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Housing Authority determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

Sault Tribe Housing Authority Down Payment Assistance Program is forgiven after 5 years, so a buyer who stays that long does not repay it.

• Repayment is triggered by 5-year lien placed on the home; secured for the lien period.
• The assistance is recorded in subordinate position.
• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

Sault Tribe Housing Authority Down Payment Assistance Program is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

What are the income limits?

Sault Tribe Housing Authority Down Payment Assistance Program sets its income limit as follows: Income-based; applicant must be within program income limits and earn at least $25,000/year.

• 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.

Is there eligibility for specific groups?

Sault Tribe Housing Authority Down Payment Assistance Program names American Indian and Alaska Native buyers among the groups it serves.

• Being named here means the program mentions the group, not that membership alone qualifies an applicant — the rest of the eligibility rules still apply.

Where does it apply?

Sault Tribe Housing Authority Down Payment Assistance Program is a federal program, so it is not limited to Michigan.

• The program targets specific areas: Seven-county eastern Upper Peninsula service area.

How do you apply?

Applications for Sault Tribe Housing Authority Down Payment Assistance Program go through Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Housing Authority, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

1. 1

   Take a homebuyer education course

   Required by the program before funds are reserved.

2. 2

   Contact Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians Housing Authority to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved through Open year-round until funds are exhausted; applications considered in order received and ranked by an approved point system, 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.