Scott County CDA First-Time Homebuyer Grant

Scott County CDA First-Time Homebuyer Grant is a grant for homebuyers in Scott County, Minnesota, administered by Scott County Community Development Agency (CDA). The Scott County CDA First-Time Homebuyer Grant provides up to $5,000 toward down payment or closing costs for income-qualified first-time buyers purchasing anywhere in Scott County, MN. Applicants must complete a pre-purchase counseling session with the CDA (at least 60 days before signing a purchase agreement) and a HUD-approved homebuyer education course. The grant is a true grant — no lien, no repayment. Funds are limited and grants are never guaranteed. This county-wide CDA program is distinct from any city-specific Shakopee grant. Up to $5,000 grant toward down payment/closing costs. No repayment — true grant. County-wide coverage. Low/no-cost HUD-approved counseling and education. Bilingual Spanish/English specialists. Stacks with MN Housing START UP/STEP UP. Funding comes from Scott County CDA local funds.

Scott County CDA First-Time Homebuyer Grant offers up to $5,000 in assistance. Homebuyer contribution: At least $1,000 of own money. Down payment from own funds/gifts must not exceed 5% of purchase price (excluding closing costs and DPA). The program can be combined with Minnesota Housing START UP / STEP UP first-mortgage programs; USDA Single Family Guaranteed in rural Scott County. Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Scott County Community Development Agency (CDA) determines any individual award.

Scott County CDA First-Time Homebuyer Grant is structured as a grant, so it is not repaid. Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Scott County CDA First-Time Homebuyer Grant is open to first-time homebuyers and homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. "First-time" has exceptions here: Must not have owned a home/property in the last 3 years; manufactured/mobile homes excluded from the ownership-history definition. A homebuyer education course is required, through Scott County CDA Homestretch Workshop (8-hr, $40; valid 5 yrs) OR Framework online ($75; valid 2 yrs). Spanish workshops via CDA/CLUES/NeDA; Somali via African Development Center. Residency requirement: Must purchase a home in Scott County, MN. Citizenship or immigration status: Not explicitly stated. Must be an active participant in the CDA Homebuyer Counseling Program; first session at least 60 days before signing a purchase agreement. Cannot have received a prior SCCDA grant. All persons on mortgage/purchase agreement/title must be first-time buyers. Down payment from own funds/gifts capped at 5% of purchase price. No contract-for-deed or family-member purchases. Cannot combine with CDA Community Land Trust. Annual funding cap unknown — confirm availability with the Homeownership Specialist.

Scott County CDA First-Time Homebuyer Grant sets its income limit as follows: CDA-set limits by household size (2026): 1–2 persons max $132,400/yr; 3+ persons max $152,200/yr. Income from all members 18+ and all mortgage parties; full-time student dependents excluded. These exceed standard 80% AMI ($104,200 4-person FY2025) — approximately 100–115% AMI equivalent. 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.

Scott County CDA First-Time Homebuyer Grant caps the purchase price at $425,000. Eligible property types include Single Family, Condo, and Townhome. New construction is eligible. Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Scott County CDA First-Time Homebuyer Grant serves homebuyers purchasing in Scott County, Minnesota.

Applications for Scott County CDA First-Time Homebuyer Grant go through Scott County Community Development Agency (CDA), which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site. Funds are reserved through Through Scott County CDA Homebuyer Counseling Program; funds limited and grants never guaranteed. 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.