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City of Harrisonburg SPARC Program

City of Harrisonburg (Housing Coordinator) via Virginia Housing SPARC allocation · Harrisonburg, Virginia

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Assistance

1%

Of the purchase price, as the program sets it

Price cap

$450,000

Highest purchase price the program allows

What is City of Harrisonburg SPARC Program?

City of Harrisonburg SPARC Program is down payment assistance for homebuyers in Harrisonburg, Virginia, administered by City of Harrisonburg (Housing Coordinator) via Virginia Housing SPARC allocation.

  • Through Virginia Housing's SPARC program, the City of Harrisonburg's allocation allows approved lenders to provide a 1% mortgage interest rate reduction to eligible first-time homebuyers purchasing within the City of Harrisonburg. The reduction increases purchasing power and can save buyers tens of thousands of dollars over the life of the loan. Buyers must be income-eligible under current Virginia Housing limits and complete homebuyer education.
  • 1% mortgage interest rate reduction.
  • Increased purchasing power.
  • Significant lifetime interest savings.
  • Free homebuyer education and counseling.
  • Funding comes from Virginia Housing Sponsoring Partnerships and Revitalizing Communities (SPARC) allocation to the City of Harrisonburg.

How much assistance does it provide?

City of Harrisonburg SPARC Program provides assistance worth 1% of the purchase price, as set by the program.

  • The program can be combined with Combinable with Virginia Housing Down Payment/Closing Cost Assistance Grant programs.
  • Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — City of Harrisonburg (Housing Coordinator) via Virginia Housing SPARC allocation determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

City of Harrisonburg SPARC Program is down payment assistance and is repaid under the terms set by City of Harrisonburg (Housing Coordinator) via Virginia Housing SPARC allocation.

  • 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 Harrisonburg SPARC Program is open to first-time homebuyers and buyers who will live in the home as their primary residence.

The program requires

  • First-time homebuyer — the program sets its own definition
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through Free homebuyer education and homeownership counseling via Virginia Housing-approved counselors
  • Residency: Property must be located in the City of Harrisonburg
  • DRAFT (dpa-gap-finder 2026-06-13): pending review. Buyers must use a Virginia Housing-approved lender; City must approve and execute each SPARC reservation form before the lender reserves funds; required documents include Virginia Housing Certificate of Counseling, SPARC Lock Reservation Form, ratified sales contract, and Uniform Residential Loan Application. Program effective 11/1/24, revised 2/28/25.

The program excludes

  • Purchases above the $450,000 price cap

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

What are the income limits?

City of Harrisonburg SPARC Program sets its income limit as follows: Virginia Housing limits: Standard/Bond Programs $100,000 (1-2 people) / $115,000 (3+ people); Down Payment/Closing Cost Assistance Grant Programs $80,000 (1-2 people) / $92,000 (3+ people).

  • 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?

City of Harrisonburg SPARC Program caps the purchase price at $450,000.

  • New construction is eligible.

Where does it apply?

City of Harrisonburg SPARC Program serves buyers purchasing in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

  • The program targets specific areas: City of Harrisonburg limits only.

How do you apply?

Applications for City of Harrisonburg SPARC Program go through City of Harrisonburg (Housing Coordinator) via Virginia Housing SPARC allocation, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through Free homebuyer education and homeownership counseling via Virginia Housing-approved counselors.

  2. Contact City of Harrisonburg (Housing Coordinator) via Virginia Housing SPARC allocation to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved through Lender reserves SPARC funds after City approves and executes each reservation form; funds limited, first-come, first-served, 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 buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

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