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City of Newport News First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program (City-Wide HOME DPA)

City of Newport News First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program (City-Wide HOME DPA) is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Newport News, Virginia, administered by Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NNRHA), for the City of Newport News.

Last verified Source: Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NNRHA), for the City of Newport News

The program asks for

  • First-time homebuyer — with exceptions: Must certify no real-property ownership in the last 3 years
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through Virginia Housing homebuyer education or a HUD-approved housing counseling agency (SPARC requires pre-counseling certificate)
  • Residency: Home within the municipal limits of Newport News; principal residence during affordability period
  • Citizenship or immigration status: All household members must have a valid Social Security number
  • NNRHA will NOT accept DPA applications when the buyer already has a ratified purchase agreement. Complete packet (first-mortgage docs + homebuyer education certificate) required; ~10 business days review; 45-day closing recommended. Cash assets (excl. retirement) may not exceed $25,000. Madison Heights Redevelopment area new construction may qualify for a separate deferred loan up to $40,000 (first $10,000 forgivable, remainder 0% amortized 20 yrs from year 6) - a distinct tier.
  • A home inside Newport News city limits

It doesn’t cover

  • Households above $86,150
  • Homes outside Newport News

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

$86,150 household income limit, as the program publishes it

The program states this limit itself. Its official site says how household size changes it.

Where it applies

Newport News’s homes

  • 50.2% single-family
  • 10.6% townhouse
  • 8.4% 2–4 units
  • 28.2% 5+ units
  • 2.5% mobile & other

A tick marks a kind of home the program’s record lists. The agency confirms it for the home you choose.

$260,600

Newport News median home value

51.3%

built before 1980

U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 2024 5-year. More about buying in Newport News

How to apply

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through Virginia Housing homebuyer education or a HUD-approved housing counseling agency (SPARC requires pre-counseling certificate).

  2. Contact Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NNRHA), for the City of Newport News to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved with the provider 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 homebuyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

Questions about this program

What is City of Newport News First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program (City-Wide HOME DPA)?

City of Newport News First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program (City-Wide HOME DPA) is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Newport News, Virginia, administered by Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NNRHA), for the City of Newport News. NNRHA administers the City of Newport News' federal HOME-funded First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program. The City-Wide program provides up to $25,000 in down payment and closing-cost assistance as a no-interest deferred loan incrementally forgiven over the HOME affordability period, with recapture from net proceeds if the home is sold or ceases to be the buyer's principal residence. NNRHA is also a SPARC sponsor, lowering the rate on eligible Virginia Housing mortgages by 1% for qualifying first-time buyers. Up to $25,000 in DP/closing-cost assistance. 0% interest deferred loan. Incrementally forgiven over affordability period. Recapture capped at net proceeds. SPARC 1% rate reduction option. Funding comes from Federal HUD HOME Investment Partnerships funds via City of Newport News.

How much assistance does it provide?

City of Newport News First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program (City-Wide HOME DPA) offers up to $25,000 in assistance. Homebuyer contribution: Buyers contribute 1% of their own funds. The program can be combined with Virginia Housing first mortgage; SPARC 1% interest-rate reduction. Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NNRHA), for the City of Newport News determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

City of Newport News First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program (City-Wide HOME DPA) is forgiven after 5 years, so a homebuyer who stays that long does not repay it. Repayment is triggered by Sale, transfer, foreclosure, non-qualifying refinance, or ceasing principal-residence use during the affordability period; pro-rata recapture from net proceeds. Standard DPA <=$10,000 forgiven $2,000/yr over 5 yrs. The assistance is recorded in Subordinate (soft/deferred second behind first mortgage) 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 Newport News First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program (City-Wide HOME DPA) is open to first-time homebuyers and homebuyers who will live in the home as their primary residence. "First-time" has exceptions here: Must certify no real-property ownership in the last 3 years. A homebuyer education course is required, through Virginia Housing homebuyer education or a HUD-approved housing counseling agency (SPARC requires pre-counseling certificate). Residency requirement: Home within the municipal limits of Newport News; principal residence during affordability period. Citizenship or immigration status: All household members must have a valid Social Security number. NNRHA will NOT accept DPA applications when the buyer already has a ratified purchase agreement. Complete packet (first-mortgage docs + homebuyer education certificate) required; ~10 business days review; 45-day closing recommended. Cash assets (excl. retirement) may not exceed $25,000. Madison Heights Redevelopment area new construction may qualify for a separate deferred loan up to $40,000 (first $10,000 forgivable, remainder 0% amortized 20 yrs from year 6) - a distinct tier.

What are the income limits?

City of Newport News First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program (City-Wide HOME DPA) limits household income to $86,150. The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower&rsquo;s. The program lists a maximum household size of 8. 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 Newport News First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program (City-Wide HOME DPA) can be used for Single Family, New Construction, and Existing Home. New construction is eligible.

Where does it apply?

City of Newport News First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program (City-Wide HOME DPA) serves homebuyers purchasing in Newport News, Virginia.

How do you apply?

Applications for City of Newport News First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program (City-Wide HOME DPA) go through Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NNRHA), for the City of Newport News, 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.

Program terms are set by Newport News Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NNRHA), for the City of Newport News and can change; confirm on the official site before you apply.