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NRHA HomeNet HOME Program

Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) - HomeNet Homeownership Center · Norfolk, Virginia

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Assistance

$40,000

The maximum the program publishes — not an offer

Income limit

80% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

Repayment

Deferred

No payments until the home is sold or refinanced

What is NRHA HomeNet HOME Program?

NRHA HomeNet HOME Program is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Norfolk, Virginia, administered by Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) - HomeNet Homeownership Center.

  • The HOME Investment Partnership Program, implemented by the City of Norfolk and NRHA, provides up to $40,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time homebuyers with household income at or below 80% AMI buying in Norfolk. Administered through NRHA's HomeNet Homeownership Center, a one-stop shop offering credit counseling, homebuyer education, and access to qualified lenders, Realtors and attorneys.
  • Up to $40,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance.
  • Pre- and post-purchase counseling.
  • Credit counseling and repair.
  • Access to Virginia Housing SPARC 1% rate reduction.
  • Stackable with VIDA.
  • This is a federal program, so it is available beyond a single state or city.
  • Funding comes from HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HUD) via City of Norfolk and NRHA.

How much assistance does it provide?

NRHA HomeNet HOME Program offers up to $40,000 in assistance.

  • The program can be combined with Virginia Housing SPARC (1% rate reduction for HomeNet DPA buyers); Virginia Individual Development Accounts (VIDA).
  • Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) - HomeNet Homeownership Center determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

NRHA HomeNet HOME Program is deferred, so no payments are due until the home is sold, refinanced, or the first mortgage is paid off.

  • Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

NRHA HomeNet HOME 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 — with exceptions: Must not have owned a home within the past three years
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through Virginia Housing-approved first-time homebuyer education via NRHA HomeNet Homeownership Center
  • DRAFT (dpa-gap-finder 2026-06-15): pending review. Must not have owned a home within the past three years; annual household income at least $25,000; no bankruptcy in the last two years. Property must be in the City of Norfolk. Required documentation: one month proof of income, supplemental income verification for all household members, current financial statements. News reporting indicates buyers must reside in the home at least 10 years (reduced from 15) to retain assistance without repayment, consistent with a deferred/forgivable HOME structure; exact forgiveness/recapture terms not published on the primary source so left unconfirmed. Apply via https://www.homenetnorfolk.org/Forms/Homenet.

The program excludes

  • New construction
  • Households above 80% of area median income

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?

NRHA HomeNet HOME Program limits household income to 80% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

  • Household income at or below 80% AMI. 2025 limits (HomeNet): 1 $55,450; 2 $63,400; 3 $71,300; 4 $79,200; 5 $85,550; 6 $91,900; 7 $98,250; 8 $104,550.
  • The limit applies to total household income, not only the borrower’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?

NRHA HomeNet HOME Program can be used for Single Family, Condo, and Townhouse.

  • New construction is not eligible.

Where does it apply?

NRHA HomeNet HOME Program is a federal program, so it is not limited to Virginia.

How do you apply?

Applications for NRHA HomeNet HOME Program go through Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) - HomeNet Homeownership Center, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through Virginia Housing-approved first-time homebuyer education via NRHA HomeNet Homeownership Center.

  2. Contact Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) - HomeNet Homeownership Center 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 buyer can take it to a lender or housing counselor.

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