TAP (Total Action for Progress) HOMEownership Down Payment & Closing Cost Assistance Program

What is TAP (Total Action for Progress) HOMEownership Down Payment & Closing Cost Assistance Program?

TAP (Total Action for Progress) HOMEownership Down Payment & Closing Cost Assistance Program is a deferred second loan for homebuyers in Roanoke, Virginia, administered by Total Action for Progress (TAP into Hope), DHCD-designated regional DPA provider for the Roanoke Valley.

• TAP (Total Action for Progress), a Roanoke Valley community action agency, is a Virginia DHCD-designated regional provider of the HOMEownership Down Payment & Closing Cost Assistance Program, funded through HUD HOME. It provides 0%-interest, deferred, forgivable silent-second gap financing to first-time homebuyers at or below 80% AMI — up to 10% of sales price (up to 15% in high-cost areas) plus up to $2,500 closing costs, $40,000 maximum, forgiven after a 5- or 10-year affordability period. As of June 2026, TAP's page states limited funds are available first-come, first-served.
• 0% interest deferred/forgivable second mortgage.
• no monthly payments.
• forgiven after affordability period.
• up to 10-15% of price plus up to $2,500 closing costs.
• stackable.
• free homebuyer education and counseling.
• Funding comes from Federal HUD HOME funds via Virginia DHCD annual allocation.

How much assistance does it provide?

TAP (Total Action for Progress) HOMEownership Down Payment & Closing Cost Assistance Program offers between $1,000 and $40,000 in assistance.

• Award tiers: Up to 10% of sales price (standard) or up to 15% in DHCD-designated high-cost/economically depressed localities, plus up to $2,500 closing costs; $40,000 maximum total. Forgiveness term: 5 years for $1,000-$14,999; 10 years for $15,000-$40,000.
• Buyer contribution: Income 50%-80% AMI: contribute 1% of sales price from personal funds. Income below 50% AMI: contribute $500.
• The program can be combined with May be leveraged with VIDA, ARS, Virginia Housing DPA, Virginia Housing SPARC, FHLB, USDA, and other lender/employer/housing-authority programs.
• Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — Total Action for Progress (TAP into Hope), DHCD-designated regional DPA provider for the Roanoke Valley determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

TAP (Total Action for Progress) HOMEownership Down Payment & Closing Cost Assistance Program is deferred, so no payments are due until the home is sold, refinanced, or the first mortgage is paid off.

• Repayment is triggered by Sale, transfer of title (voluntary or involuntary), loss of owner-occupancy, or loan assumption during the period of affordability.
• The assistance is recorded in Second (silent second / deferred loan via DHCD HOME Deed of Trust, subordinate to first trust 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?

TAP (Total Action for Progress) HOMEownership Down Payment & Closing Cost 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?

TAP (Total Action for Progress) HOMEownership Down Payment & Closing Cost Assistance 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 (HUD). Per TAP program page (2024 HOME limits): 1=$48,800; 2=$55,800; 3=$62,750; 4=$69,700; 5=$75,300; 6=$80,900; 7=$86,450; 8=$92,050. Updated annually by HUD; FY2025 Roanoke MSA HOME 80% 4-person ~$72,500.
• 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?

TAP (Total Action for Progress) HOMEownership Down Payment & Closing Cost Assistance Program caps the purchase price as follows: Home value/sales price may not exceed 95% of area median sales price (HUD 203B limits), set annually by HUD.

• Eligible property types include Single Family, Townhouse, Condo, Modular, Manufactured, and 2-4 Unit.
• New construction is eligible.
• Manufactured homes are eligible.

Where does it apply?

TAP (Total Action for Progress) HOMEownership Down Payment & Closing Cost Assistance Program serves buyers purchasing in Roanoke, Virginia.

• The program targets specific areas: DHCD designates certain localities high-cost/chronically economically depressed, where assistance may reach 15% of sales price (in TAP's area: Craig, Rockbridge, Salem).

How do you apply?

Applications for TAP (Total Action for Progress) HOMEownership Down Payment & Closing Cost Assistance Program go through Total Action for Progress (TAP into Hope), DHCD-designated regional DPA provider for the Roanoke Valley, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

1. 1

   Take a homebuyer education course

   Required by the program, through HUD-certified Homebuyer Education via Virginia Housing, NeighborWorks, or HUD-certified agency; HUD-certified housing counseling required. TAP offers its own counseling and education..

2. 2

   Contact Total Action for Progress (TAP into Hope), DHCD-designated regional DPA provider for the Roanoke Valley to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved through First-come, first-served; funds reserved after lender pre-approval and DPA eligibility; processed via DHCD CAMS., 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.