CHWHC Homebuyer Assistance Program

What is CHWHC Homebuyer Assistance Program?

CHWHC Homebuyer Assistance Program is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Huntington, West Virginia.

• HUD HOME-funded forgivable second mortgage up to $14,999 administered by Cabell-Huntington-Wayne Housing Consortium. 5-year forgiveness. 80% AMI limit. First-time homebuyers only. Cabell + Wayne counties + City of Huntington.
• Cabell-Huntington-Wayne Housing Consortium (CHWHC) Homebuyer Assistance Program provides a deferred 0% forgivable second mortgage up to $14,999 for down payment and closing-cost assistance to first-time homebuyers in Cabell County, Wayne County, and the City of Huntington. HUD HOME-funded. Forgiven over 5 years of continuous owner-occupancy (20% per year per HUD HOME 24 CFR 92.254 - assistance under $15,000 = 5-year affordability period). No monthly payment. If borrower sells/refinances/vacates within 5 years, unforgiven balance is due. 80% AMI limit ($36,650 1p - $69,050 8p per 2024-25 HUD AMI for Huntington-Ashland MSA). Purchase price up to $144,000 existing / $251,000 new construction (HUD HOME 95% area median PPL). HUD-approved housing counseling required.
• Funding comes from Federal and HOME.

How much assistance does it provide?

CHWHC Homebuyer Assistance Program offers up to $10,000 in assistance.

• Buyer contribution: Borrower required to contribute at least $1,000 of own funds toward down payment / closing costs.
• The program can be combined with other assistance, subject to the rules of each.
• Amounts are the program's published maximums, not an offer — the administering agency determines any individual award.

Do you have to pay it back?

CHWHC Homebuyer Assistance Program is forgiven after 5 years, so a buyer who stays that long does not repay it.

• Repayment is triggered by 0% deferred forgivable second mortgage. Forgiven 20% per year over 5 years of continuous owner-occupancy. Unforgiven balance due in full on sale, refinance, transfer, or non-owner-occupancy during 5-year affordability period. No monthly payment.
• The assistance is recorded in 2nd Lien position.
• Forgiveness and repayment terms are set by the program and can change — confirm them on the official program page before applying.

Who qualifies?

CHWHC Homebuyer 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?

CHWHC Homebuyer 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% HUD Area Median Income (AMI) for Huntington-Ashland MSA. 2024-25 limits: $36,650 (1p), $41,900 (2p), $47,100 (3p), $52,300 (4p), $56,500 (5p), $60,700 (6p), $64,850 (7p), $69,050 (8p).
• 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?

CHWHC Homebuyer Assistance Program caps the purchase price at $251,000.

• Eligible property types include Single-family detached, condominium, townhouse, PUD. Per first-mortgage overlays.
• New construction is eligible.
• Manufactured homes are not eligible.

Is there eligibility for specific groups?

CHWHC Homebuyer Assistance Program names veterans, active-duty service members, reservists and National Guard members, and surviving spouses among the groups it serves.

• Being named here means the program mentions the group, not that membership alone qualifies an applicant — the rest of the eligibility rules still apply.

Where does it apply?

CHWHC Homebuyer Assistance Program serves buyers purchasing in Huntington, West Virginia.

How do you apply?

Applications for CHWHC Homebuyer Assistance Program go through the administering agency, 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-approved housing counseling agency required. Local providers include Homeownership Center Inc (Charleston) and Marshall University Center for Community Services..

2. 2

   Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

   Funds are reserved through Application directly to City of Huntington Community Development office. First-come, first-served subject to annual HOME allocation., 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.