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HOME Blend Program

Charleston, West Virginia

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Income limit

50% AMI

Of area median income; varies by county and household size

Price cap

$144,400

Highest purchase price the program allows

Repayment

Forgivable

Forgiven after 5 years

What is HOME Blend Program?

HOME Blend Program is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Charleston, West Virginia.

  • City of Charleston HUD HOME-funded HOME Blend forgivable second mortgage up to $14,999, 5-year forgiveness, 50% AMI very-low-income tier. First-time homebuyers only. Charleston city limits.
  • City of Charleston HOME Blend Program provides a deferred 0% forgivable second mortgage up to $14,999 for down payment, closing-cost, and (where eligible) minor rehabilitation assistance to very-low-income first-time homebuyers in the City of Charleston, WV. HUD HOME-funded. Forgiven over 5 years of continuous owner-occupancy (20% per year per HUD HOME 24 CFR 92.254). No monthly payment. If borrower sells/refinances/vacates within 5 years, unforgiven balance is due. Income limited to 50% HUD AMI ($37,200 1p - $53,100 4p per 2024-25 HUD limits for Charleston MSA). Purchase price up to $144,400 (HUD HOME 95% area median for Charleston MSA). HUD-approved housing counseling required. Property must pass HQS inspection.
  • Funding comes from Federal and HOME.

Do you have to pay it back?

HOME Blend 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?

HOME Blend 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: First-time homebuyer required (no primary residence ownership in past 3 years). Standard HUD HOME exception for displaced homemakers and single parents.
  • The home is occupied as a primary residence
  • On credit: 620 minimum FICO typical (verify with first-mortgage lender).
  • A completed homebuyer education course, through HUD-approved housing counseling required. Homeownership Center Inc (HOC) is the primary local provider.
  • Residency: Property must be located within City of Charleston city limits, WV.
  • Citizenship or immigration status: U.S. citizen or qualifying lawful permanent resident.
  • First-time homebuyer (no primary residence ownership in past 3 years). Property must be located within City of Charleston city limits. Owner-occupied primary residence. Income at or below 50% HUD AMI (very-low-income tier). Maximum 45% DTI. HUD-approved homebuyer education required. Minimum borrower contribution typically $500 from own funds. Property must pass HQS inspection.

The program excludes

  • Manufactured homes
  • Purchases above the $144,400 price cap
  • Households above 50% 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?

HOME Blend Program limits household income to 50% of the area median income, which varies by county and household size.

  • Household income at or below 50% HUD Area Median Income (AMI) for Charleston MSA. 2024-25 limits: $37,200 (1p), $42,500 (2p), $47,800 (3p), $53,100 (4p).
  • 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?

HOME Blend Program caps the purchase price at $144,400.

  • 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?

HOME Blend 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?

HOME Blend Program serves buyers purchasing in Charleston, West Virginia.

How do you apply?

Applications for HOME Blend Program go through the administering agency, which publishes the current terms and the application steps on its own site.

  1. Take a homebuyer education course

    Required by the program, through HUD-approved housing counseling required. Homeownership Center Inc (HOC) is the primary local provider..

  2. Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved through Direct application to City of Charleston Planning & Development. First-come, first-served subject to annual HOME allocation., 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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