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HOME Investment Partnership Program - FTHB Program

Wheeling, West Virginia

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Income limit

80% 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 Investment Partnership Program - FTHB Program?

HOME Investment Partnership Program - FTHB Program is a forgivable loan for homebuyers in Wheeling, West Virginia.

  • Wheeling/Northern Panhandle HOME Consortium HUD HOME-funded FTHB forgivable second mortgage up to $14,999, 5-year forgiveness, 80% AMI. First-time homebuyers only. Ohio/Marshall/Brooke/Hancock counties.
  • City of Wheeling / Northern Panhandle HOME Consortium First-Time Homebuyer (FTHB) Program provides a deferred 0% forgivable second mortgage up to $14,999 for down payment and closing-cost assistance. Serves Ohio, Marshall, Brooke, and Hancock counties (Northern Panhandle of 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. 80% AMI limit ($45,150 1p - $85,150 8p per 2024-25 HUD AMI for Wheeling MSA). Purchase price up to $144,400 (HUD HOME 95% area median for Wheeling, WV-OH 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 Investment Partnership Program - FTHB 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 Investment Partnership Program - FTHB 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. Local providers include YWCA Wheeling and Northern Panhandle Regional Planning & Development Council.
  • Residency: Property must be located in Ohio, Marshall, Brooke, or Hancock County, WV (Northern Panhandle HOME Consortium service area).
  • 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 in Ohio, Marshall, Brooke, or Hancock County, WV. Owner-occupied primary residence. Income at or below 80% HUD AMI. Maximum 45% DTI. HUD-approved homebuyer education required. Minimum borrower contribution of $1,000 from own funds. Property must pass HQS inspection.

The program excludes

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

HOME Investment Partnership Program - FTHB 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 Wheeling, WV-OH MSA. 2024-25 limits: $45,150 (1p), $51,600 (2p), $58,050 (3p), $64,500 (4p), $69,700 (5p), $74,850 (6p), $80,000 (7p), $85,150 (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?

HOME Investment Partnership Program - FTHB 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 Investment Partnership Program - FTHB 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 Investment Partnership Program - FTHB Program serves buyers purchasing in Wheeling, West Virginia.

How do you apply?

Applications for HOME Investment Partnership Program - FTHB 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. Local providers include YWCA Wheeling and Northern Panhandle Regional Planning & Development Council..

  2. Contact the administering agency to reserve funds

    Funds are reserved through Direct application to City of Wheeling Community 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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