Dakota County Down Payment Assistance

First Time Homebuyer Program
In the market for your first home? Whether you are buying an existing home or building a new one, the Dakota County CDA's First Time Homebuyer Program provides a financial resource to make your purchase successful.

Current interest rate: 4.99%

Program Eligibility

• Homebuyers must be first time homeowners or someone who has not owned their primary residence in the last three years.
• Eligible properties include existing single family homes, townhomes, condominiums or duplexes in Dakota County.
• New construction is eligible in Apple Valley, Burnsville, Eagan, Empire Township, Farmington, Hastings, Inver Grove Heights, Lakeville, Mendota Heights, Rosemount, South St. Paul, Sunfish Lake and West St. Paul.
• Homebuyers must occupy the home as their primary residence after purchase.
• Buyers must have a minimum credit score of 620.

Income Limits

• 1 or 2 person households: $83,900
• 3 or more person households: $92,290

Maximum Purchase Prices

• $276,683 for single family homes, townhomes or condominiums
• $389,205 for duplexes (not eligible for additional Downpayment Assistance)

Eligible Financing

• The First Time Homebuyer Program may only be used with 30-year amortizing fixed-rate FHA or VA mortgage loans.
• Homebuyers may also utilize the one-time $8,000 federal tax credit in addition to the First Time Homebuyer Program as long as they meet the requirements and deadlines for the federal tax credit.

Fees & Requirements

• An application fee of $225 is paid at closing. Mortgage lenders may also charge a $150 transfer fee as part of closing costs.
• Home Stretch Homebuyer Education certificate required prior to loan closing.

To apply, contact a Christopher Larson.  We have all the necessary paperwork to qualify homebuyers for the First Time Homebuyer Program and Downpayment Assistance.

Questions? Call (651) 387-2514

Downpayment & Closing Cost Assistance
Homebuyers accessing the Dakota County CDA First Time Homebuyer Program can also apply for downpayment and closing cost assistance loans up of up to $10,000 depending on household income.

Loan Terms

• Zero percent interest
• No monthly payments
• Loan must be repaid when the primary mortgage is paid off, the home is no longer the primary residence, or when the home is sold or refinanced.
• Borrower must contribute a minimum of $750 of their own funds toward the purchase of the home.
• Home must meet the minimum housing standards for FHA or VA mortgages.

Maximum Loan Amounts & Income Limits

• 10% of the first mortgage amount up to $10,000 for households with incomes at or below 50% of the area median income.
• 5% of the first mortgage amount up to $7,500 for households with incomes between 51% and 80% of the area median income.
• 2.5% of the base mortgage amount for households with incomes between 81% and the First Time Homebuyer Program income limits.

Questions? Call (651) 387-2514.

Home Stretch® Homebuyer Education Program
Purchasing a home may be the biggest investment you ever make. The first step in making a sound investment is to learn about the homebuying process by attending Home Stretch.

Home Stretch teaches homebuyers about the entire homebuying process and the responsibilities of homeownership. Topics covered include: Budgeting and Credit Issues, Financing and Qualifying for a Home, Shopping for a Home, The Purchase Process, Closing on a Home and Life as a Homeowner.

Home Stretch is taught by professionals in the homebuying field including a certified Home Stretch educator, mortgage lenders, realtors and home inspectors.

The Dakota County CDA holds Home Stretch classes monthly and is a HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency. Upon completion, participants receive a Home Stretch certificate.

There is also money available in Ramsey and Hennepin County