A Pathway to Homeownership
A Pathway to Homeownership
Healthy Smart Homes presents the Covenant Homeownership Program Partnership
Healthy Smart Homes is proud to announce our grant through the WA State Housing Finance Commission Covenant Homeownership Program to assist individuals and families in obtaining homeownership. Please learn more about the program below, along with entities we collaborate with on this amazing homeownership program.
Healthy Smart Homes provides housing counseling through our community partners (Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle).
We also provide additional resource referrals to you and your family. See list below for Washington and Massachusetts.
FAQs
How does the Covenant Homeownership Program help homebuyers?
The Covenant Homeownership Program provides 20% (up to $150K) downpayment and closing cost assistance for first-time homebuyers** (see first-time homebuyer definition under eligible for this program) in the form of a loan, secondary to the primary mortgage loan. The loan has a 0% interest rate and zero monthly payments.
Why must the homebuyers or family member have lived in Washington before April 1968?
In April 1968, the passage of the Fair Housing Act made racial discrimination in housing illegal. Discrimination persisted despite the new law; however, the state no longer had an official or legal role in enforcing and upholding it.
What if I do not qualify for the Covenant Program?
There are additional grant assistance programs that can be made available to you through the WA State Housing Finance Commission and potentially our partners at the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle. Call a representative at Healthy Smart Homes who can help you navigate your pathway to home ownership.
These downpayment assistance and debt reduction programs are resources that you could also potentially “layer” with the Covenant Program.
How do I apply for the Covenant Homeownership Program?
Through Healthy Smart Homes Inc., you can access this program by working with our staff to begin your journey toward homeownership. Please contact us by phone or email, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Prior to or after you meet with an HSH representative, register for your First-Time Homebuyer class with the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle (ULMS). The First-Time Homebuyer Certificate in necessary to qualify for any downpayment assistance program.
What is 100% of Area Median Income (AMI)?
Area Median Income (AMI) is set by county. This program uses the AMI for the county in which you are buying the home. (Further income restrictions may apply depending on the first-mortgage program.) To determine your AMI, please click on “Area Median Income”.
Who is considered a first time homebuyer?
If you have not owned your primary residence in the past 3 years or more, you are considered a first time homebuyer. If you currently own property that is not your primary residence, you may still qualify. Reach out to HSH staff to discuss the particulars of your situation.
Who is eligible for this program?
Based on the mandates of the Covenant Homeownership Act and the recommendations of the Covenant Homeownership Program Study, the following eligibility criteria apply:
Household income at or below 100% of the Area Median Income (AMI) in the county you are interested in purchasing a home.
**First-time homebuyer is a person who does not currently own a home or has not own a home in three years or a person who owns a home, but it has not been their primary residence in which they’ve lived in for more than 3 years.
The homebuyer or a parent/grandparent/great-grandparent lived in Washington state before April 1968.
The person who lived in Washington before April 1968 is Black, Hispanic, Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or another Pacific Islander*, Korean or Asian Indian.
*Following the U.S. Census definitions, “Pacific Islander” includes individuals with origins of indigenous people in Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands, including, for example, Samoan, Chamorro, Tongan, Fijian, and Marshallese.
Can Indigenous Natives to their tribe use the Covenant Homeownership Program to purchase a home on sovereign and non-sovereign land?
Yes. Tribal Sovereign laws will be adhered to and utilized for any purchases and sales. Please have your lender work with the tribal council representative from your respective tribe.
Covenant Program Resources and National Fair Housing Alliance Report and Video:
WA State Covenant Homeownership Study conducted by National Fair Housing Alliance. Video and Study Links.
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Washington State Housing Finance Lender Index
Single-Family Lenders and Real Estate Professionals List, New Lender Application, and Homebuyer Education Instructors
Housing Counseling and First-Time Homebuyers Certificate
Healthy Smart Homes Inc., will refer you to the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle, our partner to provide Housing Counseling and First-time Homebuyer Certificate for the WA State Covenant Homeownership Program.
In collaboration with Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle (ULMS), and the WA State Housing & Finance Commission, Healthy Smart Homes will assist individuals and families in obtaining homeownership in Washington State. Through the WA State Covenant Homeownership Program and other homeownership down payment programs to get yourself plus your family in a home.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
WASHINGTON
King County
Food Security
Need access to food? Reach out or visit any of the following food banks.
Public Health Centers
Need access to health care centers for you and your family? The following link has centers within King County.
Public Libraries
Need access to resources in order to be able to apply for financial grants? Visit this any of these locations.
Pierce County
Food Security
Need access to food? Reach out or visit any of the following food banks.
Public Health Centers
Need access to health care centers for you and your family? The following link has centers within Pierce County.
Public Libraries
Need access to resources in order to be able to apply for financial grants? Visit this any of these locations.
Snohomish County
Food Security
Need access to food? Reach out or visit any of the following food banks.
Public Health Centers
Need access to health care centers for you and your family? The following link has centers within Pierce County.
Public Libraries
Need access to resources in order to be able to apply for financial grants? Visit this any of these locations.
MASSACHUSETTS
Norfolk County
Food Security
Need access to food? Reach out or visit any of the following food banks.
Public Health Centers
Need access to health care centers for you and your family? The following link has centers within Norfolk County.
Public Libraries
Need access to resources in order to be able to apply for financial grants? Visit this any of these locations.
Suffolk County
Food Security
Need access to food? Reach out or visit any of the following food banks.
Public Health Centers
Need access to health care centers for you and your family? The following link has centers within Suffolk County.
Public Libraries
Need access to resources in order to be able to apply for financial grants? Visit this any of these locations.