Homeownership Programs

Have you dreamed of owning your own home? 

The Washington County HRA offers counseling and education (Home Stretch) for people who want to purchase a home. Counseling is FREE and Home Stretch is $30 per houshold.

Washington County HRA is approved to provide Home Stretch for NSP (Neighborhood Stabilization Program) participants.

Homebuyer Counseling

During your appointment, counselors will:

1. Pull a tri-merge credit report and review it with you.
2. Teach you how to clean up and improve your credit.
3. Explain First Time Homebuyer programs and down payment assistance programs.
4. Discuss your monthly budget, both current and what to expect with a home.
5. Help you see how much house you can afford.
6. Create an action plan to help you meet your financial goals.

Contact a couselor to schedule an appointment. Appointments can be done in person or by phone.

Main Number: 651-458-0936 ext 551, 553 or 582

Home Stretch Homebuyer Education Program

The Home Stretch Workshop is a requirement for many first time homebuyer assistance programs. This is a 9 hour program that teaches participants the home-buying process. After you have completed the Home Stretch class you may apply for the financial assistance programs described below.

To register for Home Stretch in Washington County, please call 651-458-0936 or click register online today. The fee is $30.00 due on the first day of the workshop.

For workshops in other locations, please go to the Homeownership Center's website at www.hocmn.org and click on "Buy a Home / Home Stretch."

For upcoming workshops, see below:

Date	Location
December 10-Saturday 9AM-5:45PM (9HRS)	Oakdale City Hall - Hadley Room
January 17, 18, 19 - Tues-Thurs 6-9PM (9HRS)	Oakdale City Hall - Hadley Room
February 18 - Saturday 9AM-5:45PM (9HRS)	Oakdale City Hall - Hadley Room
March 20, 21, 22-Tues-Thurs 6PM-9PM (9HRS)	Oakdale City Hall - Hadley Room
April 21-Saturday 9AM-5:45PM (9HRS)	Oakdale City Hall - Hadley Room
May 15, 16 17 - Tues-Thurs 6-9PM (9HRS)	Oakdale City Hall - Hadley Room
June 16-Saturday 9AM-5:45PM (9HRS)	Oakdale City Hall - Hadley Room

First Time Homebuyer First Mortgage Program

The Washington County HRA participates in the Minnesota Mortgage (MMP) with Minnesota Housing. This is a low interest fixed rate mortgage program for first time homebuyers. You may qualify for down payment assistance if funds are available.  To qualify, you must:

• Be a first-time homebuyer (or have not owned a home the past three years)
• Meet the requirements for income and home purchase price limits
• Have acceptable credit.

Current Interest Rate

Contact a participating lender or check out Minnesota Housing Finance Agency website at www.mnhousing.gov for interest rate information.

Income Limits

To qualify for a Minnesota Housing First Time homebuyer loan, your income eligibility must not exceed:

The following income limits apply to the Minnesota Mortgage Program (MMP) for all loans purchase approved as of June 27, 2011:

Household Size	11-County Twin Cities Metro Area
1-4 Persons	$82,700
5 Person	$89,350
6 Person	$95,950
7 Person	$102,550
8 Person	$109,200
9 Person	$115,800
10 Person	$122,400

The following income limits apply to the Community Activity Set-Aside (CASA) Program:

Here are some helpful links:

Participating Lenders

http://www.mnhousing.gov/consumers/FindALender/index.aspx

Interest rates

http://www.mnhousing.gov/consumers/rates/index.aspx

Income Limits

http://www.mnhousing.gov/resources/resources/limits/MHFA_004718.aspx

Acquisition Cost (Purchase Price) Limits

http://www.mnhousing.gov/consumers/home-buyers/index.aspx

For more information about first time homebuyer programs contact us at 651-458-0936 and ask for First Time Homebuyer Program assistance.

For more information on MMP and other Minnesota Housing programs click on www.mnhousing.gov.

The HRA has partnered with the Two Rivers CLT. Please view their website for more information.