City of Santa Clara First Time Home Buyer’s Assistance Program

by Scott Schang on February 9, 2010

Updated 2/9/2010- I just called today, funding is currently available.

The City of Santa Clara offers a very attractive mortgage financing program designed for first-time home buyers
The Redevelopment Agency of the City of Santa Clara offers a First Time Home Buyer’s Financing Program that can provide you with financial assistance in purchasing your first home. With Bay Area home values among the highest in the nation and the uncertainty of future interest rates, this Financing Program may be the solution you’ve been looking for.

How Does The Financing Program Work?

The Financing Program helps first time home buyers purchase a single-family house, townhome, or condominium located in the City of Santa Clara. A first mortgage will be provided to eligible, qualified buyers through Metlife Home Loans, JPMorgan Chase Home Lending, or Neighborhood Housing Services Silicon Valley, Inc., utilizing California Housing Finance Agency (CalHFA) as a primary lender.

The City will provide a second mortgage to “bridge the gap” between the maximum loan amount available through CalHFA and the actual purchase price of the home. Second mortgages will be provided on a first-come first-served basis subject to availability of funds.

Participants in the Program will be required to attend Home Buyer Training. This training, conducted by Neighborhood Housing Services, will educate you in many aspects of home buying and homeownership.

Who Is Eligible?

* People who have not owned a home in the last three years.
* People whose annual household income is no greater than 120% of the County’s median income (as calculated based on your household size).
* Families who live and/or work in the City of Santa Clara will be given priority.

What Are The Program’s Limitations?

* The maximum City second mortgage is $75,000.
* The first mortgage issued by MetLife Home Loans, JPMorgan Chase Home Lending, or Neighborhood Housing Services will be based on your annual income and CalHFA standard underwriting criteria.

How Much Money Will I Need To Put Down?

The home buyer is required to make a minimum down payment of 3% of the home’s purchase price. For example, you must make a minimum down payment of at least $12,000 for the purchase of a $400,000 home. In certain cases, a higher down payment may be necessary.

What Are The Terms Of The First Mortgage?

The first mortgages provided by Metlife Home Loans, JPMorgan Chase Home Lending, or Neighborhood Housing Services will have a standard fixed interest rate, competitive to the current market rate. The interest rate will be based on CalHFA’s published rates. Please contact Sara Wildey (Metlife Home Loans) at (650) 559-5562, Steve Switzer (MetLife Home Loans) at (650) 559-5593, Nannarie Chaikumnerd (JP Morgan Chase Home Lending) at (408) 313 8800 or Karen Nguyen (Neighborhood Housing Services) at (408) 279-2600 x231 for information about the CalHFA financing.

The borrower will be responsible for direct, out-of-pocket expenses, including closing and title costs.

What Are The Terms Of The Second Mortgage?

The City’s second mortgage will be a 20-year loan issued by Neighborhood Housing Services, structured in the following way:

* For the first 5 years, the City’s loan will be zero percent interest with no payments;
* Starting the sixth year through the twentieth year, the City loan converts to the interest rate of the primary loan, and monthly amortized payments of principal and interest are paid.

How Do I Apply For The Program?

Call Sara Wildey (Metlife Home Loans) at (650) 559-5562, Steve Switzer (MetLife Home Loans) at (650) 559-5593, Nannarie Chaikumnerd (JP Morgan Chase Home Lending) at (408) 313 8800 or Karen Nguyen (Neighborhood Housing Services) at (408) 279-2600 x231 for more information and to apply for a loan. Then, go out and look for your starter dream home!

For additional information on the FTHB Program, call Housing & Community Services Division, City of Santa Clara, at (408) 615-2490.

To view the City of  Santa Clara’s website,please CLICK HERE

Related posts:

  1. Housing Trust of Santa Clara County First Time Home Buyer, Down Payment Assistance Program
  2. City of Santa Cruz First Time Home Buyer’s Assistance Program
  3. City of Santa Paula Mortgage Credit Certificate Program

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