Movin’ Out, Inc. Partners with the City of Janesville to Administer Home Buyer Assistance Program for Households with a Member with a Disability
The City of Janesville Department of Neighborhood & Community Services has contracted with Movin’ Out, Inc. to administer a home buyer assistance program to help up to six low-income households with a member with a disability to purchase their first homes. Up to $25,000 of assistance per eligible household is available through the City’s federal HOME funds.
The funds are provided as a 0% interest deferred payment loan. This means that no payments are required until the borrower sells the property or stops using it as a primary residence. The entire loan is then due and payable.
The home buyer assistance program is targeted to first-time city of Janesville home buyers whose household income is no more than 80% of the Rock County median income and includes a member with a permanent disability. The program includes additional borrower and property eligibility guidelines.
Home buyers work closely with one of Movin’ Out’s HUD-certified housing counselors for guidance throughout the process. The journey typically begins with a phone conversation to assess the prospective applicant’s basic eligibility, and to discuss renting vs. owning, credit history, or other potential obstacles to buying a home. Afterward, the home buyer submits an application for review. Families with approved applications, including pre-approval from a lender, then have up to three months to find a suitable house and have an offer accepted.
To protect the households, the property must pass an inspection that documents its compliance with Housing Quality Standards and a lead paint assessment (on properties built prior to 1978). These inspections help ensure that families are moving into safe homes that won’t need immediate costly repairs.
To learn more or apply, contact Movin’ Out at 608-251-4446 x7 or info@movin-out.org.