The US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) housing choice voucher program, also called Section 8, assists participants with monthly rental payments. However, participants in Portage County can also use rental assistance vouchers to become a homeowner.
Signs You’re Ready to Buy a Home
It’s no secret that homeownership is a big responsibility. It requires having the resources needed to pay a mortgage and maintain a home. If you are a program participant who is employed, able to save money, and have a decent credit score, you may be ready to take the next step toward homeownership.
Transitioning to HomeOwnership
Beyond being a current program participant, you have to meet several requirements to qualify for Section 8 homeownership. The home you want to purchase must also pass an inspection to ensure it meets minimum quality standards.
Income Requirements
To qualify for the homeownership program, you must have an income of at least $15,000 per year. You must also have been employed for at least a year and work a minimum of 30 hours per week unless you’re elderly or disabled.
Homeownership Status
You must be a first-time homebuyer who has not owned a home in the last three years. You also can’t have any previous defaults on a mortgage while receiving Section 8 homeownership assistance.
Education Program
All participants must take part in homebuyer education and counseling, and meet PMHA’s rules for the homeownership program, including having a minimum credit score and funds available in a savings account.
Down Payment
Participants must be able to put a down payment of at least 3% of the purchase price of the home, and 1% of the purchase price must come from a participant’s resources. However, PMHA may waive the 1% if the participant has down payment assistance through other available community resources.
PMHA Is Here to Help You
We help Section 8 and Public Housing participants purchase their own homes using a Section 8 Voucher toward a monthly mortgage payment. If you are interested in learning more about the Homeownership Program, please contact Kelley Pesicek, Section 8 Assistant Manager, at (330) 297-1489 ext. 215 or via email at kpesicek@portagehousing.org.