HPAP/EAHP FAQs

HPAP is a DC government loan that provides gap financing for downpayment and closing cost assistance to eligible first-time homebuyers for the purchase of a home in DC.

 For more information visit: Home Purchase Assistance Program (HPAP) – Eligibility, How to Apply and Program Details | dhcd

• The home purchaser will have a first trust loan at their maximum affordable borrowing amount.
• HPAP provides gap financing, up to $202,000, to cover the difference between the purchase price and the first trust loan.

• Additionally, HPAP provides up to $4,000 in closing cost assistance.
• HPAP loans carry 0% interest.
• Repayment is required when the property ceases to be your primary residence (when the property is sold, transferred or refinanced with cash out).

• HPAP funding is limited. You can track funds available through DHCD portal at Home Purchase Assistance Program | dhcd

Yes, any property purchased with HPAP funds must remain the borrower’s primary residence.

• EAHP helps eligible District government employees, and WMATA (Metro) employees purchase their first home in DC to be closer to their jobs.
• EAHP offers a deferred, 0% interest loan and a matching funds grant for down payment and closing costs.
• EAHP down payment assistance is a loan for the purchase of a principal residence in DC.
• Borrowers’ sign a promissory note secured with a subordinate deed of trust recorded against the property. 
• Homes purchased with EAHP must remain the borrowers’ principal place of residence.

No, there are no income limits for EAHP applicants.

EAHP provides UP TO $20,000 for downpayment loan and matching funds grant UP TO $5,000.

Yes, HPAP, EAHP and First Responders EAHP may be combined when purchasing a home in DC as long as the applicant meets the requirements of all programs.

• Work with a Community Based Organization (CBO) for required counseling, education and application intake: Housing Counseling Services (HCS) can assist throughout the process.
• Complete the required 2-hr Pre-Purchase Orientation (PPO) to learn about eligibility, requirements, steps to purchase a home and how to apply for the program(s). Receive a Pre-Purchase Orientation Certificate.
• Complete the required 8-hr Homeownership Training Course, including homework and the final exam and receive a Homeownership Training Certificate.
• Attend an individual Pre-Purchase Counseling Session to assess your readiness for homeownership.

• Yes, your Counselor will review your mortgage credit report to determine if it meets program standards.
• The Counselor will also help you address any credit issues that could affect eligibility.
• Your minimum middle credit score mut be 630 or higher.

• HPAP and EAHP applications require extensive documentation including verification of income, debt, taxes, credit, savings, identity, residency, household size, rental history, employment history, etc. All documents must be current.
• Your Counselor will provide you with a detailed document checklist and submission deadlines.
• Applications will only be submitted after ALL documents are received and verified
• Updated documents may be required if previously submitted documents have become outdated.
• Once all documentation is received, your Counselor will prepare the application for your signature.

• HPAP requires that you borrow the maximum loan possible from a first trust lender, and HPAP becomes a second trust loan to fill the gap.
• Yes, as part of the application process applicants must provide a detailed pre-approval letter from their first trust mortgage lender.
• The pre-approval letter must state the maximum approved first trust loan amount.
• The letter must state that the lender conducted a full review of income, debt, credit, and assets using actual supporting documentation.

• Once your full application package is complete (PPO certificate, 8-hour class certificate, signed HPAP application, all required documentation, loan pre-approval letter), HCS will review your package and if acceptable, will issue a Notice of Eligibility (NOE).
• HCS will submit your complete application package, along with NOE, to the DC Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).
• DHCD will process submitted applications in the order received.
• DHCD will forward applications, according to program priority system, to an HPAP administrator for processing (either DCHFA or GWUL)
• As funds are limited, application will only be forwarded to an HPAP/EAHP administrator when funds available, otherwise they will be held by DHCD for future submission.
• The HPAP/EHAP Administrator reviews the application and issues a Notice to Proceed if accepted.
• Only after receiving a Notice to Proceed should you begin searching for a home and signing a purchase contract.
• Once you have a ratified home purchase contract, you will work with your real estate agent, your first trust lender and the HPAP administrator to complete the financing process.
• You must select and participate in a home inspection, which is required to confirm that the property meets minimum standards and your expectations.
• An appraisal is required by your lender to verify the property’s value.
• Your first trust lender underwrites your mortgage and submits a final loan package to the HPAP administrator.
• Once the HPAP administrator approves your final loan package you will be cleared for settlement with your chosen settlement company.
• There are many other steps that may require your attention throughout this process. It is important that you stay responsive to all requests by your lender, your agent, the appraiser, the inspector, your Counselor and the HPAP administrator.  Watch for emails and calls!

• Once you go to settlement, there is no turning back.
• Don’t be pressured into buying a home. Neither your lender, your real estate agent, DHCD, HPAP administrator, the appraiser, the inspector, the seller or your Counselor have verified that the home you selected is appropriate for your current or future needs.
• The appraisal and inspection are available for you to review and consider if this property is appropriate for you. Study them and ask questions.
• DO NOT feel pressure to purchase based deadlines, promises or what others may have told you.
• Take your time in selecting a property that is right for you.
• Consider that your financial circumstances may change and be sure you have a plan in place to manage change.
• Understand that the costs of homeownership are not fixed and will continue to rise.
• Be prepared to cover the cost of repairs, maintenance and HOA fees that may be out of your control.
• Have an emergency fund in place to cover unexpected repairs for essential components like roof, HVAC, appliances, special assessments, etc.
• You are your own landlord: be sure to complete routine maintenance to prevent higher cost repairs in the future.

• Call HCS at 202-667-7006 to schedule an individual counseling session. This appointment is offered remotely or in-person.
• Register and complete the required 8-hour Homeownership Training Course, which is part of the application process. You can register at:  Housing Counseling Services, Inc. Webinar Registration Form

• Call HCS at 202-667-7006 to schedule an individual counseling session.
• Your Counselor will review the homebuying process, program eligibility, and address credit or financial concerns.

Generally, Yes. Applicants who are not currently DC residents will not be evaluated for HPAP eligibility unless there are no DC resident applicants waiting for assistance.  This has never happened to date.

Applicants for EAHP do not have to be a current DC resident, but you must plan to move to DC.  To apply for EAHP you must be either a DC government employee or WMATA (Metro).

• Applicants must demonstrate stable income, responsible credit, adequate savings and mortgage pre-approved for a first trust loan.

• HPAP applicants must also meet all program requirements including DC residency, income eligibility and US Citizenship.

• A tri-merged mortgage credit report will be pulled by your Counselor and reviewed as part of the application process.
• Your middle credit report must be at least 630 to qualify for HPAP.
• Your Counselor will help to identify and resolve credit issues that may affect your HPAP eligibility

• Applicants must have at least $500 available before application.
• In practice you will likely need additional funds ($2,000-4,000) to cover expenses outside of closing costs.
• Applicants are required to contribute 50% of liquid assets above $3,000 toward the home purchase.
• Applicants should be able to demonstrate the ability to sustain all homeownership expenses including mortgage payments, homeowners’ insurance, HOA or condo fees, property taxes, home maintenance and repairs, utilities and unexpected expenses. All of these costs are likely to increase over time.

Applicants should generally have two years of continuous employment with their current employer or in a similar field.

• Your existing debt affects how much mortgage financing you qualify for.

• If your debt obligations are too high, your purchasing power will be limited, even with HPAP assistance.

• During your counseling session, your Counselor will explain how income and debt ratios affect the home price you may qualify to purchase.

No, EAHP is only eligible for DC Government or WMATA (Metro) employees.

• Yes, for HPAP purposes, a first-time buyer is defined as having no ownership interest in any real estate in the past 3 years.
• An exception may apply when ownership is transferred due to a divorce.

Not necessarily. While you may not own a home in DC when applying, you may own property outside of DC and still use EAHP to purchase a primary residence in DC.

• When you are ready to apply you will receive a detailed list of required documents. Your counselor will help you fully document your eligibility and ability to borrow and may require specific documents based upon your circumstances.
• Examples of required documentation include proof of US citizenship, documentation of all household income, financial/bank statements for all accounts, tax returns, verification of household members, employment documentation, rent documentation, and other supporting financial records.
• All documents must be current and accurately reflect the financial circumstances of all household members.