The City & County of Honolulu offers a Down Payment Loan Program at 0% interest loan for all income-eligible borrowers up to a loan limit of $40,000. And, there is no loan fee.
Down Payment Loans
The City and County of Honolulu's Down Payment Loan Program is part of the City's efforts to promote homeownership and create a strong community. Utilizing HOME Investment Partnership Act funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, this program provides a zero interest loan to qualified low- and moderate-income families to meet down payment requirements for home purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
WHO MAY APPLY FOR THE CITY'S DOWN PAYMENT LOAN? Prospective homebuyers who have not owned a residential property and whose annual household incomes are under the maximum income shown below:
2018 80% Area Median Income Limits for Honolulu Effective -
June 1, 2018*
WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM LOAN AMOUNT THE HOMEBUYER MAY BORROW?
The loan limit is $40,000. Loans will be made on a first-come first-served basis subject to the availability of funds.
WHAT IS THE INTEREST RATE AND LOAN FEE?
The interest rate is 0% for all income-eligible borrowers. There is no loan fee.
WHAT KIND OF PROPERTIES MAY BE PURCHASED?
The property must be located on Oahu. The property must be a legally permitted structure meeting all local building codes. In addition, the property must pass a Housing Quality Standards inspection and meet other Federal requirements such as those governing Lead-Based Paint for homes built before 1978 and environmental reviews.
WHAT WILL BE THE MONTHLY PAYMENT?
The monthly payment will be based on a 20-year amortization term. Lower minimum loan payment amounts may be allowed for certain credit qualified borrowers.
IS THERE A HOMEBUYER EDUCATION REQUIREMENT?
Yes, all loan applicants must complete a City-approved homeowner education course prior to loan application.
ARE THERE LOAN RESTRICTIONS?
The borrower must be an owner-occupant at all times. Upon sale or other transfer of the property, unless the new owner is income-eligible, the borrower must pay the City a specified percentage of the loan balance, which percentage will be reduced for each full year of occupancy.
HOW DO I APPLY?
Step 1 – When applying for a loan from your first mortgage lender, be sure to inform the lender that you are interested in a down payment loan from the City.
Step 2 – After initial loan approval from your first mortgage lender, your lender will submit a loan file to the City for approval. You must complete homebuyer education prior to your loan file submission to the City.
Source: https://www.honolulu.gov/cms-dcs-menu/site-dcs-sitearticles/1853-cad-loans-downpayment.html
Questions? For more info, call Shaila at 808-741-7155 or email shaila@hawaiihe.com. Hawaii Homes & Estates LLC. License No: RB-20456.