HOME BUYERS
Program overview and guidelines
Nebraska Housing Resource offers a Homeownership Opportunity Program with financial assistance available to eligible and qualified first-time homebuyers purchasing a new single-family home from a participating home builder. The Homeownership Opportunity Program or HOP is available in northwest Lincoln in the Hub Hall Heights 11th and 12th Additions.
The HOP provides the eligible homebuyer a subordinate second mortgage loan the proceeds of which are used to “buy down” the first mortgage and for down payment and/or closing cost assistance. The first-time homebuyer must be qualified for a first mortgage loan from a financial institution that accepts the subordinate financing.
The financial assistance is up to a $15,000 subordinate zero payment, zero interest second mortgage loan. When the first-time homebuyer sells the home or no longer occupies it as their primary residence the secured loan is repaid. Eligible first-time homebuyers must have household income by family size at or below 120% of the Area Median Income. The Area Median Income is adjusted for household/family size and currently, for example, a family of 4 in Lancaster County, the maximum household income is $94,080. (See the HOP guidelines for the breakdown of current, effective June 2018, qualified incomes by smaller or larger household sizes)
The HOP is available on new homes sold by a participating home builder for $228,000 or less. The home must be on a lot purchased by the home builder from NHR. NHR has developed and sold all the lots in the Hub Hall Heights 11th Addition and is currently offering lots in the 12th Addition. NHR does not build nor sell homes, but only sells the lot. If a home builder agrees to the participation requirements in NHR’s Homeownership Opportunity Program, then a qualified first time homebuyer purchasing that home may apply to NHR for the HOP funding. Interested first time homebuyers may also contact NHR to help them identify a potential builder or to inquire about a lot. Builders purchasing lots are not restricted to serving only first time homebuyers nor building to the HOP participation requirements. The lot sale price generally is established by the current market for similar lots in the area.
To apply, potential first-time homebuyers must be eligible, have a builder or Realtor® referral, be pre-qualified by a lending institution for a first mortgage, and agree to complete a Home Buyer Education program. For detailed guidelines click on this link.
NHR’s Homeownership Opportunity Program Guidelines
Current (2018) Income Guidelines and Purchase Price Limit. (NOTE: updates Exhibit A in HOP Guidelines)