Program Overview
What are the terms of the NeighborhoodLIFT funding?
NeighborhoodLIFT funds are provided as a five-year forgivable loan program for owner-occupied properties. As long as the borrower resides in the home, the loan will be forgiven at 20 percent each year on the anniversary date of settlement. If the house is no longer a principal residence or the property is transferred, repayment of the balance of funds will be immediately due. If you qualify for the military benefit, check with NeighborWorks Alaska HomeOwnership Center on repayment terms.
Are there income restrictions for eligible borrowers?
Yes. Income limits are set for each market for NeighborhoodLIFT funds. The income limits are calculated based on borrower income in connection with household size. See Income Limits and First Responder, Military & Teacher Benefit Information
If a person living in the home is not included on the loan to purchase the home does their income count in the calculation of household income?
No. Only borrower income is calculated. View income limits
Are there other financial requirements to participate in the program?
You may be required to make an additional down payment contribution from your own funds if your ‘remaining liquid assets’ at the time of your eligibility determination session will exceed $20,000.
How are liquid assets determined?
‘Remaining liquid assets’ are defined as your available funds in bank accounts such as checking, savings or money market accounts that are readily accessible without withdrawal restrictions or penalties after you have met any out-of-pocket settlement requirements from your own funds.
Liquid assets do not include Retirement Accounts (such as 401(k), IRA or pension accounts), Investment Accounts (such as stock, bond or mutual funds), Certificates of Deposit (CDs), Business Checking or Savings Accounts.
Liquid asset determinations and contribution requirement estimates are made at the time of your Eligibility Determination Session. Liquid asset funds that are subsequently transferred to restricted accounts after your Eligibility Determination Session will not be excluded from contribution calculation requirements.
What first mortgage lenders are eligible to participate in the NeighborhoodLIFT program?
View list of participating lenders
What is homebuyer education and how do I get it?
Homebuyer education is an eight-hour class that teaches about the home buying process. Homebuyer education must be provided by a HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agency that has adopted the National Industry Standards for Homeownership Education and Counseling. View homebuyer education information here.
I have a homebuyer education certificate from an agency that is not HUD Approved. Will that be accepted?
No. Only homebuyer education certificates from HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies that have adopted the National Industry Standards are eligible for NeighborhoodLIFT funds.
Can I own another home and still qualify for the NeighborhoodLIFT program?
Yes, if you currently own a home but will be selling it prior to closing on the NeighborhoodLIFT property, you can still be eligible for the program. At the time of closing, you may not own any additional properties including investment properties.
Are short sale properties eligible for NeighborhoodLIFT funds?
Short sale properties are eligible for the program. The purchase agreement for the short sale property must be signed by the buyer and the seller to apply for NeighborhoodLIFT funds. The lender (lien holder of short sale property) must ratify the agreement prior to closing. NeighborhoodLIFT funds can be used in connection with the financing of a Wells Fargo short sale but only if Wells Fargo is not the new first mortgage lender on the short sale purchase. Another lender must originate the new first mortgage loan.
What expenses can I use the NeighborhoodLIFT down payment assistance funds to cover as part of my purchase of a home?
NeighborhoodLIFT down payment assistance funds may be used for any eligible purpose including closing cost assistance, down payment assistance, or borrower minimum out-of-pocket investment if allowed by the first mortgage loan program. NeighborhoodLIFT funds may cover the closing costs or out-of-pocket requirements of a FHA first mortgage or other type of first mortgage loan, however for a FHA mortgage the borrower must still provide their own 3.5% down payment. You should consult directly with your first mortgage lender and NeighborWorks Alaska HomeOwnership Center to determine how NeighborhoodLIFT program funds may be used in connection with your home purchase.
Can I qualify for additional incentives along with NeighborhoodLIFT funds?
Yes. There may be several programs eligible for layering incentives together with NeighborhoodLIFT funding. Programs sponsored by local municipalities or the state of Alaska could potentially be included. For information on other incentive programs, contact NeighborWorks Alaska HomeOwnership Center.
How do I know if I am eligible for additional incentive programs?
Eligibility for each program is determined by the program administrators. Contact them directly to participate in their programs.
Are there any properties that are not eligible for NeighborhoodLIFT funds?
Yes. Wells Fargo REO (real estate owned) properties are not eligible for NeighborhoodLIFT funds. To learn if a property is a Wells Fargo REO click here https://reo.wellsfargo.com/Home-Search.aspx
Once a buyer is determined to be eligible for NeighborhoodLIFT, how quickly will the process move forward?
Once a buyer has an executed contract, they should request an Eligibility Determination Session through this website. Borrowers should complete their Eligibility Determination Session no less than 21 calendar days prior to the closing date listed on their purchase and sale agreement. Even if a borrower has a purchase and sale agreement, no closings may take place before February 23, 2022. Once a borrower is determined to be eligible, a commitment letter will be issued with a copy sent to the first mortgage lender. The first mortgage lender will then prepare documents for closing and provide copies of the required documents to NeighborWorks Alaska HomeOwnership Center at least 14 calendar days prior to closing. NeighborWorks Alaska HomeOwnership Center will then have all documents prepared for the closing.
What documents do my lender and I have to submit to NeighborWorks Alaska HomeOwnership Center so that I can settle on my home using NeighborhoodLIFT funds?
You can find 1st Mortgage Lender required documents here.
If a contract falls through, can the client change to another property?
It depends on which step the client is in the process. If this happens the client should follow up with NeighborWorks Alaska HomeOwnership Center directly.
Contact the NeighborWorks Alaska HomeOwnership Center at [email protected] or 907-677-8431 for more information!