Program Overview:

The program weaves together five elements to address obstacles faced by households working to become home owners; these are detailed below.

Education
Individual Support and Advocacy
Downpayment Matching
Underwriting Assistance
Ongoing Support

1.  EDUCATION

The Affordable HomeOwnership Education Workshops will cover topics that the potential home owner will need to be aware of and understand prior to purchasing a home.  Topics to be included:

This education component is divided into the following parts:

           A.  Session 1: Preparing for HomeOwnership

This session is open to everyone. Attendance is on a first-come-first serve basis but advanced registration is required. The session is intended to provide an overview of homeownership and affordability issues. Following this session you should know what the next appropriate step should be if you wish to achieve homeownership. Individual counseling is available in the areas of credit, financing, and savings assistance. You will have the opportunity to continue with the rest of the program which is required to establish eligibility for special downpayment assistance and other related programs.

          B.  Session 2: Obtaining a Mortgage, Shopping for a Home & Closing

Participation in these sessions requires advanced registration. Program counselors will review your eligibility for the program and selection may be based on predetermined financial criteria. These sessions will continue the review of topics covered in Session 1, and go on to address all other aspects and stages of purchasing a home. This four hour session is offered on a Saturday. There currently is no cost for these sessions.

2. INDIVIDUAL SUPPORT AND ADVOCACY

The HOME Program tries to tailor the program to your individual concerns and barriers.
The focus is to develop plans with you to address various obstacles, such as poor credit history or lack of a down payment, and to help you pre-qualify for a mortgage. When you complete both education sessions a discussion can be scheduled with the Program or Financial Coordinator to address your specific needs. Ongoing programs are run throughout the year, and currently include financial literacy and credit workshops. New workshops will be developed as needed.

3.  DOWN-PAYMENT ASSISTANCE         

As a starting point in addressing barriers to homeownership, The Program can work to assist with down-payments. The Alberta Real Estate Foundation and local participating REALTORS have teamed up to create a revolving fund for this purpose. Once having completed the education component and demonstrated to the program they are ready to transition into home ownership participants are eligible for financial assistance.

4.  UNDERWRITING ASSISTANCE

The next program now being piloted by The HOME Program is in the area of mortgage underwriting and the criteria used by CMHC and financial institutions in qualifying individuals. The pilot program is being structured to allow individuals to be reviewed on a case by case basis instead of the current automated systems now in use. The HOME Program will continue to follow up with participants of this program to demonstrate that the risk to financial institutions is actually lowered when a person is educated and supported.

5.  ONGOING SUPPORT

The Program has ongoing support in a number of areas. The program coordinator will follow-up with those who are working on credit repair and savings programs to assist them in meeting their objectives. Resources and information on home maintenance will be offered to those who have successfully purchased a home. In addition to individual support networking with other program participants, and new homeowners is encouraged.