What is “Kiss Your Landlord Goodbye”?
Delaware State Housing Authority wants to help Delawareans kiss their landlords goodbye with our homeownership loan and down payment assistance programs! DSHA offers mortgage financing for Delaware homebuyers at or below market interest rates. All mortgages are 30-year fixed-rate loans. Borrowers can also use DSHA’s Preferred Plus program for down payment and closing cost help.
Who is eligible for a homeownership loan with DSHA?
The programs are designed to assist Delawareans with low to moderate incomes. Buyers must not exceed our maximum household income limits for the county they are purchasing in. Buyers must have a minimum credit score of 620.
The maximum sales price a buyer can qualify for is:
| New Castle County – Maximum Sales Price | $539,250 |
| Kent and Sussex County – Maximum Sales Price | $481,176 |
Is it just for first-time homebuyers?
Not at all! This is a common misconception about our homeownership programs. Many of our programs are also available to repeat buyers. If you already own a home but you need more space or need to downsize to a smaller home, DSHA can help.
Do I have to buy a home in a certain area?
Applicants for DSHA’s Homeownership Loans can purchase a home anywhere in Delaware.
I don’t have enough saved for a down payment. Can DSHA help me?
Yes! In addition to our homeownership loan programs, DSHA also has down payment and closing cost assistance available for homebuyers.
Delaware Diamonds Home Loan is a zero-interest 2nd loan of $15,000 to be used by essential workers for down payment and closing cost assistance.
Home Sweet Home Loan is a zero-interest 2nd loan of $12,000 to be used for down payment and closing cost assistance for homebuyers purchasing a home with a maximum sales price of $285,000.00 or less.
My credit score is too low to qualify. Can DSHA help me?
If your credit score isn’t quite where it should be, you may qualify for Delaware’s free Rent Reporting Pilot Program, which helps low-income renters build their credit by reporting on-time rent payments to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, and on-time utility payments to TransUnion. Participation is 100% free and voluntary. Visit neighborgoodpartners.org/rent-reporting to learn more!
What if I’m not quite ready financially to purchase a home?
Not yet ready to start the home-buying process? DSHA and $tand By Me is here to help! Through free financial coaching, we can help you build your credit score, reduce debt or learn valuable budgeting tools to help you achieve the dream of homeownership. Visit www.standbymede.org for more info!