NeighborhoodLIFT
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I was selected to apply for LIFT funds. Does this mean I have a reservation letter?
A: No, the initial request period from January 11-17 was a time to request LIFT funds. From those submissions, eligible buyers were invited to complete a full application for funds. This is not a reservation of funds.
Q: I’ve completed my application. What happens next?
A: Once your application is complete, it will be reviewed for eligibility. This includes verifying that you have completed education and pre-approval requirements, and calculating income based on the supporting documents you provided. Staff are reviewing completed applications in the order they were received. If additional documentation is needed, this may delay the review of your file.
Q: When can I expect a decision on my application?
A: Review time depends on the volume of applications we are receiving. Most applications will be reviewed within two weeks of the time a complete application is submitted. You will be notified when the review is complete and will receive a letter via email with a denial or reservation/commitment letter. If you receive a reservation letter, funds are reserved for up to 90 days. Funds are not reserved prior to receiving this letter.
Q. What are the terms of the NeighborhoodLIFT funding?
A. NeighborhoodLIFT funds are provided as a five-year forgivable loan program for owner-occupied properties. As long as the borrower(s) 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. For any questions on this please reach out to CHDC directly.
Q. Are there income restrictions for eligible borrowers?
A. Yes. Income limits are set for each market for NeighborhoodLIFT funds. The income limits are calculated based on all borrower income. View income limits for the Bay Area here. Click Here to view income limits.
Q. 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 income?
A. No. Only borrower(s) income is calculated. View income limits for the Bay Area here. Click Here to view income limits.
Q. What first mortgage lenders are eligible to participate in the NeighborhoodLIFT program?
A. A complete list of participating partner lenders is available. Click Here for lenders list.
Q. What is homebuyer education and how do I get it?
A. Homebuyer education is an eight-hour class that teaches about the home buying process. It can be completed in person or online. 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 list of NeighborhoodLIFT-approved providers. Click Here for homebuyer education provider list.
Q. When do I need to complete my homebuyer education?
A. Homebuyer education must be completed prior to submitting a request for NeighborhoodLIFT funds.
Q. I have a homebuyer education certificate from an agency that is not HUD Approved. Will that be accepted?
A. No. Only homebuyer education certificates from HUD-Approved Housing Counseling Agencies that have adopted the National Industry Standards are eligible for NeighborhoodLIFT funds. View list of NeighborhoodLIFT-approved providers. Click Here for homebuyer education provider list.
Q. Can I own another home and still qualify for the NeighborhoodLIFT program?
A. 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.
Q. Are short sale properties eligible for NeighborhoodLIFT funds?
A. Short sale properties are eligible for the program. When you are ready to move forward in the LIFT process, you must upload the purchase agreement for the short sale property, which must be signed by the buyer and the seller. 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.
Q. What expenses can I use the NeighborhoodLIFT Down Payment Assistance Funds to cover as part of my home purchase?
A. 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 an FHA first mortgage or other type of first mortgage loan; however, for an FHA mortgage the borrower must still provide their own 3.5% down payment. You should consult directly with your first mortgage lender and CHDC to determine how NeighborhoodLIFT program funds may be used in connection with your home purchase.
Q. Can I qualify for other down payment assistance programs along with NeighborhoodLIFT funds?
A. Yes. There may be other programs eligible and available for layering together with NeighborhoodLIFT funding. Programs sponsored by local municipalities or the state of California could potentially be included. View information on other incentive programs. Click Here.
Q. How do I know if I am eligible for additional down payment assistance programs?
A. Eligibility for each program is determined by the program administrators. Contact them directly to find out if you are eligible for their programs.
Q. Are there any properties that are not eligible for NeighborhoodLIFT funds?
A. 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.
Q. Once a buyer is determined to be eligible for NeighborhoodLIFT, how quickly will the process move forward?
A. Buyers determined to be eligible will be issued a Reservation Letter holding funds for 90 days. During this time borrowers will need to shop for and sign a contract on a home. Buyers who have a fully signed contract will be required to upload the contract to their account with CHDC. If the property is eligible, a LIFT 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 CHDC at least 10 calendar days prior to closing. CHDC will then have all documents prepared for the closing.
Q. Once a buyer receives a reservation letter NeighborhoodLIFT, how quickly will the process move forward?
A. You will not move forward in the NeighborhoodLIFT process until you have a fully executed purchase and sale agreement. You should upload your purchase and sale agreement to your account upon execution. You will receive a LIFT commitment letter approximately three business days after CHDC reviews your purchase and sale agreement. Be sure to notify your first mortgage lender that you are under contract and have received a NeighborhoodLIFT commitment letter. The first mortgage lender will then prepare documents for closing and provide copies of the required documents to CHDC at least 10 calendar days prior to closing. CHDC will then have all documents prepared for the closing.
Q. Do I need to be under contract to submit a request NeighborhoodLIFT funds?
A. No, you do not have to be under contract to submit a request.
Q. Will extensions be allowed for clients who do not have a contract on a home at the end of the 90-day reservation period?
A. No. Extensions are only available for clients who have met the program requirements and are preparing for settlement.
Q. If a contract falls through can the client change to another property?
A. It depends on where the client is in the process. If this happens the client should follow up with CHDC directly.
Q. What happens if I can’t become pre-approved for a first mortgage?
A. Clients who are not able to qualify for a loan should contact CHDC to explore course offerings and/or housing counseling opportunities.
Q: What happens if I am not selected after the random selection takes place?
A: You can come back and check this webpage to see if funds become available in the future. We encourage you to reach out to CHDC and schedule a counseling appointment to determine what your homeownership options are.
Contact CHDC for questions about NeighborhoodLIFT at 510-221-2512 or lift@CommunityHDC.org.
If you have additional questions, visit our FAQ page (Click Here).