Kane County Government
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Kane County Office of Community Reinvestment

First-Time Homebuyer Loan Program

A homeownership assistance program funded by the Kane-Elgin HOME Consortium

The First-Time Homebuyer Deferred Loan Program helps make the dream of affordable homeownership a reality. The program provides up to $10,000 in down payment and/or closing-cost assistance to income-eligible first-time homebuyers in the form of a zero-interest, deferred-payment loan.  No interest accrues on the loan, and no payments are due until the home is sold, the title is transferred, or the home is no longer used as the homebuyer's principal residence. When any of these events occur, the loan is repaid. *NOTE * up to an additional $10,000 may be available if the home purchased is located within the city limits of St. Charles, under these same terms and conditions.

HOMEBUYER APPLICANTS:

There are three prerequisites for all applicants to be considered: 1) Eligible homebuyers must currently live (or work full-time) in the Kane-Elgin Consortium Area**, and must have done so for at least one year leading up to application for the program;  2) Homebuyers must also not exceed Federal income limits; and 3) must be pre-approved to purchase a home by a lender.  Once qualified for the program by Kane County, participants must complete HUD-certified Homebuyer Counseling, and have a down-payment of at least 1% of the purchase price of the home they wish to purchase.  All homes, townhomes, and condominiums purchased under the program must pass both a visual general inspection and a lead-based paint inspection to ensure the home meets housing quality standards. The program guidelines detail additional specific program requirements, steps and limitations. Please also be aware that the program will not be available to Homebuyers who have entered into a contract prior to qualification and/or failed to follow other required steps outlined in the program documentation. Click on the link below for the Kane County First-Time Homebuyer Loan Program Application form, including Program Guidelines and Process. Please make sure that you read and follow the instructions carefully.

LOAN PAYOFF AND SUBORDINATION REQUESTS:
 

FIRST MORTGAGE LENDERS & REALTORS:

Kane County does NOT require First Mortgage Lenders or Realtors to be pre-qualified. Homebuyers may work with a Lender/Realtor of their choice.  Click here for some helpful frequently asked questions:

 

QUESTIONS?

Contact the Kane County Office of Community Reinvestment by email: ocr@co.kane.il.us


** The Kane-Elgin Consortium Area (“Program Area") includes all of Kane County (except the City of Aurora, and the Villages of Hampshire, Huntley, Hoffman Estates, and Montgomery), all of the City of Elgin (including that portion located in Cook County), all of the Village of Maple Park (including that portion located in DeKalb County), and all of the City of St. Charles (including that portion located in DuPage County).