[CPN] RELEASE: Help For Homebuyers-Metro Cities Announce 2013 Homebuyer Assistance Program

	City and County of Denver Office of Economic Development   Derek Woodbury Marketing/Public Relations Specialist O. 720.913.1608 C. 303.895.6845 derek.woodbury@denvergov.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Help For Homebuyers: Metro Cities Announce 2013 Homebuyer Assistance Program 4% Down Payment and Closing Cost Grants Available for Qualified Borrowers in Denver and Littleton   DENVER, CO ­— Tuesday, March 19, 2013 — Buoyed by successes from past homeowner programs and with an eye on the future, the City and County of Denver and the Metro Mayors Caucus today launched the Metro Mortgage Assistance Plus Program, a new funding initiative to encourage home ownership.   "There is no better way to help rebuild our local economy and expand the strength and vitality of our neighborhoods than to open the doors of home ownership to moderate and low-income buyers," said Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock.   The program reduces the usual barriers to home ownership by providing a 4% grant for down payment and closing cost assistance—money the borrower does not repay—and can offer a competitive interest rate on 30-year mortgages.   The program can currently be used to purchase any property in Denver or Littleton. Additional Metro Mayors Caucus jurisdictions are expected to join the program throughout the year.   Unlike past mortgage assistance programs, there is not a requirement that the buyers be first-time owners, and no time limit on when the individual or family last owned a home. There is also no maximum purchase price.   Interested buyers are encouraged to work with one of the 12 pre-approved lenders who are participating in the program. Along with completing free homebuyer counseling, each buyer needs to meet standard loan guidelines (a FICO of at least 640 and a debt-to-income ratio of 45) and income limits (not more than $91,100 for households of two or fewer people, and not more than $103,000 for three or more).   "It's the down payment and closing cost help that we believe will really make the difference for these individuals and families," said Paul Washington, executive director of the Denver Office of Economic Development. "This is just the right program for people who have worked so hard to reach the dream of home ownership, and are so close to making it happen. With our help, we can boost these dreams right over the top."   The participating lenders include the following:   Air Academy Federal Credit Union, 720-489-0712, 303-757-0300, 303-674-8733 Bank of Commerce Mortgage Citywide Home Loans Cornerstone Home Lending, 970-797-3717 Ent Federal Credit Union, 800-525-9623 Peoples Mortgage Real Estate Mortgage Network (REMN) Rocky Mountain Mortgage Specialists, Inc. Summit Mortgage Corporation, 303-779-0591, 720-200-9480 The Mortgage Network, 303-990-2992 Universal Lending Corporation WR Starkey Mortgage   Buyers are encouraged to contact these lenders directly and indicate their interest in the Metro Mortgage Assistance Plus program.                                                                                                                                                   Single-family homes, condominiums, townhomes and manufactured homes qualify for the program, with the requirement that the owner occupy the home as a primary residence. Mortgage refinancing does not qualify.   The renewable fund will be available on a first-come, first-served basis through December 31, 2014, or while funds remain. For more information on the Metro Mortgage Assistance Plus Program, visit www.denvergov.org/housing.   ###