Buyers with low- to moderate incomes in The Bay Area can take advantage of loan programs that offer cash back and down payment assistance for home purchases located within specific Housing and Urban Development (HUD) census tracts.
The majority of San Francisco’s qualified census tract areas lie within the city’s southeastern neighborhoods, though there are a few north end neighborhoods included (plus Treasure Island). Click on the map below for a closer look:
You can check to see if the home you’re interested in purchasing falls within the census tract by visiting HUD’s qualified census tract table generator. An example of a partially covered neighborhood is Excelsior; you can see which blocks fall into the tract:
If a property you like is located in the census tract, you’re in business. Bank of the West/BMO currently has a great program that offers up to $10,500 toward down payment and closing costs (or $4,000 toward closing costs on refinances). Eligible buyers can also use a participating Down Payment Assistance program to further lower costs. Buyers can get conventional, FHA or jumbo loans through this program. I highly recommend contacting Karen McDowell (NMLS #454323) at karen.mcdowell@bankofthewest.com if you’d like to get the ball rolling.
This lender grant program is also available for a number of areas within California. Check out the flyer here: CRA Lender Grant Promotion – California.
And if you’re a seller or listing agent marketing a home for sale within the census tract, make sure you let buyers know that this program could make their purchase easier and more affordable.