The State of Vermont has renewed funding for the First Generation Homebuyer Program. Originally released as a pilot program in 2022, the program is now widely available and offers eligible homebuyers a $15,000 grant to help with down payment and closing costs. Interested homebuyers can now apply through any local VHFA participating lender (bank, credit union, or mortgage company).
The program has helped 54 first-generation homebuyers purchase their first home in Vermont so far. “Without the VHFA program, I would have not been able to afford this house!” said Zeynab Koutaye, the first person to use the grant back in January. VHFA expects the program to help even more first-generation homebuyers in the coming year.
To be eligible, homebuyers must qualify for a VHFA mortgage and meet certain income, asset, and first-time homebuyer requirements. In addition, at least one person taking title to the property must: (1) have parents or legal guardians who have never owned a home in any state or country, or (2) have parents or legal guardians who lost ownership due to foreclosure, short sale, or deed-in-lieu, and have not owned again, or (3) be an individual who has at any time been placed in foster care.
Funding for the program is intended - in part - to help more Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) buy a home in Vermont. According to recent Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) data, approximately less than 4% of all mortgages originated in Vermont in 2022 went to households with individuals identifying as BIPOC. Of the 54 households who have received a First Generation grant so far, 20% include an individual who identifies as BIPOC.
All homebuyers who meet the eligibility requirements are encouraged to apply. Interested homebuyers should begin by contacting a VHFA Participating Lender or by visiting vhfa.org/firstgen.