Property Conditions:

In order to be considered for Program assistance, the subject property must meet all of the following criteria prior to closing:

• Subject property must be located within the corporate city limits of Harlingen. Properties located in the City’s Extra Territorial Jurisdictions (ETJ) and Limited Purpose Annexed (LPA) areas are not considered part of the corporate city limits for this program and are ineligible.
• Subject property must be a single-family residence (detached house, townhouse, or condominium). Duplexes, triplexes, and four-plexes are not eligible properties under the Program. New manufactured homes are eligible only if permanently affixed to real property. Recreational vehicles, campers and other such vehicles are ineligible.
  
• The value of subject property must not exceed ninety-five percent (95%) of the median value for the area. HUD regulations governing the HOME program, use the FHA 203 (b) mortgage limits as the substitute for the 95% median value for one (1) to four (4) family homes.
• Subject property must be vacant or owner-occupied. Properties occupied by tenants within the last ninety (90) days are ineligible EXCEPT in cases where the tenant intends to purchase the housing unit they currently occupy/rent.
• Subject property must pass a Property Maintenance Standards (PMS) evaluation, prior to commitment of program funds. Evaluations will be performed by the Community Development Department’s Housing Rehabilitation Specialist free of charge. The Program will use the City’s Property Maintenance Code as its standard of evaluation. The inspection will determine whether the subject property meets minimum health, safety, and habitability standards. PMS evaluations do not serve in lieu of structural inspections. All noted deficiencies in the PMS report must be addressed before the final settlement date. Newly constructed units must have a Certificate of Occupancy issued by the City of Harlingen’s Building Inspections Department.

Subject property built prior to 1978 must meet applicable HUD regulations regarding Lead Based Paint in accordance with 24 CFR Part 35.

• Subject property must be located within a Zone C, B, or X (for newer maps) flood zone. Properties located in Zones A or V are ineligible.
• 8. Subject property must be located in an area where Federal Assistance is permitted. Housing units located in areas where the use of Federal funds is strictly prohibited by the Coastal Barriers Resources Act or located within a runway clear zone of a civil or military airport are ineligible.
• 9. Subject property cannot be used for rental, commercial or other nonprinciple place of residence purposes.

How Do I Apply?

To receive down payment assistance, you must complete the four step process:

1. Call the Community Development Division to see if you pre-qualify for the program.
2. Attend a homebuyer's education course.
3. Gather required documents.
4. Meet with a participating lender to get a conditional loan approval..
5. Authorize a participating lender to submit a copy of your loan application and support documentation to our office for review.

Household size

1 person

2 persons

3 persons

4 persons

5persons

6 persons

7 persons

 8 persons

80% AMI

$27,250

$31,150

$35,050

$38,900

$42,050

$45,150

$48,250

$51,350