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EXPANSION OF PROGRAM 

The First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Program has been expanded to create more opportunities for qualified Long Beach residents. The expansion removes the requirement that applicants must currently reside in certain federally-designated census tracts.  Applicants can now reside in any part of the city and apply for the program. In addition, the grant amount has been increased from $20,000 up to $25,000 and the income eligibility limit has been increased from 150 percent to 200 percent of the area median income.

 

Program Overview

The Program is designed to assist low- and moderate-income families traditionally underrepresented in homeownership with purchasing their first home and building multi-generational wealth. Approximately 100 households will receive up to $25,000 to be used towards the following costs:

  • Down payment
  • Non-recurring closing costs, such as loan, title, and escrow fees
  • Loan points or fees to buy down their mortgage interest rates 

Apply for the Program






For questions or help completing the application, please contact the City’s program partner, FORWARD, at 855.582.3973 or FirstTimeHomebuyer-support@livestories.zendesk.com

Application Process:

  • Complete applications will be processed in the order that they are received. The application will remain open until the Program funding has been committed. Due to the high level of interest, eligible residents are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.
  • Eligible applicants will receive a Preliminary Qualification Notice. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis when a qualified applicant opens escrow on an eligible home.
  • Applications will be available in English, Spanish, Khmer and Tagalog, as well as other languages by request.
  • Hard copies of the application will be available upon request.


Application Support Video:


Review Program Guidelines below, for more information on the application and grant award process.

Program Eligibility

Complete a pre-application self-screening form to see if you are eligible to apply for the Program. To qualify for the program, applicants must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Household income must not exceed 200% of the Los Angeles County Area Median Income (AMI).

Current Income Limits as of January 2024*

Number of persons in household

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

200% of Los Angeles County AMI

$137,500

$157,100

$176,800

$196,400

$212,100

$227,800

$243,500

$259,200

*Income limits are updated annually
  • Be a first-time homebuyer, defined as a someone who has not owned a home in the past three years.
  • Be a first-generation homebuyer, defined as someone whose parents or guardian never owned a home during the homebuyer’s lifetime or who lost the home to a foreclosure or short sale and does not own a home now. Anyone who lived in foster care also qualifies as a first-generation homebuyer.
  • Be pre-approved by a lender for a 30-year fixed mortgage loan. Cash purchases are not eligible.


CONTACT

For more information, please contact the City’s program partner, FORWARD, at 855-582-3973 or FirstTimeHomebuyer-support@livestories.zendesk.com.

The First-Time Homebuyer Program is made possible by the Long Beach Recovery Act, a plan to fund economic and public health initiatives for Long Beach residents, workers and businesses critically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Additional information about the Long Beach Recovery Act is available at longbeach.gov/recovery.

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