Community & Economic Development

First-Time Homebuyer Programs

Homeownership is essential to achieving the American dream, creating stable and thriving communities as well as inter-generational wealth for families. The Community & Economic Development department and its partners assist families and individuals to achieve their dreams of homeownership through programs that focus on the present needs of the homebuyer in order to achieve homeownership, whether that be funds to assist with down payment or the guidance to navigate financial stability in hopes of becoming mortgage-ready.

Affordable Homeownership Opportunity Program (AHOP)

The Community and Economic Development Department provides eligible mortgage-ready homebuyers with funds to assist with down payment and closing costs associated with purchasing their first home. The goal of the AHOP program is to assist homebuyers in purchasing affordably.
  • You must not already own a home.
  • Your total household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Household income based on the link to Forsyth County’s Income Limits below.
  • You must have an acceptable credit rating.
  • You must not have any unpaid judgements.
  • You must provide us with a verifiable source of consistent income.
  • Affordable Homeownership Opportunity Program (AHOP/HOME) down payment assistance in the form of a “soft” second mortgage or 0% deferred repayment loan
  • Community Partners Loan Pool (CPLP) program provided by the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) is also a 0% deferred second mortgage loan

  • You must complete a Home Maintenance Session and Post-purchase session after closing.
  • You are required to complete an 8-hour Homeownership Class at the Center for Homeownership before closing.

Individual Development Accounts (IDA) Program

First-time homebuyers choosing to prepare for homeownership seeking to gain knowledge about budgeting, credit, saving and affordability may apply for the IDA program. Successful graduates obtain the necessary knowledge and guidance to acquire affordable mortgages and down payment assistance when they purchase their homes.
  • You must not already own a home.
  • Your total household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Household income based on the link to Forsyth County’s Income Limits below.
  • You must provide us with a verifiable source of consistent income.
  • A 1:2 or 1:4 match savings program to encourage participants to save $2,000 of their own funds and receive $2,000 or up to $4,000 upon completion of the IDA program.
  • You are required to complete an 8-hour Homeownership Class at the Center for Homeownership.
  • You are required to participate in IDA monthly classes and meet with your Success Coach.
  • Contact Experiment In Self-Reliance for more information or to apply at 336-722-9400.

Community and Economic Development Department

For information about our Down Payment Assistance Programs or details on the application process,

Contact the Community and Economic Development Department at 336-703-2678


Experiment in Self-Reliance

For information about the IDA Program or details on the application process,

Contact Experiment in Self Reliance (ESR) at 336-722-9400

Testimonials
Contact
Image Description

Bianca Green

Loan Officer
GREENBL@FORSYTH.CC
Image Description

Shatarra Smith

Administrative Assistant
smithsd@forsyth.cc

Fair Housing Statment

Forsyth County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, familial status, physical handicap or disability in its employment opportunities, programs, services or activities.

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Community & Economic Development

  • 201 North Chestnut Street
    Fifth Floor
    Winston-Salem, NC 27101
  • Phone: 336 703 2684
  • Fax: 336 727 8580
  • Email: Contact Us