The Louisiana Housing Corporation (LHC) announced today the expansion of the first-of-its-kind Keys for Service program to provide down payment and closing cost assistance to more of Louisiana’s essential works. The Keys for Service program offers forgivable down payment and closing cost assistance to homeowners who occupy the property for a required period of time, making it more accessible and affordable for borrowers to purchase their primary residence.
Prior to its expansion, active, full-time law enforcement officers, firefighters, paramedics, public safety telecommunicators, and certified teachers were eligible for assistance; the program now offers assistance to employees of hospitals, pharmacies, drug stores, offices of physicians (such as mental health specialists, dentists, chiropractors, occupational and speech therapists), outpatient care centers (including kidney dialysis and home health care), nursing care facilities, assisted living centers, and all employees of law enforcement or emergency response agencies.
The program, which previously had a maximum annual household income limit of $110,000, has increased the limit to $125,000, allowing even more Louisiana residents to take advantage of the program's benefits.
"At LHC, we believe that homeownership should be within reach for all of our essential workers who work tirelessly to care for our communities," said Joshua G. Hollins, Executive Director of LHC. "The expansion of the Keys for Service program is our way of giving back to those who give so much, and we hope it will provide some financial relief to those who work on the front lines."
The Keys for Service program advances LHC's mission of providing Louisiana residents with safe, affordable, and energy-efficient housing. Eligible borrowers can receive 4% down payment assistance based on a 30-year mortgage term.
Borrowers must certify that their intended property is their primary residence to qualify for the loan program. The program also permits borrowers to participate if they are selling their current primary residence to purchase a new property and using the sale's proceeds to fund the purchase, provided that they do not own any other residential properties. Borrowers who choose to pay off the loan amount early will not be subject to prepayment penalties. However, borrowers who receive down payment and closing cost assistance may have to reimburse these amounts if they opt to pay off the loan within five years.
The program is currently funded by $5 million in taxable bonds, but the next issuance will increase to $10 million.
For more information, assistance with the application process, or to determine if Keys for Service is the best option for your home-buying needs, contact LHC's customer service team at singlewebinfo@lhc.la.gov. A list of participating lenders and more information can also be found at www.lhc.la.gov/keysforservice.