The program, which provides interest-free loans of up to $20,000 to qualifying first-time homeowners living and working in the city, has eased the strain of the affordable housing crisis for low-income families.
The Carlsbad Homebuyer Assistance Program is a housing trust fund established in 1994, as a response to state requirements that cities' general plans account for the future housing needs of community members from all economic segments. Through the Homebuyer program, an interest-free loan of up to $20,000 is available to qualifying first-time homeowners living or working in the city. Homeowners agree to share with the city a percentage of any profits from the sale of their home before the loan is paid off. Loan payments begin in the sixth year, and the loan must be fully repaid 15 years after purchase. Money recouped by the city is returned to the housing trust fund to benefit other affordable housing programs, and to provide incentives to builders constructing low-priced housing units. A spokesman for the program reported no defaults, no late payments and just one home resale in the program's seven year history.
Thanks to California 2000 Project
FULL STORY: HOMEBUYER PROGRAM BOON TO LOW-INCOME FAMILIES
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