Homeownership

First-time Homebuyers

About the Program

The First-time Homebuyer Program offers homeowner education classes, credit report reviews and housing counseling to assist County residents and local workforce in purchasing safe, decent, affordable housing. The program also assists qualified buyers with down payment and closing cost assistance and in designated areas offers low-interest rate financing. HRPDC HOME down payment assistance funds are available to assist with purchases of homes throughout the County. 

These programs have eligibility requirements, including but not limited to:

  • You may not have owned a home in the last 3 years
  • You must have stable income that is sufficient to afford the mortgage payment
  • Your household income may not exceed 80% AMI
  • You should have a credit score of 620 or higher

Download the Application Form (PDF)

Housing Counseling

About the Program

The James City County’s Office of Housing is a HUD Certified Agency. We have trained HUD certified counselors who are able to provide counseling sessions free of charge for financial management, credit repair, explain fair housing, rental counseling, homeowner services, budgeting, and navigating the home buying process. Call the housing office to make an appointment.

Housing Counseling

Approved Housing Counseling Agencies (PDF)

Mortgage Assistance Program

About the Program

The James City County Office of Housing Mortgage Assistance Program (MAP) is a housing program designed for low-income individuals or families who are in a temporary financial crisis due to “unavoidable circumstances”. The current financial difficulties must not be part of a chronic or long-term pattern the individual or family has had managing their personal finances. 

Programs include but not limited to: 

  • Eligible households are those determined to meet the program purpose, goals, and income limits of not earning more than 80% of the area median income.
  • Mortgage assistance is restricted to the household’s primary residence and must be occupied by the applicant.
  • Loans under $2,500 may be eligible to sign a promissory note and those over $2,500 will sign a deed of trust note and a lien will be placed on the property.
  • Mortgage assistance may not exceed mortgage costs that exceed $5,000.00; this includes past mortgage payments.
  • No one will be assisted that has an outstanding delinquent loan. Those loans that are delinquent will be sent to the commissioner for debt setoff against their tax returns.