Eligible Applicants
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Applicant must meet income guidelines and debt ratio requirements. Applicant must have six months of employment history in their current job and cannot currently have an ownership interest in a residential property (own a home). Those who own a home but can document economic hardship, such as divorce, may be eligible.
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Applicant(s) are encouraged to apply before submitting offers on a home or going under contract. However, applicants who have made a purchase commitment on a home may still apply. Both spouses/partners must sign our loan agreement, even if spouse/partner is not included in the mortgage.
- Applicant is a public employee OR a public employee working for a participating agency (Eagle Mountain City, Alpine School District, Utah County, Unified Fire Service Authority, or Central Utah Water Conservancy District).
- Applicant may be eligible for loan forgiveness earlier if they meet the employment requirement and length of time in public employment, as set forth in the Mortgage Assistance Program Policy.
- The applicant must submit a request in writing to the City for loan forgiveness, in whole or in part, when the requisite years of service are completed.
- Applicant is not a public employee.
Income Limits
Income for all household members over 18 will be included in the total household income calculation. Sources of income include, but are not limited to, paystubs, SSI/SSA yearly statement, profit and loss statements (if self‐employed), child support, alimony, etc. For full‐time students over 18 (excepting applicants and co‐applicants) only $480 of their annual income counts. Program specific income limits for the current fiscal year can be found at eaglemountaincity.com.
Household Definition
The number of household members is determined by counting every person (of any age) who will live in the home purchased with down payment assistance. The following are excluded: foster children, unborn children, live‐in aides, children being pursued for custody or adoption, and children under shared custody residing less than 51% of the time in the home.
Eligible Debt Ratios
Applicants must have a minimum mid‐credit score of 660 or higher. Monthly Housing Expense Ratio (HER) cannot exceed 47% of the household monthly gross income. Housing expenses or “PITI” includes taxes, insurance, principal payment, and HOA fees of the new home loan.
Total debt‐to‐income ratio (DTI) cannot exceed 50% of the household monthly gross income if their mid credit score is 650‐699 and cannot exceed 45%. This includes existing monthly debt payments and monthly payments of the new home loan. Applicants must choose a home whose required payment fits within these limits.
Agreement Term
Summary: The full term of the agreement is 15 years. No repayment is required for applicants who occupy the home as their primary residence through the full 15‐year term or if they meet certain conditions for loan forgiveness. If the applicant sells or vacates the property prior to the end of the 15-year term, they must repay the loan. If the applicant leases, rents, sublets, or the like, anytime during the 15-year term, the full amount of the loan must be repaid. If the applicant sells, vacates, leases, or rents the property within two years of the closing date, an additional penalty may apply. See full details in the Mortgage Assistance Program Policy manual.
Eligible Loans
Only fixed rate loans are accepted in the program. No ARM’s, owner‐financed, or other loans are allowed. FHA, VA, Conventional, etc. loans are acceptable. Non‐occupant co‐signers are not permitted.
Loan Amount
Subject to availability of funds, Eagle Mountain City will provide qualified applicants with up to $25,000 or 7.5% of the purchase price of the home (whichever is less).
Applicant Down Payment Requirements
Applicant must make a down payment of at least $1,000 of their own funds towards the purchase of the home.
Homeowner Education
Applicant must enroll in and complete a homeowner education course from our approved list at their own expense. Applicant must submit completion certificate before closing. Applicants who have begun but not yet finished the course can be conditionally approved but must complete and submit certificate before closing.
Recommended Course Options:
Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac
Note: On the Fannie Mae site, look for the section called "Certificate course for first time homebuyers." On the Freddie Mac site register ONLY for the CreditSmart Homebuyer U option.
A fee may apply.