RIHousing Launches New Down Payment Assistance Program for First-time Homebuyers

$10,000 in down payment assistance available to eligible homebuyers

Providence, RI – RIHousing today announced a new down payment assistance program for first-time homebuyers. The “10kDPA” program provides a $10,000 down payment assistance loan to eligible homebuyers in Rhode Island.

“We’re excited to be able to offer this new program to help first-time homebuyers with what is often the biggest hurdle to homeownership: the down payment,” said Carol Ventura, Executive Director of RIHousing. “Approximately 90% of our mortgage customers receive some form of down payment assistance, which greatly reduces the out-of-pocket expenses incurred during the mortgage process.”

Prospective homebuyers must obtain a RIHousing mortgage through a Participating Lender or through the RIHousing Loan Center. Homebuyers must have a minimum credit score of 660, occupy the home as their primary residence and be a first-time homebuyer purchasing a 1-4 family home or condominium in Rhode Island. The 10kDPA program is structured as a second mortgage and certain income limits and eligibility criteria apply.

“While the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted many renters and existing homeowners, it has also intensified the desire by many to buy a home,” said Peter Pagonis, RIHousing’s Director of Homeownership. “While homebuying activity slowed due to the pandemic, it has significantly rebounded since May. Record low mortgage rates are providing opportunities for buyers to lock-in low monthly mortgage payments for future years.”

In order to participate in the program, homebuyers must complete a RIHousing-approved Homebuyer Education class. The course covers a number of topics, including budgeting, understanding credit, the closing process, and the costs associated with homebuying.

“RIHousing has been opening the doors to homeownership for almost 50 years. In that time, we’ve helped over 85,000 homebuyers invest in their future and achieve the dream of owning a home,” said Ventura. “For those who are in a position to do so, now may be a great time to purchase a home. In fact, for many, owning a home is an important first step to building wealth and investing in the future.”

More information on the 10kDPA program is available online at: www.rihousing.com/10kDPA.

Rhode Island Housing Subsidiary Corporations and Affiliates

Rhode Island Housing Subsidiary Corporations

  • Rhode Island Housing Development Corporation (occasionally LLCs are established with the Development Corporation as sole general partner on multifamily properties that RIHousing has taken over.)
  • Rhode Island Housing Equity Corporation
  • Rhode Island Housing Equity Pool II, L.P.
  • Rhode Island Housing Equity Pool, L.P.
  • University Heights Housing Corporation

Rhode Island Housing Affiliates

  • Affordable Housing Trust

These are not RIHousing entities, but we have a general partner capacity in each:

  • Ashley Estates Limited Partnership – RIH Equity Corp. is general partner
  • Erik Estates Limited Partnership – RIH Equity Corp. is general partner
  • Mohican Limited Partnership – RIHDC is general partner
  • Phebe Street Associates, L.P. – RIHDC is general partner
  • University Heights Apartments, L.P. – University Heights Housing is general partner

Mission Statement

RIHousing strives to ensure that all people who live or work in Rhode Island can afford a healthy, attractive home that meets their needs. A good home provides the foundation upon which individuals and families thrive, children learn and grow, and communities prosper.

To achieve our mission we:

  • Offer fair, affordable and innovative lending programs.
  • Provide housing related education to consumers and others.
  • Promote and finance sensible development that builds healthy, vibrant communities.
  • Provide housing grants and subsidies to Rhode Islanders with the greatest need.
  • Team up with partners to improve everything we do

RIHousing uses all of its resources to provide low-interest loans, grants, education and assistance to help Rhode Islanders find, rent, buy, build and keep a good home. Created by the General Assembly in 1973, RIHousing is a privately funded public purpose corporation.

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Central Falls 44007010900, 44007010800, 44007011100, 44007011000
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