Existing Homeowner Assistance

Just as access to homeownership has impediments for many aspiring to own their first home, so are those that that exist for current homeowners that desire to maintain their homes in a safe, decent and sanitary manner.  An obstacle for existing homeowners is the age of the home, particularly, in neighborhoods and communities determined to be low to moderate-income.  The breadth of repairs needed to maintain or bring the property up to appropriate housing quality standards (HQS) is beyond the means for many households within this income category; presenting yet another obstacle to home ownership that is affordable and sustainable.  Lastly, the potential threat of lead-based paint hazards present in most homes built prior to 1978 is another.  The City of Springfield, in conjunction with other public and private-sector partners, endeavors to help ameliorate these conditions by helping to improve the quality and safety of housing for existing homeowners. 

The City of Springfield, through the Office of Housing, has created a Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program (HRLP), using the standards set by the Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the HOME Investment Partnership programs.  The HRLP program will provide financial assistance in the amount of $45,000 and will include technical assistance; interest bearing and non-interest bearing loans, as well as deferred payment loans to assist eligible low and moderate-income households within the City of Springfield.  It is designed to help meet the financing needs of Springfield homeowners interested in making needed repairs to their homes, in particular, those who may fall short of meeting the required guidelines established by traditional lending sources.  Households interested in the program must first meet these requirements:

• The home must be the owner’s principal residence and the applicant may not own other real estate.
• The property must be in Springfield.
• Owner-occupancy must be established for a minimum of three (3) years.
• Household income may not exceed 80% of the area median income.
• Title to the property may not have liens other than a first and/or second mortgage.  
•  The appraised value may not exceed 95% of the FHA 203(b) maximum mortgage limits.  
• All property taxes, fees, fines or municipal liens must be current.  
•  Satisfy HUD’S minimum Housing Quality Standards (HQS), along with state, local zoning and building code requirements upon completion of project.   
• Grant to value ratio may not exceed 120 percent of the property’s established after-rehab value.

 Please contact the Office of Housing at (413) 787-6500 for more information on how you may qualify.