About
CHA Homeownership Programs
Columbia Housing Authority is dedicated to providing
opportunities for people to become homeowners through training, counseling and
financial assistance in a number of different programs.
Each program has specific qualifications, but all require
prospective homeowners to complete 12 hours of training about the home
buying process. Click here to view schedule.
CHA Homeownership Programs in 2012:
Section
8 Homeownership Program
Families currently housed under the CHA Section 8 Housing Choice
Voucher Program can convert their rental subsidy to a Housing Assistance
Payment (HAP) that they can use toward the purchase of a single-family
home, condominium or townhouse for up to 15 years, provided they remain
eligible all 15 years. Elderly or disabled families may receive
assistance for up to 30 years, if they remain eligible.
To qualify, an
individual or family must:
- Have been in the Section 8 Program for at least one
year with CHA or another housing authority (if they have transferred
their voucher to CHA’s jurisdiction);
- Not owe CHA or any other housing authority money;
- Qualify as a first-time homeowner under HUD
guidelines;
- Have a minimum household income of $10,300
annually;
- Have been employed for 12 consecutive months,
working at least 30 hours per week (but elderly and disabled
individuals are exempt).
Families must also:
- Agree to purchase a single-family home, townhouse
or condominium in Richland County, SC;
- Qualify for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with
acceptable loan terms;
- Provide minimum cash investment from personal
savings or other sources that totals 3 percent of assets or $500,
whichever is greater;
- Meet eligibility requirements for the program during
the entire time they receive homeownership assistance from CHA;
- Complete homeownership training, including classes
on home buying, budget and credit, and home and yard maintenance.
How do
I apply?
Individuals and families should call the CHA Section 8 Department at
(803) 254-3886, ext. 210 or 235, or contact their case manager.
Learn more
about Section 8
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