In late July, James City County’s First Time Homebuyer Program celebrated helping the 500^th family become home owners. The HRPDC-managed Hampton Roads Loan Fund Partnership (HRLFP) helped Star Lewis, her husband Brock and their daughters move into their new home in the Village at Candle Station community.

James City County’s program began in July 1989 as the Affordable Housing Incentive Program. Now known as the First-time Homebuyer Program, the program assists County residents with homeowner education classes, credit report reviews and housing counseling to help prospective homeowners purchase safe, decent and affordable housing.

Program participants qualify for a discounted mortgage interest rate, and are considered for down payment assistance funds available through the HRPDC-managed HRLFP. James City County is a participating partner in the HRLFP.

“James City County has worked diligently over the years to create high quality affordable housing options to residents in their county,” said Shernita Bethea, the HRPDC’s Housing and Human Services Administrator.  “We are pleased to serve as a partner in providing access to down payment and closing cost assistance to first-time homebuyers which in most cases, is the biggest obstacle to homeownership.”

Funding for this program is made possible through HOME funds from the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).  Non-entitlement jurisdictions, such as James City County is considered a priority area for assistance.