Community & Economic Development

First-Time Homebuyer Programs

Homeownership is essential to achieving the American dream, creating stable and thriving communities as well as inter-generational wealth for families. The Community & Economic Development department and its partners assist families and individuals to achieve their dreams of homeownership through programs that focus on the present needs of the homebuyer in order to achieve homeownership, whether that be funds to assist with down payment or the guidance to navigate financial stability in hopes of becoming mortgage-ready.

Affordable Homeownership Opportunity Program (AHOP)

The Community and Economic Development Department provides eligible mortgage-ready homebuyers with funds to assist with down payment and closing costs associated with purchasing their first home. The goal of the AHOP program is to assist homebuyers in purchasing affordably.
  • You must not already own a home.
  • Your total household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Household income based on the link to Forsyth County’s Income Limits below.
  • You must have an acceptable credit rating.
  • You must not have any unpaid judgements.
  • You must provide us with a verifiable source of consistent income.
  • Affordable Homeownership Opportunity Program (AHOP/HOME) down payment assistance in the form of a “soft” second mortgage or 0% deferred repayment loan
  • Community Partners Loan Pool (CPLP) program provided by the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA) is also a 0% deferred second mortgage loan

  • You must complete a Home Maintenance Session and Post-purchase session after closing.
  • You are required to complete an 8-hour Homeownership Class at the Center for Homeownership before closing.

Individual Development Accounts (IDA) Program

First-time homebuyers choosing to prepare for homeownership seeking to gain knowledge about budgeting, credit, saving and affordability may apply for the IDA program. Successful graduates obtain the necessary knowledge and guidance to acquire affordable mortgages and down payment assistance when they purchase their homes.
  • You must not already own a home.
  • Your total household income must be at or below 80% of the Area Median Household income based on the link to Forsyth County’s Income Limits below.
  • You must provide us with a verifiable source of consistent income.
  • A 1:2 or 1:4 match savings program to encourage participants to save $2,000 of their own funds and receive $2,000 or up to $4,000 upon completion of the IDA program.
  • You are required to complete an 8-hour Homeownership Class at the Center for Homeownership.
  • You are required to participate in IDA monthly classes and meet with your Success Coach.
  • Contact Experiment In Self-Reliance for more information or to apply at 336-722-9400.

Homeownership Readiness Survey
Reference Forsyth County's Income Limits
View Homeowner Education Workshop Flyer
IDA Program Information
Down Payment Assistance Application - Online
Down Payment Assistance Application - Print

Community and Economic Development Department

For information about our Down Payment Assistance Programs or details on the application process,

Contact the Community and Economic Development Department at 336-703-2678

Email Here

Experiment in Self-Reliance

For information about the IDA Program or details on the application process,

Contact Experiment in Self Reliance (ESR) at 722-9400, ext.161

Email Here
Testimonials
“
It was nothing short of a blessing finding this program – we have the benefit of zero accruing interest on our loan as well as not having the second stress of a second mortgage because we don’t have to worry about paying it off until our mortgage payments are complete. In purchasing this asset, our children have been able to see us prepare for our future and learn about smart financial planning in the process. On top of that, Bianca really came through for us in the end when it mattered most.
Mr. & Mrs. Couch, received down payment assistance through the county towards their first home.
As a first-time homebuyer I wanted a new 3 bedroom 2 bath home with a nice size yard so my grandkids could have a play area when they came in town to visit. The IDA Program helped me with my goal by giving me the opportunity to gain the knowledge of what it takes to become a successful homeowner without facing foreclosure. This program has taught me how to budget my finances, buy necessities over wants and stay on top of my credit score. Credit is everything! My advice to someone who were interested in the IDA Program would be this is an awesome program to help assist you if you are truly serious about becoming a homeowner. If it wasn’t for the program I would have never accomplished my goal of having a big beautiful home as a first-time homeowner.
Tira Clark, IDA Participant and first-time homeowner
It was a blessing, to be a part of the county’s first-time homebuyer program. It helped me in many ways, and now I am a homeowner. It all started when I was renting, and my landlord said I could not put in a ceiling fan. I got upset at first, but then remembered that this is his home – I am only living in his space. From that moment on I said I'm going to buy my own home. A year later here I am. Thank you
Al Cooke, Received down payment assistance through the county towards his first home
Our Partners
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Contact
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Bianca Green

Loan Officer
GREENBL@FORSYTH.CC
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Shatarra Smith

Administrative Assistant
smithsd@forsyth.cc
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Arisbett Adame-Smith

Intake Specialist
adamesa2@forsyth.cc

Fair Housing Statment

Forsyth County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, familial status, physical handicap or disability in its employment opportunities, programs, services or activities.

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Quick Links

Community & Economic Development

  • 201 North Chestnut Street
    Fifth Floor
    Winston-Salem, NC 27101
  • Phone: 336 703 2684
  • Fax: 336 727 8580
  • Email: Contact Us