Do you have clients looking to purchase a home within the city limits of Kansas City, Mo.? If so, they may benefit from the KC Dream Home Program.

The city’s Housing and Community Development Department is now accepting applications from first-time homebuyers for the program.

"The KC Dream Home Program is important to the City's overall Housing program," said Councilwoman Sharon Sanders Brooks. "It provides an opportunity for low to moderate income first-time homebuyers to purchase a quality affordable house which helps stabilize neighborhoods in Kansas City."

The KC Dream Home Program assists qualifying first-time homebuyers and displaced homemakers purchase a home of their choice within the city limits of Kansas City, Mo. The program provides homeownership opportunities to people who may otherwise lack the resources to own their own home. 

"No matter what's happening in the economy, one thing never changes. Owning a home is the dream of every American family," said Mayor Mark Funkhouser. "In the last three years, the KC Dream Home program has helped 379 families realize that dream, and we hope to help many more this year."

Assistance will be provided in the form of a second mortgage loan equal to 20 percent of the purchase price, with a maximum of $20,000 per home for down payment and closing costs. Loans will be underwritten at 0% interest and will be forgivable after the owner has owned and lived in the house for 10 years. No monthly payments are required. Recapture provisions from the Housing and Urban Development Department (HUD) will apply to homes sold or refinanced without city approval prior to conclusion of the 10-year affordability period. The city will provide funds for this program through the Housing and Urban Development Department's Home Investment Partnership Act program.

Applicants must meet income eligibility requirements, homeowner eligibility requirements and purchase a home that meets program requirements. HUD income limits have increased one-half percent from last year, however household incomes have remained the same and may not exceed the following:

One person - $39,500

Two people - $45,150

Three people - $50,800

Four people - $56,400

Five people - $60,950

Six people - $65,450

Houses must be located within the city limits of Kansas City, Mo., the sale price of the home must not exceed $150,000 and the purchase price must not exceed the appraised value.

Interested homebuyers can contact one of the participating lenders to apply for the program. Participating lenders and other program information can be viewed at http://www.kcmo.org/CKCMO/Depts/Housing/KansasCityDreamHomeProgram/index.htm.

For more information, contact Coleman McClain, Housing and Community Development Department, at 816-513-3008.