NeighborhoodLIFT – Frequently Asked Questions

NeighborhoodLIFT funds are provided as a 5 year forgivable loan program for owner-occupied properties. As long as the borrower resides in the home the loan will be forgiven at a rate of 20% each year on the anniversary date of settlement. If the house is no longer a principal residence or the property is transferred, repayment of the balance of funds will be immediately due.

NeighborhoodLIFT funds are available for conventional and VA first mortgage loan borrowers with a HOUSEHOLD income up to 120% of the Area Median Income (AMI). For borrowers using an FHA loan the income limit is 115% of the AMI. View the household income chart.

Yes. HOUSEHOLD income is calculated using all income for people ages 18 and older living in the home after the purchase. View the household income chart.

You may be required to make an additional down payment contribution from your own funds if your ‘remaining liquid assets’ at the time of settlement will exceed $20,000.

‘Remaining liquid assets’ are defined as your available funds in bank accounts such as checking, savings or money market accounts that are readily accessible without withdrawal restrictions or penalties after you have met any out-of-pocket settlement requirements from your own funds.

Liquid assets do not include Retirement Accounts (such as 401(k), IRA or pension accounts), Investment Accounts (such as stock, bond or mutual funds), Certificates of Deposit (CDs), Business Checking or Savings Accounts.

Liquid asset determinations and contribution requirement estimates are made at the time of the first mortgage loan application. Liquid asset funds that are subsequently transferred to restricted accounts after first mortgage application will not be excluded from contribution calculation requirements.

A complete list of participating partner lenders is available on the Alamo Community Group website

Homebuyer education is an eight-hour class that teaches about the home buying process. It includes a one hour session with a certified counselor. You may schedule a class with Alamo Community Group or participate in the online class through partner eHome America.

No. Only homebuyer education certificates from HUD Approved Housing Counseling Agencies located in San Antonio that have adopted the National Industry Standards for Homeownership Education and Counseling are eligible for NeighborhoodLIFT funds.

Yes, if you currently own a home but will be selling it prior to closing on the NeighborhoodLIFT property, you can still be eligible for the program. At the time of closing you may not own any additional properties including investment properties.

Short sale properties are eligible for the program.  The purchase agreement for the short sale property must be signed by the buyer and the seller to apply for NeighborhoodLIFT funds.  The lender (lien holder of short sale property) must ratify the agreement prior to closing.  NeighborhoodLIFT funds can be used in connection with the financing of a Wells Fargo short sale but only if Wells Fargo is not the new first mortgage lender on the short sale purchase. Another lender must originate the new first mortgage loan.

NeighborhoodLIFT down payment assistance funds may be used for any eligible purpose including closing cost assistance, down payment assistance, or borrower minimum out-of-pocket investment if allowed by the first mortgage loan program. NeighborhoodLIFT funds may not necessarily cover the closing costs or out-of-pocket requirements of an FHA first mortgage or other type of first mortgage loan. You should consult directly with your first mortgage lender and Alamo Community Group to determine how NeighborhoodLIFT program funds may be used in connection with your home purchase.

Yes. There are some programs eligible for layering incentives together with NeighborhoodLIFT funding. For other incentive programs that are not listed contact Alamo Community Group to determine eligibility.

Eligibility for each program is determined by the program administrators. Contact them directly to participate in their programs.

Yes. Wells Fargo REO (real estate owned) properties are not eligible for NeighborhoodLIFT funds.

Following the NeighborhoodLIFT event, clients who receive an allocation of funds will have 60 days to obtain a contract on a home, and submit the required documents to Alamo Community Group for an eligibility appointment. Clients who do not complete all of these steps will lose their NeighborhoodLIFT allocation. Clients are encouraged to submit the documents following the NeighborhoodLIFT event as soon as they are available.

Once a buyer with an executed contract is determined to be eligible, a commitment letter will be issued with a copy sent to the first mortgage lender. The lender will then prepare documents for closing and provide copies of the required documents to Alamo Community Group at least seven (7) business days prior to closing. Alamo Community Group will then have all documents prepared for the closing.

No. Extensions are only available for clients who have met the program requirements and are preparing for settlement.

Prior to the ending of the 60 day post-launch period, the client can resubmit a valid contract on another home and maintain their eligibility. Once the 60 day period following the NeighborhoodLIFT event is complete, the funding becomes property-specific and if the deal falls through the NeighborhoodLIFT funds are de-allocated.

Event attendees who are not able to qualify for a loan will be offered financial fitness classes and counseling following the event. The classes and counseling are designed to help prepare clients to get approved for a first mortgage. Financial fitness classes are free and provide information on how to manage income and create a budget based on that income, how to save, how to obtain a credit report, as well as how to apply for and use credit.