The CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® (C.A.R.) launched the C.A.R. Housing Affordability Fund Mortgage Protection Program (C.A.R.H.A.F. MPP), for first-time home buyers.
Through the Housing Affordability Fund Mortgage Protection Program, first-time home buyers who lose their jobs due to layoffs may be eligible to receive $1,500 per month, for six months, to help make their mortgage payments. A qualified co-buyer also can participate in the program, and receive a monthly benefit of $750 per month for up to six months. Program benefits also include coverage for accidental disability and a $10,000 death benefit.
C.A.R.’s Housing Affordability Fund is dedicating $1 million toward its Mortgage Protection Program, and estimates that as many as 3,000 families will benefit from the program this year.
To qualify for the Mortgage Protection Program, applicants must:
- Be a first-time home buyer – someone who has not owned a home in three or more years
- Open escrow April 2, 2009, or later, and close on or before Dec. 31, 2009
- Use a California REALTOR® in the transaction
- Purchase the property in California
- Be a W-2 employee (cannot be self-employed)
To apply for the program, home buyers must request an application for the H.A.F. Mortgage Protection Program from their REALTOR®.
Note to first-time home buyers: All Berkeley Hills agents are REALTORS®, and can help with the paperwork. We can also help provide details of other programs such as the $8,000 tax credit for first-time home buyers. Call 1 800 Hi Berkeley to start the process.
