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Clackamas Homebuyer Assistance Program (CHAP)

The CHAP Program can loan up to $14,000 to help qualified first-time homebuyers pay for downpayment and reasonable closing costs. CHAP loans are zero-percent interest deferred-payment loans.  These are the steps to obtain a CHAP loan:

  1. The homebuyer completes an approved homebuyer training class.
    Click here for a list of homebuyer training classes.
  2. The homebuyer contacts an Oregon-licensed lender to get pre-qualified for primary financing.
  3. The homebuyer finds an eligible property to purchase.
  4. The lender then contacts Community Development for a CHAP application packet.

How long does loan approval take? 

  • Allow a minimum of 30 days from submission of a complete application to closing.
  • Allow a minimum of 5 working days from submission to property inspection by this office. 

To be an "Eligible Applicant", the homebuyer must:

  • Meet the HUD definition of a “first-time homebuyer” which means the buyer has not owned a home during the past 3 years, or is a displaced homemaker, or is a single parent.
  • Be low-income. 
    CHAP Income Limits
    as of January 2012
    Number in Household 80% of Median
    1
    40,900
    2
    46,750
    3
    52,600
    4
    58,400
    5
    63,100
    6
    67,750
    7
    72,450
    8
    77,100
  • Demonstrate a financial need for CHAP assistance.
  • Complete a homebuyer education program approved by the County.

To be a "Qualified Borrower", the homebuyer must:

  • Have sufficient income to qualify for and support the primary debt.
  • Be pre-qualified by a primary lender.  (Contract sales are not allowed.)
  • Have good credit.
  • Contribute $1,000 in cash toward the purchase from the buyer’s own funds.

To be an "Eligible Property", the house must: 

  • Be located in Clackamas County.
  • Have a purchase price less than $258,400. NEW LIMIT AS OF 11/03/2011!
  • Meet the definition of affordable, standard single family housing (a single unit).
  • Meet property standards and pass HQS inspection.
  • Be free of chipped or peeling paint if the house was built before 1978.
  • Not be occupied by a tenant unless the buyer is the tenant.

Contacts:  Gloria Lewton or Lori Stomps, 503-655-8591.

Homes purchased through the CHAP program must be the primary residence of the homebuyer.  Other program requirements apply.

The CHAP program is funded by a grant from the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  The program is subject to funding availability.