Henrico Employee Home Purchase Assistance Program (EHPAP)

Who it's for

• Full-time permanent employees of Henrico County Government, Henrico County Public Schools or a Henrico constitutional officer, with at least 12 months of consecutive full-time service and an "acceptable" or better rating
• First-time buyers: no ownership interest in any real estate in the last five years
• Credit score of 600 or higher, at least $1,000 of your own money in the purchase, and household assets under $50,000 (not counting primary vehicles and retirement accounts)
• Household income up to $98,300 for one person, $148,400 for two, or $169,600 for three or more, buying a Henrico home priced at $550,000 or less

What you get

• Up to $25,000 toward your down payment and closing costs, as an interest-free forgivable loan
• It's forgiven over five years of full-time county employment while you live in the home. Leave sooner and you repay the unforgiven balance.

How to start

1. Request an employment eligibility check from HR through Employee Direct Access.
2. Complete the pre-screen once HR confirms you're eligible.
3. After Community Revitalization's eligibility letter, submit the application and credit authorization to the program's administrator.
4. Complete the HUD-certified homebuyer education course and 6 hours of one-on-one counseling before you sign a purchase agreement.

Good to know

• The county says the assistance is taxable.
• Finishing the steps doesn't guarantee funding: a review committee decides whether to reserve money for your closing. Ask Community Revitalization whether the program is taking new applications.