Buying a Home / Real Estate
The Southern Iowa Home Ownership (SIHO) Program is made possible through a grant from the Iowa Department of Economic Development (IDED).
This Program is a Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) that is administered by AHEAD, Inc., in cooperation with its coordinating partner, Area 15 Regional Planning Commission (RPC).
This program is designed to assist any employee in the ten (10) county area to purchase either a new or existing home. (Purchase of Mobile Homes and contract sales are ineligible.)
Area 15 RPC also has a first-time home buyers loan program
NEW! Regional Housing Trust Fund
This program is made available through an initiative of the Iowa Housing Authority and AHEAD, Inc.
- Rental Assistance- Grants are available. This is a "one-time, per year, per family" assistance with a maximum request of $500. Rent, deposits & utilities are eligible. Income guidelines do apply. Applications are now available. Contact Karen Riggle at 319-293-3793
There are also several low-interest loans available for a variety of housing issues.
- New Construction- encourages development of "affordable" housing by filling financial gaps for new construction. Loan terms are determined by qualifying project...forgivable loans up to 2% APR.
- Owner-Occupied Repair/Rehabilitation- This program is available to home owners for capital improvements, preventative or Deferred maintenance. Loan terms are determined by qualifying project...forgivable loans up to 2% APR.
- Rental Home Improvements- This program is available to improve or sustain the affordability and viability of rental units to low-income residents. Loan terms are determined by qualifying project...forgivable loans up to 2% APR.
- Demolition/Re-Development- This is to assist with providing new affordable infill lots or one-for-one replacement of dilapidated housing units.
- Urgent Repair Program- This is avaialble to address immediate health & safety conditions for low income homeowners. Loan terms are determined by qualifying project...forgivable loans up to 2% APR.
- Special Projects- This is offered on a case-by-case basis to address emerging housing issues identified by the community.
These projects do require contractor estimate(s). The contractor MUST be registered with Iowa Workforce Development, certified as a Lead-Safe Renovator and provide proof of Liability Insurance.
For a listing of contractors registered with Iowa Workforce Development, Click Here.
For a listing of Iowa contractors certified as Lead-Safe Renovators, Click Here.
It is your responsibility to ask your contractor for proof of liability insurance.
Guidelines and applications are now available at www.area15rpc.com/rhtf
If you have questions about any these programs, please contact Villages of Van Buren for details on how you can apply.
Realtors
Local member realtors are very helpful when it comes to locating that "perfect" home for you.
Financing & Insurance
Our member Financial Institutions would also be able to assist you.
