Appleton Housing Authority: Offers first-time homebuyer education classes in February

Contact: Lori Van Handel, AHA Marketing/Development Director, at (920) 739-6811 ext. 114 or cell (920) 209-3165, loriv@appletonhousing.org

The Appleton Housing Authority (AHA) offers monthly Homebuyer Education classes designed to assist qualified first-time homebuyers in their journey to homeownership. Classes are offered in a two-part series and participants must attend both classes to complete the program.

Class sessions are scheduled from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, February 7 and 14, at the AHA’s main office, 925 W. Northland Ave., Appleton. Pre-registration is required, along with a course fee of $25 (per household) for text book and materials made payable to the AHA.

Upon completion of both classes in the series, perspective first-time homebuyers may be eligible to receive down payment assistance and home rehabilitation funding, each in the form of a 0 % interest deferred payment loan. In conjunction with completing Homebuyer Program classes, participants must qualify for a first mortgage loan from a lender of their choice. The AHA also partners with five local lenders which can assist program participants with obtaining a first home mortgage.

Additionally, homes must be located in Outagamie County or Calumet County in order to qualify for assistance. Household income must also be at or below 80% of the county median income. These income limits are adjusted to reflect the number of people that live in the household. Assistance amounts are determined by household income, the purchase price of the home, as well as other factors. Down payment assistance amounts can be up to $10,000. Additional funding for necessary repairs is also available.

“Buying a home for the first-time can be both an exciting and overwhelming process,” noted Nicole Lemke, AHA Homebuyer Program manager. “AHA program participants receive the education and guidance they need, which helps them to make the sound decisions that are needed for long-term success as a homeowner.”

To register for class sessions or to have a question about the program answered, contact Nicole Lemke, AHA Homebuyer Program manager at (920) 739-6811 ext. 111 or by email at nicolel@appletonhousing.org.