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Homeownership Program

Do you dream of owning your own home? Believe it or not, this is a great time to buy a house. Interest rates and home prices are lower than they have been in years.


While home ownership is part of the American Dream, it is not for everyone. It is smart to take a Homeownership Counseling class to make sure you know the responsibilities and costs of homeownership and to help you determine if you are ready to assume them. Community Housing Network offers free Homeownership Counseling classes on a regular basis. (Contact Linda Velandra at (248) 928-1315 or lvelandra@chninc.net.) For additional information on the financial considerations of owning your own home please refer to the article “Owning a House v. Renting an Apartment: A Cost Analysis” contained in the Housing Planning Library.


Some people may need help with the down payment and closing costs required in a home purchase. Community Housing Network (CHN) may be able to offer assistance. CHN has a limited number of spots available for down payment assistance for people who meet the following criteria:


Have a household family member with a qualifying disability (this program does not require the person with a disability to be the head of the household)



  • Have not owned a home within the last 3 years

  • Meet income guidelines - household income of at least $1,700 a month, but not exceeding 50% of area median income. ($35,500 for a family of 4)

  • Good credit history (620 or better) and limited debt

  • Ability to obtain a primary mortgage in their own name

  • Purchasing a home in Oakland County

  • Attend a Homeownership Counseling class

If you meet the above criteria and would like to learn more about how our homeownership program may be able to help, please contact Linda Brown at (248) 928-0111.


Lease to Purchase Program


Do you have the income to be a homeowner, but your credit needs some work before you can qualify for a mortgage? CHN’s NEW Lease to Purchase Program may help your homeownership dreams come true!


We have a limited number of openings available for individuals or families that meet the following criteria:



  • Meet income guidelines – Gross monthly household income of at least $1,700, but not exceeding 80% of area median income ($56,800 for a family of four)

  • Have not owned a home within the last three years

  • Want to live in Oakland County (Pontiac, Waterford, Farmington Hills, Southfield, and Royal Oak are excluded because they have their own programs)

  • Have a minimum credit score of 580 and credit that can be rehabilitated within 2 ½ years to qualify for a primary mortgage

  • Attend mandatory individual meetings for credit counseling during the lease

  • Attend a Homeownership Counseling class before moving in

Applicants admitted to the program will choose an affordable home which they may lease for up to 30 months before they exercise the Option to Purchase. The home must be purchased before the end of the 36th month from the lease commencement. Part of each month’s rent will be escrowed to be used as a down payment at the time the Program Participant purchases the house. If the house is not purchased, the escrow account is forfeited.


If you think you may qualify for the Lease to Purchase Program, please contact Linda Brown at (248) 928-0111 or lbrown@chninc.net.


Other Options


There may be other programs available for those households that do not qualify for CHN’s programs, but are in need of down payment assistance and other assistance in pursuing homeownership.


Oakland County Home and Home Improvement Division: 248-209-2616


Macomb County: MSU Extension (Clinton Township) 586-469-6430


There are several lenders in the local area that specialize in MSHDA (Michigan State Housing Development) loan products. This chart is updated frequently and can be accessed at: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mshda_successful_lenders_list_165180_7.pdf


Rural Development: 810-230-8766


New housing programs are being developed, created, and marketed regularly. The best way to find out about programs that you are eligible for is to ask a representative from a mortgage company or your real estate agent.


Mortgage agents and real estate agents come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. It is critical to find a mortgage agent and/or real estate agent that has a teacher’s heart. An agent that finds joy in explaining and teaching the buyer will give empowering knowledge.