The Clackamas County Development Agency (CCDA), in cooperation with the Clackamas County Community Development Division (CDD), works with qualified lenders to offer the NCRA (North Clackamas Revitalization Area) Homebuyer Assistance Program. The program is funded by urban renewal funds generated in the NCRA.

The program helps qualified first-time homebuyers pay for down payment and reasonable closing costs. Funds are provided in the form of 0% interest deferred-payment loans. Qualified borrowers may be eligible for loans equal to 6% of the home price, up to a maximum of $14,000.

If you are interested in obtaining a NCRA loan you must:

1. Take an approved Homebuyer Training class.
2. Find an Oregon licensed lender and get pre-qualified for primary financing.

To qualify for a loan through the NCRA Homebuyer Assistance Program:

1. The buyer must be an Eligible Applicant.
   • Meet the NCRA program definition of a "first-time homebuyer" which means:
     • The buyer has not owned a home during the past 3 years, or
     • The buyer belongs to one of the following categories:
     • Displaced homemaker
     • Single parent
     • Current resident of the NCRA
     • Retired person age 62 or older
     • A police officer
     • Current or former member of the military
   • Meet income restrictions. (The household's annual income must be no more than 120% of median income - currently $97,700 for a four-person household.)
   • Demonstrate a financial need for assistance.
   • Complete a homebuyer education program approved by the County.
2. The buyer must be a Qualified Borrower.
   • Have sufficient income to 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.
   • Not exceed $25,000 in liquid assets after closing.
3. The house selected must be an Eligible Property.
   • Be located in the North Clackamas Revitalization Area.
   • Have a purchase price of less than $335,000 for existing homes; $335,000 for new construction.
   • Meet the program definition of single-family housing (a single unit).
   • Meet property standards and pass an inspection by Clackamas County.
   • Be free of chipped or peeling paint if built before 1978.
   • Not be occupied by a tenant unless the applicant purchasing the unit is the tenant.

The Portland Housing Center is a nonprofit organization that guides and assists potential homebuyers through the process by providing education, counseling and financial services. For more information, contact the Housing Center at 503-282-7744 or visit their web site.

NCRA 2021 Income Limits**

Household Size	100% MFI
1 person	$67,700
2 persons	$77,400
3 persons	$86,700
4 persons	$96,700
5 persons	$104,500
6 persons	$112,200

** Effective April 1, 2018. Based on income limits established by HUD. Income limit updates expected each year.

Process Flowchart

1. Attend an approved homebuyer training class.
2. Find an approved lender and get pre-qualified.
3. Request an NCRA Homebuyer Form Packet.
4. Fill out an application for NCRA funds with your lender. Your lender will certify that you meet all borrower guidelines.
5. Find a home in your price range within the boundaries of the North Clackamas Revitalization Area.
6. Submit the following forms to establish eligibility for NCRA funding:
   • NCRA Homebuyer Forms (completed and signed)
     • 01-NCRA Homebuyer Assistance Loan Application
     • 03- Addendum to Sale Agreement. Environmental Review, Housing Quality Standards and Lead Hazard contingencies.
     • 05-HQS Inspection Request
     • 07-Disclosure of Fair Market Value
     • 15-Acknowledgement of receipt of EPA Pamphlet
   • Supporting Documentation (copies)
     • Certificate of completion of an approved homebuyer training class.
     • Fully executed Purchase & Sale Agreement (Form 03 must be attached.)
     • Earnest Money Receipt
     • Lender's Commitment Letter
     • Lender's Good Faith Estimate
     • Lender's Uniform Residential Loan Application
     • Verification of total household income from every source of income including:
       • Wages salaries, tips, commissions for every person over the age of 18, except for full-time students 18-25;
       • Self-employment income;
       • Interest, dividends, net rental income, or income from estates or trusts;
       • Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, public assistance;
       • Retirement, survivor, or disability pensions; and
       • Any other source of income received regularly, including child support, alimony, Veterans' (VA) payments and unemployment compensation.
         Documentation needed to verify household income includes:
         • Income Tax Return for Previous Year
         • Income Verification Documents (verification forms, pay stubs, assistance statements, etc.).
         • Employment Verification Form from employer(s)
         • Bank statement(s) from all accounts - must be recent and complete (all pages)
   • Verification of discharge of bankruptcy (if within 2 years) and foreclosure (if within 5 years). (If applicable.)
   • Title Company Information. Name and address of closing Title Company including the name of the contact, contact's phone and email.
7. Within 3 working days we will send you information and disclosures required by RESPA and TILA.
8. Within 5 working days we will review your application and supporting documentation for compliance, verify income and establish eligibility for NCRA funds. If Lender's VOI information is current, complete and acceptable we will use VOI from Lender. (Allow another two weeks if we have to verify income.)
9. Within 3 working days of receipt of 05-HQS Inspection Request an Environmental Review and Housing Quality Standards (HQS) inspection will be made. If the house passes HQS, the purchase process continues. If the house fails you will need to shop for another house or have the seller correct the defects and the house will be re-inspected prior to closing.
10. If applicant is eligible and home passes initial review/inspection, CDD or CCDA reserves funds and notifies Borrower and Lender.
11. Lender schedules a closing date.
12. After closing, we will obtain certification of primary residence from the homeowner each year throughout the ten-year lien.