Homeownership Connection

The CDA's Homeownership Connection provides homebuyers and homeowners resources to be successful. For more information about each program, click on
the links below. Additional information and resources can be found under the Quick Links on the left side of this page.

Homebuyer Programs

Give Yourself Credit!
This Mortgage Credit Certificate program provides first-time homebuyers with a federal income tax credit equal to 20% of the annual interest paid on a mortgage loan. The credit reduces the amount of federal income tax a homebuyer is required to pay which helps free up income to qualify for a mortgage loan.

Downpayment Assistance
Homebuyers accessing the Give Yourself Credit! program can also apply for downpayment assistance loans up to $10,000, dpeending on household income. The loans are zero percent interest, deferred loans that are repayable when the first mortgage is paid off, the home is no longer the homeowner's primary residence or when the home is sold or refinanced.

Home Stretch® Homebuyer Education
Home Stretch® teaches potential homebuyers about the entire homebuying process and the responsibilities of homeownership. Classes are held monthly and cover topics such as: Budgeting and Credit Issues, Financing and Qualifying for a Home, Shopping for a Home, The Purchase Process, Closing on a Home and Life as a Homeowner.

Pre-Purchase Counseling
The CDA's Pre-Purchase Counseling Program provides free individual counseling to assist homebuyers in creating a plan to become successful homeowners. The plan may include: credit repair, creating a household budget in order to save for a downpayment on a home, identifying mortgage loan products that best meet the household's needs and/or examining and answering questions about loan documents.

Silver Lining Loans
This loan program provides up to $15,000 in a zero-percent interest, deferred loan to homebuyers purchasing foreclosed properties in eligible areas of Dakota County.

Homeowner Programs

Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention
The Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Program provides free counseling assistance to help homeowners who are in or nearing foreclosure with referrals to additional resources and, in some cases, financial assistance.  Homeowners work one-on-one with the CDA's Homeownership Coordinator to assess the situation and determine possible solutions.

Home Improvement Loans
The CDA administers three Home Improvement Loan Programs that assist low- and moderate-income homeowners with making repairs and improvements to their homes. Funds are commonly used for roof replacement, furnace replacement, electrical and plumbing repairs, insulation and special needs improvements (such as ramps, bathroom and kitchen modifications).

Energy Assistance & Weatherization Grants
The Energy Assistance Program is administered by the Scott-Carver-Dakota CAP Agency. This program provides grants to help income qualified homeowners pay their heating bills. For information or to request an application for the Energy Assistance Program, please contact the CAP Agency at (651) 322-3500.

The Weatherization Program is administered as a joint effort between the CAP Agency and the CDA. The program provides income qualified homeowners a grant to help make their home more energy efficient. Grant funds are used to insulate attics or walls or to upgrade furnaces. Households who have applied to and are eligible for the Energy Assistance Program are automatically referred to the Weatherization Program.