Homeownership Connection

Programs & Resources
for Homeowners  

Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention
Home Improvement Loans
Energy Assistance & Weatherization Grants
Split Visions Remodeling Planbook

Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Program
The Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Program (MFPP) 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.

Applying for MFPP
Applicants must be a resident of Dakota County and be committed to solving their financial problems with long-term solutions.

How does the program work?

1. The homeowner submits an application and necessary documentation to the CDA's Homeownership Coordinator.
   
   
2. The Homeownership Coordinator then contacts the mortgage company, gathers information and begins to develop a plan to address the homeownership and financial issues.
   
   
3. The homeowner will meet with the Homeownership Coordinator to go over the application in detail and continue the process of developing a plan to resolve the mortgage delinquency. This includes an in-depth look at the homeowner's finances to develop a budget for the future.
   
   
4. As a last resort, a one-time limited amount of financial assistance is available to qualified homeowners. These loans are given on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed for every homeowner that is counseled through the program.

Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Program Brochure
(PDF, 180 KB, 2 Pages)

For MFP program intake, contact:

If you have already submitted an application, contact:

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Home Improvement Loans
The CDA's Home Improvement Loan Program assists 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).

Eligible applicants must own their home, have sufficient equity in the property, a satisfactory credit history and a gross annual income within the program income limits.

Loan Features

• No monthly payments.
• Repayable when ownership changes or you move from the property. May be required to repay the loan if you refinance your home or take out a home equity loan.
• Owners of manufactured/mobile homes are not charged interest on their loan.
• Zero percent, deferred loans available for homeowners earning less than 50% of area median income.
• Homeowners earning between 50-80% of area median income can qualify for a 3% deferred loan.
• $25,000 loan limit.

Home Improvement Loan Program
Income Limits

If you qualify, the CDA will inspect your home, prepare specifications and assist you in obtaining at least two bids for the work to be done. Loan proceeds are kept on account for you by the CDA and payment is made directly to the contractors on your behalf when the work is completed. Inspection of work in progress and upon completion is required by both you and the CDA before payment is made.

The CDA also offers two other improvement loans that are financed by the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency. The first is the Rehab Loan Progam which serves households earning below 30% of area median income and provides deferred loans up to $15,000.

The second is the Fix-Up Fund Loan which is available to households with incomes up to $93,100.  This is an installment loan program that allows a qualified applicant to borrow up to $35,000 for needed home improvements.

Home Improvement Loan Program Application (PDF)

To request a Home Improvement Loan application, contact:

Mark Hanson, CDA Loan Specialist
(651) 675-4469

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Energy Assistance & Weatherization Programs
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.

Weatherization Program Income Limits

If you qualify for the Weatherization Program, the CDA's Energy Specialist will conduct an energy audit on your home to determine solutions to improve your home's energy efficiency. The CDA will assist you in selecting a qualified contractor to complete the work. Payment is made directly to the contractor on your behalf when the work is completed and after the CDA has inspected the work.

Weatherization Program Contact:

Dave Betzler, Energy Specialist
(651) 675-4468

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Split Visions Remodeling Planbook
A consortium of 15 metropolitan communities partnered to produce an idea book for remodeling, improving and updating split-style homes. Owners of split homes were invited to offer their comments and ideas about what they liked, disliked and what they would like to change about their homes. Homeowner responses were compiled and the planbook derived from their desires and suggestions.

Split Visions Remodeling Planbook (PDF, 3.78 MB, 35 Pages)

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