Homeownership Connection

The CDA's Homeownership Connection provides homebuyers and homeowners with 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

First Time Homebuyer Loan Program
Whether you are buying an existing home or building a new one - a Dakota County First Time Homebuyer Loan may help you make homeownership a reality. Buyers work with participating mortgage lenders to apply for this program which provides a fixed-interest 30-year mortgage with competitive interest rates.

Downpayment & Closing Cost Assistance Program
In addition to mortgage financing, eligible buyers using a Dakota County First Time Homebuyer Loan can access funds through the CDA's Downpayment and Closing Cost Assistance Program to help with the initial costs of owning a home.

Home Stretch® Homebuyer Education Program
The Home Stretch® Program 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 Program
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.

Homeowner Programs

Mortgage Foreclosure Prevention Program
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 Loan Programs
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 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.