FREQENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Where are your offices located?
Our office are located in Stamford, Danbury and Bridgeport. Click on Contact Us to find out how to get to one of our locations.

How do I apply for your First-Time Homebuyer Program?
As a first step you must attend an HDF orientation session, to schedule an orientation, click here.

How do I know if I am a first-time homebuyer?
If you have not owned a home at any time over the last 3 years, you are considered a first-time homebuyer.

Where can I purchase my home in order to be eligible for the First Time Homebuyer Program?
You can purchase a home anywhere in our Service Area. For a map and list of towns included in our Service Area, click here.

What banks can I go to for my mortgage in order to be eligible for a SmartMove second mortgage?
You must use one of our participating banks for your first mortgage in order to apply to the SmartMove Homeownership Fund. These banks are CitiBank, People's Bank, First County Bank, Newtown Savings Bank, Savings Bank of Danbury, Hudson City Savings Bank, Fairfield County Bank and Naugatuck Savings Bank. Click here to see contact information for each bank.

What if I am recently divorced and my spouse has taken over ownership of the property?
If you have realized any proceeds from the sale of the property, you are not eligible for downpayment assistance. If you are to remain on the title of the house, you are not eligible for downpayment assistance.

Can I apply for more than one loan product?
Yes, your homeownership counselor will help you determine which programs you are eligible for.

Will I have to make monthly payments on my SmartMove loan?
Yes, you will have to make monthly payments on your SmartMove loan in addition to the monthly payments you will have to make on your bank mortgage.

Will I have to make monthly payments on my Homebuyer Assistance (HBA) loan?
No, your HBA downpayment and closing costs assistance loan is interest free with no monthly payments. The loan must be repaid on sale, transfer of title, or pay-off of first mortgage, whichever occurs first.

What is Homeward Bound?
Through counseling, advocacy and financial assistance, HDF helps residents of public or assisted-housing become homeowners. To find out about opportunities for public housing residents, click here.