Own Your Home

To qualify, you must own and have lived in your home for at least 6 months.  Vacant, unoccupied units are not eligible for this program.  Single-family and multi-family units are eligible as long as the person applying for the loan is also the owner listed on the title.

If you do not have a copy of the title and are not sure whose name the property is in, a good place to start is the Wayne County Register of Deeds website. You can search by last name to find records of home ownership for most homes bought or sold after 1990. If you find an issue with title, a number of community based organizations have help available.

Have a credit score of at least 560

The minimum FICO credit score to qualify for a loan is 560, which is between a “poor” and “fair” rating.  If you don’t qualify for a loan, we’ll connect you with resources to help you improve your credit score, such as free credit & budget counseling through one of the intake centers. Below are free resources available to help you learn about your credit score.

Have current homeowners insurance

Homeowners insurance provides financial protection if your home or its contents are damaged. It also provides protection if you or a family member are held legally responsible (liable) for the injuries to others or damage to their property.  It’s also required by most mortgage lenders, including this program.

If you do not have homeowners insurance at the time of application, please submit at least one quote and/or a cancellation letter from your insurance provider as supporting documentation.

Be current on property taxes

To apply for a loan under this program, you must be current on your property taxes or be current on a payment plan with the Wayne County Treasurer’s Office.  A copy of the payment plan and 3 receipts as proof of payment on this plan are required with your application.

And, you must be able to afford the loan and make payments

Loans range from $5,000 to $25,000 and are payable over 10 years. Check here to view estimated monthly payments:

Do you think you qualify? Here are the documents you’ll need to apply:

This checklist may be changed and/or amended at any time, as needed, by the City of Detroit.

• Signed loan application by borrower and co-borrower;
• Copy of current driver’s license, state ID, D-ID, passport;
• Birth certificate (not required if you have an enhanced license);
• Recorded deed or other eligible ownership documentation (i.e. mortgage discharge, recorded land contract, probate documents);
• Copy of current homeowners insurance (i.e. declaration page);
• Most recent paid property tax bill;
• Copy of property tax payment plan + 3 receipts as proof of payment
• Income verification forms (submitted by all household members over 18);
• Proof of Occupancy – Most recent utility bill(s), property insurance, property tax, homestead exemption;
• Two (2) most recent pay stubs (or other proof of income);
• Two (2) most recent years of income tax returns (or signed, notarized tax-exempt affidavit);
• Two (2) most recent months of bank statements;
• Authorization to run credit report; and
• Lead test results (only applies to children six (6) years or younger).