City of Kenner First Time Homebuyers Assistance Program

The First-time Homebuyers Assistance Program, established and administered by the City of Kenner Department of Community Development, is designed to provide financial assistance to low, moderate, and median income households trying to purchase a home in the City of Kenner.

Available Assistance
The program offers qualifying applicants a deferred payment loan up to $35,000 to be used for down payment and closing cost assistance and to reduce their primary mortgage loan amounts. Repayment of these funds is required if the home is sold, vacated, or abandoned as a primary residence during the occupancy period, or if it is used as an investment or income-producing property. The loan will be forgiven according to specific grant terms and an affordability period. When the deferred payment loan is forgiven, the homebuyer does not have to repay the money that was received.

Affordability Period Established by HUD:

• Less than $15,000 of assistance -- occupancy period of 5 years required
• $15,000 to $40,000 of assistance -- occupancy period of 10 years required
• More than $40,000 of assistance -- occupancy period of 15 years required

Eligibility Requirements
In order to qualify for the program, applicants must be first-time homebuyers who are U.S. citizens or eligible permanent residents. They must also complete a first-time homebuyers training course, and their annual household income must fall within the limits set by HUD (shown below).​

Property Guidelines
Additionally, there are property requirements that must be met. The home being purchased must be an existing or newly constructed single family residence located in the incorporated areas of the City of Kenner and must serve as the applicant’s primary residence. The house must be a single unit dwelling (no rental or investment property) and meet local codes, Housing Quality Standards, and lead-based paint standards. The property must be inspected to ensure it meets HQS and City Code, and be acceptable to the primary lender and insurer of the property. The current maximum purchase price allowable is $180,000.

Income Limits
1 person household:  $35,500 
2 person household: $40,550
3 person household: $45,600
4 person household: $50,650
5 person household: $54,750
6 person household: $58,800
7 person household: $62,850
8 person household: $66,900 

Note: These figures were accurate at the time of publication and may no longer be current - visit the program website for updated information.