Wilmington Rolls Out Homebuyer and Home Repair Assistance Programs

Home repair© kali9 / Getty Images Signature / Canva

WILMINGTON, DE — Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki and the members of Wilmington City Council recently announced two new programs designed to provide financial assistance to homebuyers, and homeowners in need of significant repairs. The initiatives were approved and funded during FY 2024 budget discussions and aim to support residents with limited income.

Wilmington First Start Homebuyer Program

Starting Monday, November 13, the Wilmington First Start Homebuyer Program will begin accepting applicants. There is $500,000 available in funds for this program, sourced from federal CDBG funds and general funds. Each eligible applicant can receive assistance up to the lesser of $15,000 or 6% of the property’s purchase price. The funds can be used for down payments, closing costs, or to reduce the purchase price by writing down the principal. This program caters to first-time homebuyers, individuals who haven’t owned a home in the past three years, or displaced homemakers and single parents. To qualify, applicants must seek a fixed rate mortgage loan free from origination points or fees and should not exceed a term of 30 years. Complete details of this program can be found at this link.

Wilmington’s Homeowner Repair Program

The City has allocated approximately $1.7 million for the Homeowner Repair Program, which will be distributed through two lotteries. Each eligible applicant can receive up to $10,000 for various home repairs, including roof and HVAC repair/replacement, weatherization, window/door replacement, electrical or lighting repairs, plumbing, masonry repairs, structural/safety repairs, railing and safety issues, handicapped accessibility, and exterior painting, among others. The City estimates that around 170 homeowners will benefit from this program. The first lottery will take place in December, and the second will be held in March 2024. Complete details of this program can be found at this link.

These initiatives underline Wilmington’s commitment to supporting its residents and improving living conditions across the city. For more information, residents can call the City’s Customer Service Center at 311.

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