Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program?

The CDBG program is authorized under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended.  The primary objective of this act is the development of viable urban communities.  These viable communities are achieved by providing the following, principally for persons of low and moderate income:
A.    Decent Housing,
B.    A suitable living environment, and
C.    Expanded economic opportunities.

What type of activities can be funded through the CDBG program?

Acquisition of property, public facilities and improvement (i.e. sidewalks, water/sever lines, streets), clearance and demolition, housing rehabilitation activities, code enforcement, economic development activities, funding assistance to community based development organizations.

What are the National Objectives for the Community Development Block Grant Program?

All of the activities that are pursued must meet one of three national objectives:
A.    Benefit to low and moderate income persons;
B.    Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight; and
C.    Meet a need having a particular urgency (referred to as “urgent need”)

What is the Down Payment Assistance Program?

Through this program homebuyers can receive a depreciating loan of up to a specified amount to use for their down payment, prepaids or closing cost. 

What are the qualifications for receiving Down Payment Assistance?

In order to qualify applicants must be a first-time homebuyer and have an annual household incomes that do not exceed eighty-percent (80%) of the median income of the area.  A first-time homebuyer is defined as an individual and his or her spouse who have not owned a home during the past three years. It includes displaced homemakers and single parents.

• Applicants must be pre-approved by a bank or financial institution for an adequate amount to purchase the home stated in their application. 
• Applicants must also complete a homebuyer education workshop prior to the anticipated closing date.

The assistance is available in the form of a five year depreciating loan.  The loan will depreciate 20% per year for the next five years, at which time the loan will be considered paid in full.  The buyer must occupy the home for the five year period.  The sale of the property during the five year period triggers repayment of the down payment funds.   A Deed of Trust and Promissory Note for the amount of the assistance provided under the program will be used to secure the amount of assistance.  A Deed of Trust for the amount received will be recorded taking a second position no less than a third lien position.

What is the Emergency Repair Program?

This program is designed to assist low and moderate income homeowners make repairs to their homes that are urgent in nature or may cause an imminent threat to the health and/or safety of it occupant(s).

How do I qualify for Emergency Repair assistance?

Qualified applicants are selected on a first –come, first-serve basis with exception of life threatening situations.  The following are requirements for properties to be considered:

A.    Dwelling must be an owner-occupied, single-family home located within the City limits of Concord,
B.    Homeowner must have and income that is classified as  low –to-moderate as defined by HUD
C.    The dwelling must be in need of home repairs that are considered to imply an immediate property or personal risk to the occupants,
D.    Homeowner must have clear and marketable title to the property,
E.    The owner must be current with all City property taxes and utility billings.

NOTE:  A Deed of Trust and Promissory Note for the amount of the assistance provided under the program will be used for security.  A Deed of Trust for the amount received will be recorded taking a second position no less than a third lien position.  

What is the HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) program?

The HOME program was created by the National Affordable Housing Act 1990 (NAHA). 
The intent of the HOME Program is to:

1. Provide decent affordable housing to lower-income households,
2. Expand the capacity of non-profit housing providers,
3. Strengthen the ability of local state and local governments  to provide housing, and
4. Leverage private-sector participation for the development of affordable housing.

HOME funds are used for the purchase of vacant lots and for the construction of single-family housing units.  The houses built under this program are sold to buyers whose incomes are low-to-moderate as defined by the Charlotte Metropolitan Statistical Area.  

How can I qualify to buy a New Home from the City?

Applicants must be pre-approved by a bank or financial institution for an adequate amount to purchase the home stated in their application.  Down payment funds may also be available when purchasing these homes. 

How are Low-to-Moderate income guidelines determined?

The City of Concord utilizes the Income Limits Documentation system that is issued by the Department of Housing and Urban Development each year.  These income guidelines cover the Charlotte-Gastonia-Rock Hill, NC-SC HUD Metro Fair Market Rent Areas (FMR).  The FMR Area contains the following counties:  Cabarrus County, NC; Gaston County, NC; Mecklenburg County, NC; Union County, NC; York County, SC.