CEF First-time Homebuyers Interest Form
***Update 10/15/25: Due to a drop in funding opportunities, we have a very limited amount of down-payment/closing cost matches available for 2026. We have 8 total spots set aside for participants who are able to buy within the year.

The Community Empowerment Fund (CEF) aims to empower community members with knowledge and tools they need to buy their first home. CEF created the First Time Homebuyer's Program (FHP) because we all deserve an equal opportunity to build wealth and stability through homeownership.

We offer:
  • Financial Coaching 
  • Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Certified Homebuyer Education 
  • Homeownership (Closing + Down Payment) Match Savings
This program does have some requirements in place for a few reasons:
  • Homeownership match funding from outside of CEF has restrictions that we can’t control.
  • Potential homebuyers need a stable foundation to build upon as they become ready to be assessed by mortgage lenders. This program has been created for community members who can be ready to buy a home within a year. 
We want to be upfront. Here are some important things to know before you start: 
  • Unfortunately, the "Homeownership Match" funding in greater Orange County was not renewed this year. The Town of Chapel Hill and Durham County are still offering matches, but there is no guarantee this match funding will be available in the future. 
  • Our community is in an affordable housing crisis, as most renters know. But it is hurting homebuyers too. Greedy developers are outbidding everyone and snatching up single family homes. Interest rates are high. People making $250,000+ a year are struggling to find homes in their price range, especially in Chapel Hill and the City of Durham.
  • Community members who hit the minimum income limits required to be eligible for our program will find it hard to buy a home here. We don't want anyone saddled with a financial trap. Qualifying for a home with 1. a reasonable monthly mortgage payment 2. a low, stable interest rate and 3. in good repair will be difficult. 
  • Homes that fit that description in the area are almost all owned by local land/home trusts and affordable homeownership non-profits. Unfortunately, these organizations often have 2-3 year long waitlists, and do not have a stock of homes for households who make under $45,000 a year.
We don't want to crush your dream. Hard might not mean impossible. Home prices/interest rates might fall in the future. But we believe this background information can help you make an informed decision about pursuing homeownership with us this year. 

TO BE CLEAR: CEF believes very low-income Members deserve a FAIR CHANCE to build generational wealth. We also want to set our Members up for success. Because of external income and stability requirements by banks and local affordable homeownership organizations, within a process that has been shaped and gatekept by racialized capitalism, not every CEF Member who applies to our program will be accepted. 

This has been a difficult decision to make as an organization. We have added some screening questions below to help further assess if our First-time Homebuyers program is a good fit for you, right now.
Email *
Do you make between the 50-80% AMI income limits for your family size? Chart with income limit range below:  *
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Have you had stable employment (with the same job or within the same industry) for at least two years? *Self-employment is fine, but it has to be well-documented by tax returns.* *
Have you had a stable rental history (on a lease, no evictions) for the last two years?  *
Do you see yourself able to remain listed as a tenant (on a lease, no evictions) through the duration of this program, at least a year?
 *
Do you meet the federal definition of a first-time homebuyer, defined as:

-An individual (or their spouse) who has had no ownership in a principal residence for over three years. *If their spouse fits that definition, than they both are considered first-time homebuyers.*

-A single parent who has only owned with a former spouse while married. 

-An individual who is a displaced homemaker and has only owned with a spouse.

-An individual who has only owned a principal residence not permanently affixed to a permanent foundation.

-An individual who has only owned a property that was not in compliance with state, local or model building codes and can’t be fixed (into compliance) for less than the cost of constructing a permanent structure.
 *
If you checked NO to any of the previous questions, you do not yet fit the program requirements, and are not eligible for CEF's First-Time Homebuyer's Program currently. 

But please know there are other ways CEF can support you on your road to homeownership. If you are a CEF Member, your Advocates are ready to talk about next steps, ask them about the "Preparing for Homeownership" and "Purchasing a Home" Goals in Connect.

If you aren’t a Member yet, feel free to check out our Member services and our HOUSE US NOW! tenant organizing campaign. 

We would love to get to know you as you reach individual goals like: obtaining or increasing income, moving into independent housing, saving for significant assets, securing financial stability, and connecting to community!

*Even if you are not eligible for the program currently, feel free to fill out the rest of the form and a staff member will be in touch to help you identify next steps to become eligible int he fut
If you clicked YES to all the questions above, you meet the requirements for our First-Time Homebuyer's Program! 

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