Homeowner or buyer assistance programs

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  • By compiled staff reports
  • 354th Civil Engineer Squadron
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  There are many homeowner assistance programs available that military, federal civilians or non-appropriated funds employees may qualify for. Available programs range from the home buying process, home loans, grants and potential financial assistance for relocation. The Eielson Air Force Base Housing office has compiled the following list of programs available with links for reference. 

- The Homeowners Assistance Program, initiated by Department of Defense, assists eligible military service members and federal civilian, including non-appropriated fund, employees. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers administers the program to assist eligible homeowners who face financial loss when selling their primary residence. 

Their website provides specifics on the expanded program, application, people to contact, and frequently asked questions, along with a link to the legislation. The HAP expansion affected Warrior in Transition, Base Realignment and Closure 2005 military service members and federal civilian employees and service members being permanently reassigned to another location. 

Members are encouraged to visit the USACE website at http://hap.usace.army.mil/homepage.html. 

- The Alaska Housing Finance Corporation offers a free seminar to help prospective home buyers work their way through the decisions and steps that buying a home can entail. The housing office encourages anyone considering the purchase of a house in Alaska to attend this course. The information gained by completing the course could save buyers money on AHFC closing costs. More details can be found at http://www.ahfc.state.ak.us/workshops/workshops.cfm. 

- The AHFC also offers a variety of loan programs ranging from single-family and multi-family loans with programs in both urban and rural areas and with various loan options. To find out if you qualify for an AHFC loan program contact an approved lender. Prospective home buyers will find a list of approved lenders, a first-time buyer's checklist, as wellas loan option information. For more information go to http://www.ahfc.state.ak.us/loans/loans.cfm. 

- The AHFC also offers a variety of grant programs to ensure that Alaskans have access to safe, quality, affordable housing. The Homeownership Opportunity Program and Owner Occupied Rehabilitation Program both provide down payment and closing cost assistance to low-income individuals and families who are trying to purchase a home. Detailed information on the different grant programs can be found at their website, which is http://www.ahfc.state.ak.us/grants/grants_summary.cfm. 

- The AHFC has a Home Energy Rebate Program to assist homeowners in making the best energy-efficiency improvements for their home. The program requires a certified home energy rater evaluate your home before and after the improvements. The more your home's energy efficiency improves, the greater the possible rebate. The Home Energy Rebate program provides rebates up to $10,000 to homeowners who improve the energy efficiency of their homes. For more information on this program visit their website at http://www.ahfc.state.ak.us/energy/weatherization_rebates.cfm. 

For more information, call the Eielson Housing Office at 377-2244.