FAQs • Port Arthur, TX • CivicEngage

If the homebuyer is now divorced but previously owned a home with a former spouse, do they qualify as a homebuyer?: If you are a single parent who has custody of and is caring for minor children, and is divorced or legally separated from their former spouse, you could be eligible to apply for the FTHB Program.

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Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization

First, visit a local lender to become pre-qualified for a standard, fixed-rate mortgage loan. Participating lenders are listed on the brochure that describes the Homebuyers Program. Be certain to tell the bank you would like to apply for the City’s Homebuyer Program.
After approval, call the Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization Division office at 409- 983-8259 to make an appointment to apply for the Homebuyer Program. We will discuss the remainder of the qualification process and answer any questions you might have.

2. Will a poor credit rating affect the mortgage application or the application for FTHB Program assistance?: The City of Port Arthur does not perform a credit check; however, to participate, you will need to be able to qualify for a standard mortgage (no sub-prime, balloon, or adjustable rate loans allowed). If you have credit problems, discuss your options with your mortgage representative. You may also contact the Consumer Credit Counseling Service.

3. Will homebuyers be required to repay the homebuyer assistance provided by The City of Port Arthur?: If you occupy the home you purchased as your principal residence for the required time period - usually five or 10 years, depending upon the amount of assistance, no repayment is required. This required time period is known as the Period of Affordability. However, if you sell your home, rent your home to another person, experience a foreclosure or fail to occupy the home as your principal residence before the end of the Period of Affordability, you could be required to repay all or part of the assistance provided you.

4. If the homebuyer is now divorced but previously owned a home with a former spouse, do they qualify as a homebuyer?: If you are a single parent who has custody of and is caring for minor children, and is divorced or legally separated from their former spouse, you could be eligible to apply for the FTHB Program.

5. How long does the process take after receiving an approval from my bank?: The home buying process requires many steps, and involves many different parties, a variety of inspections, verification, etc., and can take several weeks to complete. Once Housing & Neighborhood Revitalization receives your completed application, sends and receives back the employment and income verification, those documents are used to determine if you qualify. After the City performs an inspection of the property, a list of repairs will be sent to your lender and to the realtors involved. Once those repairs have been completed, the home is re-inspected by the City inspector. When household income has been verified and the home passes inspection, an applicant is approved for the Homebuyer Program.