Utah HomeChoice Mortgage
A statewide Utah second mortgage of up to $70,000 at 1% fixed for 30 years — designed to lower the monthly payment for buyers with disabilities (or a household member with a disability). Funds are currently exhausted; the next allocation is expected July 1, 2026. Get on our notification list now so you are ready when funding reopens.
Funding currently exhausted — new allocation expected July 1, 2026
HomeChoice operates on annual funding cycles from the Olene Walker Housing Loan Fund. The 2025 allocation has been fully committed. The next round of funds is expected to become available on July 1, 2026. Buyers should get pre-approved now so applications can be submitted the day funds open — this program is allocated first-come, first-served.
About HomeChoice
Coverage
All of Utah
Max Loan
$70,000
Rate / Term
1% / 30 yrs
HomeChoice is a Utah-statewide second mortgage designed to lower the overall monthly payment for buyers with disabilities or buyers with a household member who has a disability (per ADA 1990 / Fair Housing Amendment Act 1988). The funds are layered behind your primary mortgage at 1% interest, fully amortized over 30 years, with no prepayment penalty. It is funded by the Olene Walker Housing Loan Fund through the State of Utah.
Unlike traditional down payment assistance, HomeChoice does not give you cash to bring to closing. Instead, it acts as a low-interest second lien layered behind your primary mortgage so your overall monthly housing payment is meaningfully lower than it would be with a single first mortgage alone. That makes it especially powerful for fixed-income households and buyers stretching to qualify.
Program Details
HomeChoice
Reopens July 1, 2026Up to $70,000
2nd Mortgage (1% / 30-yr fixed)HomeChoice is a Utah-statewide second mortgage designed to lower the overall monthly payment for buyers with disabilities or buyers with a household member who has a disability (per ADA 1990 / Fair Housing Amendment Act 1988). The funds are layered behind your primary mortgage at 1% interest, fully amortized over 30 years, with no prepayment penalty. It is funded by the Olene Walker Housing Loan Fund through the State of Utah.
Agency: Neighborhood Nonprofit Housing Corporation (NNHC)
Currently out of funds. New allocation expected July 1, 2026.
Eligibility at a Glance
Disability Requirement
A borrower or any household member must qualify as having a disability under the ADA of 1990 or the Fair Housing Amendment Act of 1988.
Household Income
Combined household income must fall within current HUD income guidelines for your county. We help you check this in minutes.
Credit & Debt
FICO credit score of 640 or higher. Total debt-to-income ratio cannot exceed 45%. Must qualify for a primary mortgage.
Buyer Contribution
Borrower must contribute at least $500 of their own funds toward the purchase of the home.
Property
Funds may only be used to purchase an existing single-family home in the State of Utah. Must be your primary residence.
Loan Terms
Up to $70,000 second lien at 1% fixed interest for 30 years. No prepayment penalty. Pairs with a first mortgage from The Tim Hawkes Team.
Stack HomeChoice for Maximum Impact
HomeChoice pairs with these statewide programs
Once HomeChoice funding returns on July 1, 2026, eligible buyers can pair the $70,000 affordability second with FHLB HELP ($20,000 forgivable) and a UHC FirstHome DPA tier — dramatically lowering both monthly payment AND cash to close. We coordinate every application.
How to Get Ready for July 1, 2026
Get on Our HomeChoice Notification List
Tell us you are interested in HomeChoice. We will alert you the moment NNHC opens the next funding round on July 1, 2026 — and well before, so you have your pre-approval and documentation ready.
Confirm Disability Documentation
Either the borrower or a household member must meet the ADA / Fair Housing Amendment Act disability definition. Gather the documentation that establishes this — we can guide you on what is acceptable.
Get Pre-Approved for Your Primary Mortgage
HomeChoice sits behind your first mortgage. We pre-qualify you for FHA, Conventional, USDA, or VA — whichever is the strongest fit — at FICO 640+ and DTI ≤ 45%. Free, takes about 15 minutes.
Identify a Qualifying Property
HomeChoice funds may be used to purchase an existing single-family home anywhere in Utah, occupied as your primary residence. We will help you align price, location, and program rules.
Submit to NNHC When Funding Opens
On or after July 1, 2026, contact Suzanne Jacob at NNHC (435-799-8116 / sjacob@nnhc.org) to submit your HomeChoice application. We coordinate the underwriting and close both loans together.
Documents to Have Ready
- Proof of disability (borrower or household member) per ADA / Fair Housing definition
- Household income verification (HUD income limits for your county)
- Primary mortgage pre-approval letter (we handle this)
- 2 most recent months of pay stubs for all working household members
- Federal income tax returns for all household members (most recent year)
- Bank statements (most recent 2 months)
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of $500 minimum borrower contribution
- Accepted Real Estate Purchase Contract (REPC) for an existing Utah single-family home
Official Program Source
HomeChoice is administered by Neighborhood Nonprofit Housing Corporation, an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) headquartered in Logan, Utah, that operates the program statewide on behalf of the Olene Walker Housing Loan Fund.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Utah HomeChoice program?
HomeChoice is a statewide Utah second mortgage administered by Neighborhood Nonprofit Housing Corporation (NNHC). It offers up to $70,000 at 1% fixed interest for 30 years to help lower the monthly payment for buyers with disabilities. It is not traditional down payment assistance — it is an affordability second that sits behind your primary mortgage.
When will HomeChoice funding be available again?
HomeChoice is currently out of funds. New funding is expected on July 1, 2026, when the next allocation from the Olene Walker Housing Loan Fund cycle becomes available. We are tracking this closely and will notify pre-approved clients as soon as funds are released.
Who qualifies as having a disability for HomeChoice?
The program uses the disability definitions from the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Fair Housing Amendment Act of 1988. Either the borrower OR any household member can meet the requirement — it does not have to be the person on the loan. Documentation will be required.
Can I combine HomeChoice with other DPA programs?
Yes. HomeChoice is structured as a 2nd mortgage and can pair with a primary mortgage plus down payment assistance like FHLB HELP ($20,000 forgivable) and UHC FirstHome (up to $27,500). Stacked correctly, eligible buyers can access $100,000+ in combined assistance and reduced monthly payment.
What kind of homes qualify for HomeChoice?
HomeChoice funds may only be used to purchase existing single-family homes within the State of Utah. The home must be your primary residence. New construction, condos, multi-unit properties, and investment properties are not eligible under current program rules.
What credit score and DTI do I need?
You need a FICO credit score of 640 or higher and a total debt-to-income ratio of no more than 45%. You must also independently qualify for the primary mortgage. We pre-qualify you for free in about 15 minutes.
How do I apply for HomeChoice?
Once funding reopens July 1, 2026, you will need a primary mortgage pre-approval, proof of disability, income documentation, and an accepted purchase contract on an existing Utah single-family home. Applications are submitted directly to NNHC (Suzanne Jacob, 435-799-8116). The Tim Hawkes Team can prepare your primary mortgage and walk you through the HomeChoice paperwork at no extra cost.
Where can I find the official HomeChoice page?
NNHC publishes program details at nnhc.org/buy-a-home. For the fastest help getting positioned for the July 1, 2026 funding round — and for help layering HomeChoice with FHLB HELP and UHC FirstHome — call The Tim Hawkes Team at (801) 820-7620.
Related Resources
Get on the HomeChoice Notification List
HomeChoice funds are first-come, first-served when they reopen on July 1, 2026. We pre-position eligible buyers so they can submit on day one.
Questions? Call us directly
(801) 820-7620Program Status
Not sure if HomeChoice fits your situation?
Get a free, confidential review in 15 minutes. We will identify every Utah program you qualify for — including HomeChoice, FHLB HELP, and UHC FirstHome.