www.gosumner.com - Housing Programs

Sumner County First Time Homebuyers Program

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Maximum number of homebuyers that can be helped is 15.

Maximum amount available per household: $4,250.00 to be used for down payment assistance/closing costs/rehabilitation.

Down payment required from buyer: $500.00 minimum.

Homebuyer education: Buyer must attend a one-day class conducted by Mennonite Housing, or Community Housing Services in Wichita, prior to closing.

Restrictions: Buyer and spouse cannot have owned a site-built house within the past thirty-six months.

Exceptions to thirty-six month rule: A. If the person owned a mobile home, that does not count as "owning a house." B. If the homebuyer is a single parent with custody of minor children, and owned a home that had to be sold due to a divorce, that does not count as "owning a house." C. If the buyer is a "displaced homemaker" who left a home due to a divorce and has obtained employment again, that does not count as "owning a house."

Restrictions on number of bedrooms and/or disabled person living in the family: 8 of the 15 homebuyers have to purchase a home that has at least 3 bedrooms, or there has to be a disabled person living in the household.

Income rules that apply to this program:

12 of the 15 households can’t have annual incomes greater than:

1-2 persons: $28,325

3 or more persons: $32,574

2 of the households can’t have annual incomes greater than:

1-2 persons: $33,990

3 or more persons: $39,088

1 household can’t have an income greater than:

1-2 persons: $45,320

3 or more persons: $52,118

Realtors and lenders will be responsible for pre-qualifying the buyers and determining what type of loan the homebuyer can quality for.

SCKEDD will coordinate homebuyer education. A SCKEDD inspector will inspect the house and will furnish a detailed report to the homebuyer that will include a written opinion about all major systems. If there is an imminent health and safety problem then a recommendation regarding rehabilitation will be provided, along with a specification that can be used to obtain bids. SCKEDD will oversee obtaining bids for all rehabilitation work and will inspect all completed rehabilitation before payment can be made to a contractor.

In addition, homebuyers will be required to apply for the Kansas Weatherization Assistance Program. Grant funds for weatherization work will be used after the homebuyer occupies the house.

Note: a home can be purchased that has flaws, or deterioration, but the intent of Caldwell State Bank and SCKEDD is to use the FHLBTopeka Affordable Housing Program funds to cure any major health and safety problem. Typical repairs are: replace a worn or leaking roof; install new plumbing or replace a failing sewer line; upgrade electrical service by installing a new entrance from the pole along with a new main electrical panel; and install a new heating system.

Caldwell State Bank and SCKEDD may refuse to use FHLBTopeka Affordable Housing Program funds if the dwelling is dilapidated.

Spec Home Interest Grant Program

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The Sumner County Economic Development Commission (SCEDC) is offering the Spec Home Interest Grant program to provide incentives for builders to build affordable housing in Sumner County.

The SCEDC has established a $15,000 fund to create this program which is aimed at encouraging growth in the Sumner County housing market. This plan is designed to provide incentives for building homes in Sumner County in a reasonable price range not to exceed $130,000. Applications for the spec home program must be true spec homes and may not exceed this $130,000 sales price. The initial funding for this program began in 2005 and is available on a first come first serve basis.

Only five (5) open applications will be accepted at one time. As applications and projects are completed, further applications will be accepted as long as funds remain available. One builder may have only two (2) applications pending at a time. The SCEDC Board of Directors will consider funding and continuing this program on an annual basis. Applications must be submitted and approved by the SCEDC before construction begins on the home.

Steps in the Application Process:

1. Complete the application and submit to the SCEDC office at 123 N. Jefferson, Wellington, KS 67152. You will receive written verification that your application has been accepted. Property must be a true spec home.
2. Construction must begin within 60 days of submitting the application to the SCEDC.
3. When construction is complete, the builder should obtain a certificate of occupancy and provide proof of this to the SCEDC office. Proof of occupancy must be provided before the 90 day waiting period will commence.
4. During this 90 day period, the builder will be required to demonstrate that they have actively marketed the home for sale.
5. If the spec home sells during the 90 day time frame, the builder should contact the SCEDC in writing to notify that the home is sold. This will allow the SCEDC to accept more applications into the program.
6. If the home does not sell during the 90 day waiting period, the SCEDC will require the builder to provide proof that they have continued to actively market the home and provide proof of interest paid to the financial institution.
7. The SCEDC will reimburse the builder for interest paid to a financial institution following the 90 day waiting period up to a maximum of $3,000 per spec home. Builder must submit bank receipts to the SCEDC in order to be reimbursed up to the $3,000.

For more information please contact:
Sumner County Economic Development Commission
123 N. Jefferson, Wellington, KS 67152
Phone: 620-326-8779 Fax 620-326-6544
Email: scedc@co.sumner.ks.us

Neighborhood Revitalization Program

To view details on this program please click here