How to buy a home in DC making less than $45,000

[@MelissaDargan]

Did you know about this DC program? If no, would you apply for it if you could?

[@jellygurl27]

Thanks for sharing ! I meet with the Hpap program this week. My mom purchased a 3 bedroom in 2008 througn Hpap. Hoping it comes through for me.

[@victorzyang]

HPAP and D.C. Open Doors are the best programs in Washington D.C. There is also a low income tax abatement program to help with the closing costs. Great investment Alex, keep up the great work!

[@MelissaDargan]

Great insight and definitely useful info! Man, I wish I knew about this program when I was a Hill staffer.

[@devonmoore8211]

I work in VA is this a DC resident thing only I'm looking to move to the city 🌆

[@MelissaDargan]

The DHCD website can help. It shares: Application Priority Applications are prioritized based on the following: low income, elderly, handicapped, disabled or displaced District residents other eligible District residents, that are not stated above in a. non-residents who have been employed in the District for one year prior to application non-residents who have lived in the District for three consecutive years as an adult Please note: District residents always are the priority for HPAP assistance. We will accept applications from non-residents, but they only will be processed when there are no pending applications from District residents. For more details, check out: dhcd.dc.gov/page/hpap-eligibility-how-apply-and-program-details

[@athenaschritz8711]

I bought my DC condo through HPAP and Manna in 2014! A great resource - thank you for sharing this path to homeownership. Alex's experience was similar to mine. It is a great path to ownership and stability.

[@MelissaDargan]

Amazing story and thanks for sharing! Such an awesome resource that more DC folks should know about. Glad you got your DC condo 👏🏼🤩🎉

[@duhduhduhdiesel1436]

Manna/HPAP took my money and then stopped responding.... They should be held criminally liable

[@benddover3093]

Hey been binge watching your vids, awesome content, was wondering if you were able to touch base on tax withholding as a federal employee, not many videos about this trying to get a bigger paycheck and smaller refund

[@MelissaDargan]

Good point! when earning a W-2, employees do have the option to choose a higher tax withholding with bigger refund or lower tax withholding with smaller refund. When I worked in Congress, I chose paying a higher tax withholding and a bigger refund because some friends who did the opposite ended up not withholding enough by tax time and had to pay out of pocket (which was an unexpected cost at the time). Given our low staff salaries, a $500-$1000 tax bill was not ideal. Thus, I was more cautious at the time and had higher withholdings. If you ware able to work with your tax advisor or accountant to withhold the right amount and you prefer money now versus a bigger tax refund, being able to make use of the money earlier (time value of money) can be beneficial. IMP: It is important to ensure you withhold the proper amount to cover taxes as underpayment may lead to fines.

[@BigheroC]

Does it work in other states?

[@MelissaDargan]

Great question! Down payment assistance programs tend to be very localized. Depending on which state you are looking into, you can check this helpful website: themortgagereports.com/33553/complete-guide-to-down-payment-assistance-in-the-usa. Scroll down and there is a section that breaks down programs state by state. Hope this helps narrow your search and answer your question!

[@sarscov9854]

~$40k (as of 2021) is a good amount for a single person that isn't a dumb*** with his finances.