AGA Housing Programs

Perhaps the most critical and successful program areas for the AGA are our Housing Programs. The goals of AGA Housing Programs are to advance homebuyer education and increase the availability of affordable housing in the Avenida Guadalupe neighborhood. AGA Housing Programs consist of three (3) subcomponents including the following: a) Homebuyer Education and Housing Counseling Assistance Program (HCAP); b) First Time Homebuyer Program and ‘In-Fill’ Housing; and c) Asset Preservation and Emergency Repair Program.

Homebuyer Education Housing Counseling Assistance Program (HCAP)

The AGA Housing Counseling Assistance Program (HCAP) is a HUD approved program which consists of an eight (8) hour homeownership training course. The course is offered monthly throughout the year to potential homeowners. The ultimate goal of the AGA Housing Counseling Assistance Program is to assist low-income people to become homeowners by providing them with the education, knowledge, and information needed to make informed decisions throughout the home buying process. The HCAP offers a comprehensive homebuyer education and counseling program component designed to cover the complete home purchase process. All aspects of purchasing a home including qualifying for a mortgage, locating a house, addressing credit problems, budgeting, types of mortgage loans, closing loans, obtaining homeowner insurance, property taxes and home maintenance are all covered in the course. Each participant also receives a copy of his/her credit report and a homebuyer guide in either English or Spanish. Upon completion of the course, the participant receives a certificate that enables them to request down payment assistance. One-on-one counseling is also offered and available after course completion. This program includes post purchase counseling to include foreclosure prevention. Classes are open to all residents of Bexar County. The AGA is also part of a broader coalition in San Antonio called “Don’t Borrow Trouble”. The purpose of the coalition is to combat predatory and illegal lending practices in San Antonio and Bexar County. Call Marta Alaquinez at (210) 223-3151 or info@avenidaguadalupe.org for assistance with this program.

First Time Homebuyer Program and ‘In-Fill’ Housing

The AGA offers ‘in-fill housing’ through the First Time Homebuyer Program. The AGA owns vacant lots in the Avenida Guadalupe Neighborhood for new single family housing. The properties are and will be sold to qualified low-income first time homebuyers. Together the homebuyer and the builder design a house to meet the particular needs of the homebuyer.

AGA has obtained commitments from the City of San Antonio HOME Program and private sources to provide assistance that will be used to reduce the principal amount of the permanent mortgage and cover closing costs. Homebuyers utilizing the HOME Program must have household incomes less than 80% of the area median income. Homebuyers are required to contribute a minimum of $800 to $1,400 in cash from their own funds depending on the requirement of the permanent mortgage lender. All homebuyers must also complete a homeowner counseling program. There are currently four lots on El Paso St. available for development.

Asset Preservation and Emergency Repair Program

Initiated in 2006, the Asset Preservation and Emergency Repair Program was designed to provide free home repairs, renovations, and modifications for low-income senior homeowners so that they can live safely and independently in their own homes. Through this program local elderly residents who have limited means but wish to make improvements to their home can apply for a $4,500 grant to assist with emergency home repairs. To qualify for this program: the property must be owner-occupied; owners must be 62 years or older, or handicapped; live within the Avenida Guadalupe Neighborhood; property must be designated as homestead with Bexar Appraisal; and must be at or below 30% of income. Owners who qualify will be assisted with plumbing; electrical; roof repairs (not replacement); non-working utilities; broken windows; and damaged doors. For more information please contact Marta Alaquinez or the AGA Office at (210) 223-3151.