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1. First time homebuyer program - does the county offer a first time buyer program?

Yes, Anoka County participates in the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency‘s (MHFA) “Start-up” program which provides, to qualified first-time homebuyers, mortgage funding and limited down payment and/or closing cost assistance. The state’s definition of a first time homebuyer is someone who has not owned a home within the last 3 years. The program requires that you use an MHFA-approved lender, and they provide a listing of those lenders on their web site at www.mnhousing.gov. This program is currently funded. To start the process, the buyer needs to contact an MHFA-approved lender who will determine if they are eligible for this program.

MHFA also has a “Step-Up” program which provides the same mortgage opportunities as the “Start-Up” program but funds are used to refinance the home you currently own or allows you to purchase a home even if you owned one less than 3 years ago. You do have to use a lender who is MHFA approved.
Minnesota Housing Agency

2. Down payment assistance - does the county have a down payment assistance program?

No, Anoka County does not currently offer a down payment assistance program. Check the county website for the latest information on upcoming programs - visit www.anokacounty.us/cd Anoka County Community Development

3. Housing rehabilitation program - does the county have a housing rehabilitation program?

Yes, Anoka County has a housing repair / rehabilitation programs available to income-qualified homeowners. Rehabilitation is intended to improve housing quality standards – it will not pay for additions or luxury-type improvements. If approved and work is completed, a lien is placed against the property in the amount of costs incurred. The lien is a deferred loan on which no interest accrues and it is considered a “special mortgage” by the state. The county currently administers two state (Minnesota Housing Finance Agency - MHFA) rehab programs: -“Emergency and/or Accessibility” rehab program for income- qualified homeowners AND -“Rehab Loan” program for very low income homebuyers Anoka County funds its own housing rehab program for low/fixed income homeowners. As with the state’s program, completed rehab work will result in a deferred, no interest loan/lien being placed against the homeowner’s property.

4. Section 8 - does the county have Section 8?

No. Anoka County does not administer the Section 8 program. For more information regarding the Section 8 program, visit Met Council's website at www.metcouncil.org. Metro HRA - Section 8 Information

5. Emergency Housing Shelters - does Anoka County have any shelters?

Anoka County has several shelter facilities which offer temporary housing: -Stepping Stone Emergency Housing for female and male adults (18 and older) - 763-323-7006 -Alexandra House, Inc. (battered women’s shelter) - 763-780-2330 -Family Promise in Anoka County (shelter for up to 4 families with children) - 763-568-7365 -The Metro Area Hotline provides shelter info for the Twin Cities metro area: 1-888-234-1329