Buying a home can feel out of reach when you are trying to manage a down payment, closing costs and today’s home prices. A new Baldwin County program may help make those numbers more manageable for certain local buyers.
The Baldwin County Homeownership Assistance Program, also called HAP, is designed to help eligible low-to-moderate-income households purchase a home in Baldwin County. Qualified applicants may receive up to $85,000 in assistance based on their documented financial need, financing and the eligibility of the home they select.
The application portal is currently scheduled to open on September 21, 2026.
HAP is funded through Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery funds connected to Hurricanes Sally and Zeta. The program was created to help eligible residents overcome the financial gap between what they can afford and the actual cost of purchasing a home in Baldwin County.
Assistance may help with eligible homebuying expenses such as:
A down payment
Closing costs
Interest-rate assistance
Principal reduction or other approved gap financing
Certain inspection or appraisal expenses when handled according to program requirements
The maximum assistance is $85,000, but this does not mean every approved applicant will receive the full amount. The final award is calculated based on the buyer’s demonstrated need, financing, approved closing costs and selected property.
No. You do not necessarily have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify.
According to Baldwin County’s program information, current homeowners may also apply if they sell their existing home as part of the new purchase and meet the remaining eligibility and underwriting requirements.
This makes it important not to rule yourself out based only on the fact that you have owned a home before.
Applicants must meet the program’s income requirements. Household income generally must be at or below 80% of the applicable Area Median Income, commonly called AMI.
Applicants must also have an eligible connection to Baldwin County and Hurricanes Sally or Zeta. This may include:
People who lived in Baldwin County during the qualifying storm events and remained in the county
Former residents who relocated following the storms and would like to return
People who were in the process of purchasing a storm-impacted Baldwin County home at the time of the disaster
Certain people who planned to relocate to or purchase in Baldwin County before the storms and can document that intent
Program staff will review each household’s income, documentation and storm-related eligibility before determining whether the applicant qualifies.
Although the program is funded with grant money, approved assistance is structured as a forgivable loan secured by the property.
The assistance is forgiven at a rate of 20% per year over five years, provided the homeowner follows the program requirements. These requirements include maintaining the home as a primary residence.
If the home is sold, transferred or stops being the buyer’s primary residence before the five-year period ends, the unforgiven portion may have to be repaid.
That distinction is important when deciding whether the program is right for you.
The home must be located in Baldwin County and meet the program’s property requirements.
New-construction homes may qualify if they are complete and ready for occupancy at closing. Eligible properties must also be located in an area where flood insurance is not required, such as Flood Zone X. Homes in higher-risk flood zones requiring flood insurance are not eligible under the current program guidelines.
Before falling in love with a particular property, buyers should confirm its potential eligibility with the program and their real estate professional.
The program generally allows standard 30-year mortgage products and may be used with certain government-backed loans, including USDA and VA loans.
You will still need to work with an approved or participating lender and meet the lender’s separate mortgage requirements. HAP assistance does not replace mortgage approval.
A lender will review factors such as your income, credit, employment, monthly obligations and debt-to-income ratio to determine how much you may be able to borrow.
Here are a few ways to prepare:
Review the official Baldwin County HAP information.
Gather documents showing your household income and Baldwin County residency or storm-related connection.
Speak with a lender from the program’s preferred vendor list about mortgage preapproval.
Complete a HUD-certified homebuyer education course if directed. Certificates are generally valid for 24 months.
Wait for a conditional HAP award before placing a home under contract.
After receiving a conditional award, work with a REALTOR® to find a property that meets the program requirements.
One of the most important details is that a home placed under contract before the applicant receives a conditional HAP award will not be eligible for assistance. Buyers should apply and receive direction from the program before signing a purchase agreement.
The process from a complete application through closing is expected to take approximately 60 to 90 days, although the actual timeline may vary.
Baldwin County currently plans to open the HAP application portal on September 21, 2026.
Because assistance is limited and eligible applications may be processed on a first-come, first-served basis, interested buyers should begin gathering their information and reviewing the official requirements now.
LEARN MORE ON THE OFFICIAL BALDWIN COUNTY HAP PAGE
Homeownership assistance programs can feel confusing, but you do not have to sort through every step alone.
I can help you understand the home-search process, connect with a participating lender and identify Baldwin County properties that may fit your goals and the program’s requirements.
Contact me when you are ready to begin:
Anna Belle Beck, REALTOR®
EXIT Navigator Realty
205-463-7774
annabellegetsyouhome@gmail.com
annabellegetsyouhome.com
An eligible household may receive up to $85,000. The final amount depends on documented need, financing, approved costs and property eligibility.
No. First-time buyers and certain current homeowners may qualify if they meet all program requirements.
No. According to the current guidance, buyers must receive a conditional HAP award before signing a purchase agreement.
HAP may be combined with certain government-backed mortgages, including USDA and VA loans, subject to program and lender approval.
The assistance is structured as a forgivable loan that is generally forgiven at 20% per year over five years. Repayment of the remaining balance may be required if the property is sold, transferred or no longer used as the buyer’s primary residence before that period ends.
The property must meet all program requirements, including flood-zone eligibility. Homes in higher-risk flood zones that require flood insurance are currently ineligible.
Program funding, availability, eligibility requirements, income limits, application dates and award amounts are determined by Baldwin County and may change. Assistance is not guaranteed. This article is provided for general educational purposes and is not a promise of eligibility, funding, legal advice, tax advice or lending approval. Buyers should confirm all current requirements directly with Baldwin County and an approved participating lender before making financial or contractual decisions.
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