Separate Hilo mortgage research from county repair and counseling services
Hilo buyers can contact the County of Hawaii Office of Housing and Community Development about Hawaii Island resources. These county services should not be confused with the City and County of Honolulu's Oahu programs. Browse mortgage providers above and use the Hawaii hub for statewide purchase resources; the local paths here address repair planning and financial preparation.
Ask about the repair loan for the home you actually occupy
The county's Home Improvement Loan Program is for eligible low- and moderate-income homeowners repairing the dwelling they occupy as their primary residence. Its examples include termite or wood-rot damage, roof and plumbing problems, sewer connections and accessibility modifications. The program page links its application, operating procedure and FAQ. For a prospective purchase, ask OHCD at ohcdloans@hawaiicounty.gov when ownership and occupancy requirements can be met, which proposed work qualifies and how the repair schedule relates to closing. This homeowner repair loan is separate from financing the home's purchase.
The county describes deferred payments with a balance due at the end of the loan period, and conditional partial forgiveness for certain eligible owners. Request the current written terms, repayment triggers and any forgiveness requirements for your application instead of treating deferred payments as a grant. Discuss the resulting obligation with the mortgage lender when reviewing the ownership budget.
Use the exact program name when checking intake
OHCD's Community Resources page lists the Home Improvement Loan Program separately from the Residential Repair Program. Use the exact program name when asking the Hilo office at 808-961-8379 which application fits your property and whether requests are currently being accepted. Confirm funding and intake for that particular program before planning repairs around it; a listing or application link does not establish availability. Keeping the name on the form identifiable helps avoid relying on an older repair-program link.
Prepare the household budget with a local counseling contact
OHCD's Financial Empowerment Services page identifies Hawaiian Community Assets as its service partner for county residents. HCA describes individual homebuyer counseling, credit and debt support, budgeting and savings guidance, and lists a Hawaii Island office in Hilo. Contact HCA at 808-587-7886 or hilofoc@hawaiiancommunity.net to ask about an appointment and the records needed for your goals. If a mortgage or assistance program requires an education certificate, confirm which course it accepts separately; a counseling appointment or referral does not establish mortgage approval or an assistance award.
Published by Mortgage Firm, an independent directory. Program administrators and lenders determine current availability and eligibility. Our editorial approach