Plan the mortgage, assistance and education steps together in Connecticut
The Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA) connects homebuyers with mortgage programs, participating lenders and education resources. Use the city directories above to start a provider shortlist, then use the official resources below to prepare questions about a specific property and financing package.
Confirm CHFA participation before discussing a program loan
CHFA mortgages are handled by participating banks and mortgage companies. The authority links its participating-lender list from the page below and says buyers can seek prequalification before starting a home search. Ask the loan officer which CHFA products they handle and who will coordinate any assistance application.
Mortgage Firm is an independent directory. A provider's appearance here does not establish CHFA participation. When comparing offers, ask each lender to identify the first mortgage and every assistance loan separately, with the payment and closing requirements for each.
Distinguish repayable DAP assistance from Time To Own forgiveness
CHFA's Down Payment Assistance Program (DAP) is a second mortgage for down payment and closing costs. It requires qualification for a CHFA first mortgage and an ability to repay both loans. Ask the lender to show the combined payment obligations when comparing a DAP package with other financing.
Time To Own is a separate forgivable loan administered by CHFA for the Connecticut Department of Housing and paired with a CHFA first mortgage. CHFA describes no monthly payment on that assistance loan and annual forgiveness over ten years. That does not remove the first mortgage payment. Request the agreement's conditions and an explanation of what happens to any unforgiven balance if your plans change.
Time To Own also requires current Connecticut residency and evidence of residency during the most recent three years. Its page links the full requirements and application route through participating lenders. Confirm current reservation availability with the lender; a published program description is not a funding commitment for your purchase.
Have the lender check the town and the property's census tract
CHFA's sales-price and income-limit document groups towns by Connecticut planning region and separately identifies Target Area census tracts. It cautions that a listed Target Area town may not be included in full. Give the lender the street address, household details and proposed loan program so they can check the relevant limits and designation.
The document directs users to the FFIEC geocoding system for a property's census tract. A city-directory page or a lender's office address cannot establish that a home is in a Target Area. Ask for an address-specific check before relying on any program exception tied to that designation.
Choose the course for your buying stage and property type
CHFA distinguishes Pre-Purchase education from Pre-Closing education. The Pre-Purchase workshop is available before a loan reservation; the Pre-Closing class is for applicants with a CHFA reservation in process. CHFA says at least one applicant must take the latter unless they completed Pre-Purchase education within the previous 12 months. Have the lender confirm whether an existing certificate satisfies your loan's requirement.
For the online Pre-Closing option, request the lender's coupon code before registering so the class is free. If you are buying a two-to-four-unit property with a CHFA loan, the authority also requires Landlord Education in addition to the homebuyer course. Include time for both certificates in the purchase schedule.
CHFA's education page links its class calendar and explains how to contact the counseling agency to register. Some providers offer virtual or Spanish-language workshops. Confirm the course type, format and next available session directly with the agency.
Find the counseling service you need, not just the nearest office
CHFA's directory of participating HUD-approved counseling agencies lists services for each organization. These differ: an agency offering a Pre-Closing workshop may have a different service menu from one offering Pre-Purchase education with individual counseling or financial coaching. Start with the service column, then contact the agency about its coverage, appointment process and format.
Describe whether you need help preparing a household budget, understanding the purchase process or completing a required course. Ask what to bring and whether the session produces the certificate your lender needs. A counseling appointment and mortgage approval are separate steps.
Published by Mortgage Firm, an independent directory. Program administrators and lenders determine current availability and eligibility. Our editorial approach