Cook County

Cook County's Down Payment Assistance Pilot Program: A Path to Homeownership

Transforming Dreams into Reality for Hundreds of Homebuyers—More Resources on the Way!

The Cook County Down Payment Assistance Pilot Program has been a game-changer, helping individuals and families achieve the dream of homeownership. With up to $25,000 in financial support for down payments, closing costs, and mortgage buydowns, the program saw overwhelming demand—running out of funds within just 90 days. Due to its popularity, public officials and decision-makers are now diligently working to secure additional resources to support the growing pipeline of aspiring homebuyers.

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How It Works

Comprehensive Services to Help You Reach Your Goals

01

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Review income limits and geographic qualifications.

02

Step 2: Complete Homebuyer Education

Attend an 8-hour HUD-approved course through Club 720 to prepare for the homeownership journey.

03

Step 3: Join the Pipeline

Even as current funding has been exhausted, join the program’s growing pipeline to stay informed and prepared for future funding opportunities.

04

Step 4: Achieve Your Dream

Once funding becomes available, eligible buyers will be contacted to proceed with their purchase.

Approved Lenders

Reliable Lenders for Your Mortgage Needs

Are You Eligible?

Find Out If You Qualify

Eligibility requirements for the Cook County Down Payment Assistance Program include:

  • First-time and repeat homebuyers across Cook County.
  • Individuals earning up to 120% of the county’s median income.
  • Residents of Disproportionately Impacted Areas, with no income limits for these regions.
  • Completion of an 8-hour homebuyer education course through HUD or Club 720 before closing.
Benefits

Benefits of Down Payment Assistance

Reduced financial burden

Increased affordability of homeownership

Access to homebuyer education and resources

Personalized support throughout the process

Opportunity to build equity and wealth

FAQ

Helping First-Time Homebuyers

Got questions? Here are the answers to some common questions about Down Payment Assistance.

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Club 720 can connect you with approved lenders through our platform. 

Yes, DPA funds can be applied to closing costs, including real estate agent commissions.

You may need to repay the balance of the forgivable loan, minus the portion already forgiven.

No, the program is open to both first-time and repeat homebuyers.

Borrowers must meet minimum credit score and income requirements, which vary by community. The Cook County Down Payment Assistance Program uses the Club 720® mobile app to provide borrowers with almost instant results on initial eligibility. This is by no means an approval, but it does mean you’ll soon be connected with a participating, trusted lender partner.

No worries! We are always adding programs and products that vary in credit score requirements. If the Cook County Down Payment Assistance Program won’t be a good fit for you at this time, you will be presented with other programs that you’re eligible for on Club 720, including our Accountability Coaching Program, which is designed to prepare you to purchase a home through this program. We also encourage you to take advantage of all that Club 720 has to offer: free credit building courses, money management training, coaching and more to help prepare you for your home buying goals. Remember, it might be a “not now”, but it’s never a “no.” You can do this!

Good question! After submitting your homebuyer eligibility form, you’ll be presented with the programs you are eligible for instantly! From there, you can select which program you’d like to move forward with so that we can connect you with a Club 720 lending partner who offers that program. Getting connected with a Club 720 lending parter can take up to two business days.

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