NC Home Advantage Mortgage with Down Payment Assistance · Gaston County
Gaston County, North Carolina: down payment help, step by step
West of Charlotte, Gaston County's teachers, officers and medics can buy in Gastonia, Belmont, Mount Holly or Cherryville with NCHFA's help.
Step 1: Know the local market
Gaston County Schools serves the whole county. The county also has an unusual mix of police agencies: the Gastonia Police Department, the Gaston County Police Department and the Gaston County Sheriff's Office, plus the Gastonia Fire Department and Gaston County EMS.
Belmont and Mount Holly sit near the Catawba River and the Charlotte line, while Bessemer City and Cherryville are quieter towns farther west. First-time buyers can use the $15,000 option on homes up to $525,000, and many Gaston homes fall well below that.
Lower-income households can ask a Community Partners Loan Pool member about additional help. NCHFA's CPLP page says it can be combined with the $15,000 option.
Step 2: Check the Gaston County caps
| Income cap, 1 or 2 people | Income cap, 3 or more | Highest price allowed |
|---|---|---|
| $117,000 | $135,000 | $525,000 |
Gaston County's price cap for the $15,000 option is the statewide $525,000. Its family income limit is $117,000 for 1 to 2 people and $135,000 for 3 or more. Statewide figures are in the limits table; to test a price against your income, use the budget calculator.
Step 3: Add local help in Gaston County
Our last check turned up no program run just for Gaston County. The statewide options still work here. Open the North Carolina program directory.
Step 4: Book your homebuyer class near Gaston County
Plan on a homebuyer class; most programs want the certificate in hand before you close. Below are HUD-approved agencies within driving distance of Gaston County, with the services, languages and meeting formats each one lists.
| Counseling agency | Town | Miles | Services | Spoken in | Format |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| City of Gastonia | Gastonia | 2 mi | homebuyer education class, pre-purchase counseling | English | Face to Face, Phone, Internet |
| Dreamkey Partners | Charlotte | 18 mi | homebuyer education class, pre-purchase counseling | English | Phone |
| Cleveland County Community Development Corporation | Shelby | 21 mi | homebuyer education class, pre-purchase counseling | English | Face to Face, Phone, Internet |
| Community Foundations | Mooresville | 30 mi | homebuyer education class, pre-purchase counseling | English | Phone |
Pulled from the HUD housing counseling directory. Ask before you enroll, because programs differ on which classes count.
Major public employers in Gaston County
Some of the larger schools and public safety agencies here:
- Gaston County Schools
- Gastonia Police Department
- Gaston County Police Department
- Gaston County Sheriff's Office
- Gastonia Fire Department
- Gaston County EMS
You can qualify in Gaston County with any job, not only these employers. Every job the program covers
Gaston County: questions and answers
Do Gaston County Police officers qualify?
Yes. Officers qualify like any eligible buyer.
Can I combine the $15,000 with CPLP?
NCHFA's CPLP page says yes, if your income is at or below 80% of area median. Your lender confirms.
Is there a minimum credit score?
Yes, 640, or 660 for a manufactured home.
Nearby county guides: Wake CountyMecklenburg CountyGuilford CountyForsyth CountyDurham CountyCumberland CountyBuncombe CountyUnion County All counties
