HOPER Downpayment Assistance Program Overview


What is the HOPER Program?

The HOPER Program is a homeownership education and research initiative designed to help eligible homebuyers reduce the costs associated with purchasing a home while promoting energy efficiency and sustainable homeownership.

Eligible participants may qualify for incentives of up to $13,000, or up to 3.5% of the home purchase price, subject to program requirements, lender approval, and availability.

Participants complete homebuyer education requirements and pursue energy-efficiency improvements as part of the program.

HoperProgram.com is an independent informational website operated by John Backer, REALTOR® with SimpliHOM. This site provides general information about the HOPER Program and is not owned or operated by HOPER or Attainable Housing Advocates.


Key Benefits of the HOPER Program

  • Financial Incentive: Eligible participants may qualify for up to $13,000, or up to 3.5% of the purchase price, to assist with approved home purchase expenses.
  • Energy Efficiency: Pursue energy-efficiency improvements as part of your homeownership journey.
  • Potential Energy Savings: Energy-efficient improvements may help reduce long-term utility costs.
  • Education & Support: Complete homebuyer education and work with experienced professionals throughout the process.

Do You Qualify for the HOPER Program?

Eligibility depends on factors including your state, loan program, property type, lender participation, borrower qualifications, and completion of required education and energy-efficiency activities.

Contact John Backer to discuss your situation and learn whether the HOPER Program may be available for your home purchase.


Eligibility Requirements

  • Desire to purchase or refinance an eligible primary residence.
  • Program availability varies by state, lender participation, and loan program.
  • Perfect credit is not required, but all applicants must meet applicable credit and underwriting guidelines.
  • Complete required homebuyer education.
  • Complete required energy-efficiency improvements as part of the program.

How the Program Works

  1. Pre-Approval: Speak with a participating mortgage professional to review your eligibility and financing options.
  2. Education: Complete the required homebuyer education program.
  3. Incentive: Eligible participants may qualify for incentives of up to $13,000, or up to 3.5% of the purchase price, toward approved home purchase expenses.
  4. Energy-Efficiency Improvements: Complete program requirements designed to promote long-term energy savings and sustainable homeownership.
  5. Closing: Work with your lender to determine how program earnings may be used in accordance with underwriting guidelines, lender policies, and regulatory requirements.

Why Work With John Backer?

John Backer brings a unique combination of mortgage, real estate, technology, and community experience to help homebuyers better understand their options.

  • REALTOR® with SimpliHOM
  • REALTOR® first licensed in 1992
  • Over 30 years of technology and client-support experience
  • Founder of HoperProgram.com and ConnectNeighbors.com

Not in Arizona or Tennessee?

No problem. HoperProgram.com provides general information about the HOPER Program nationwide. While John Backer is a licensed Realtor in Arizona, he is happy to answer general questions and help connect you with professionals licensed in your state.


Wondering Whether You Qualify?

Call, text, or email John Backer to learn whether the HOPER Program may be a fit for your situation. We'll answer your questions, review your options, and help guide you through the next steps.


Important Program Disclosures:

Incentives, credits, or assistance described on this site, including the “up to $13,000” or 3.5% benefit, are subject to eligibility, program availability, lender approval, underwriting guidelines, and change without notice. Not all applicants will qualify. Program terms, conditions, and availability may vary based on borrower eligibility, property type, state, lender participation, and loan program selected.

This website provides general information about the HOPER Program based on publicly available information and materials provided by HOPER. Program requirements, benefits, and availability are determined by HOPER and participating lenders and are subject to change without notice.

HOPER is a socially innovative research organization. Research participants may earn 1099 income that is taxable to them. HOPER states that research participants may choose to use program earnings to help establish cash reserves after closing or to cover eligible closing costs above and beyond the participant's minimum statutory investment, subject to lender policies and applicable regulations.

HOPER is not a lender. Participants should consult with their lender regarding how program earnings may be used in accordance with applicable underwriting guidelines, lender policies, and regulatory requirements.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) do not approve or endorse private research organizations, and HOPER claims no such approval or endorsement.

HoperProgram.com is an independent informational website operated by John Backer, Realtor with SimpliHOM. This website is not owned or operated by HOPER. For official program requirements, policies, and additional information, please visit hoper.org.



Contact John Backer

Cell: 520.519.9449
Email: JohnBacker@SimpliHOM.com

Equal Housing Opportunity