Movin’ Up First-Time Homebuyer Assistance Programs

Movin’ Up: West Virginia’s Hidden Gem for First-Time Homebuyers

Dreaming of an address that finally belongs to you? For many Mountaineers, the biggest obstacle is scraping together a down payment. Enter Movin’ Up, West Virginia’s statewide initiative that bridges the gap between “someday” and “right now.” In the next few minutes you’ll discover how this program can slash thousands off your upfront costs, whether you’re purchasing a Charleston craftsman or a cabin in Canaan Valley.

Table of Contents

• How the Movin’ Up Program Works
• Who Qualifies for Movin’ Up?
• How Much Assistance Can You Receive?
• Can You Combine Movin’ Up With Other Grants?
• Real-Life Success Story
• Step-by-Step Application Guide
• Quick-Hit FAQ
• Take the Next Step

How the Movin’ Up Program Works

Offered through the West Virginia Housing Development Fund (WVHDF), Movin’ Up provides:

• 30-year fixed-rate mortgages priced below prevailing market rates.
• Down payment & closing-cost assistance of up to $8,000, structured as a 0% deferred second mortgage.
• Flexible income ceilings that adjust by county, household size, and loan type.
• No “first-time” requirement. If you’ve owned before but are buying a new primary residence, you can still qualify.

The assistance comes in a second lien that only becomes due when you sell, refinance, or pay off your first mortgage—an approach that keeps your monthly payment lean.

Who Qualifies for Movin’ Up?

Eligibility is surprisingly wide. WVHDF designed the Movin’ Up homeownership program for households with low to moderate incomes, but the matrix flexes by location. For instance, a two-person household in Morgantown can earn roughly 98% more than a similar household in rural Logan County and still fit beneath the line.

Core criteria

• Credit score: Most lenders require a 620 FICO, but 640+ unlocks smoother approvals.
• Debt-to-income (DTI): Keep total debts below 45% of gross monthly income.
• Occupancy: The property must be your primary residence within 60 days of closing.
• Purchase price: Capped at $422,000 statewide—comfortably above West Virginia’s 2024 median price of $160,000.

Tip: A free pre-approval from a WVHDF-approved lender will instantly confirm your county income limit.

How Much Assistance Can You Receive?

The magic number depends on your income:

• Up to $5,000 for borrowers at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI).
• Up to $8,000 for borrowers above 80% AMI.

Because the average down payment on a $165,000 starter home in West Virginia is just under $6,000 (assuming 3.5% down FHA financing), Movin’ Up can cover the entire amount for many buyers—and still leave a cushion for closing costs. That’s not just convenience; it’s the difference between dipping into a retirement fund and preserving your long-term nest egg.

Can You Combine Movin’ Up With Other Grants?

Yes, stacking is not only possible—it’s encouraged. The WVHDF allows borrowers to layer Movin Up West Virginia program funds with:

• Federal FHA, VA, or USDA loans for low down payments.
• Employer-assisted housing grants from major state employers (CAMC, WVU, etc.).
• Local land bank incentives in Huntington, Bluefield, and Wheeling.

Just make sure your lender discloses each source. Underwriting will use the total assistance to ensure you still invest at least $500 of your own funds—a WVHDF requirement to keep “skin in the game.”

Micro-Story: Hannah’s Leap From Renting to Roots

Two years ago, Hannah—a 27-year-old neonatal nurse in Morgantown—was shelling out $1,450 a month for a one-bedroom apartment. She assumed homeownership would require a $20,000 savings cushion she simply didn’t have. A coworker whispered the words “Movin’ Up” during a break-room chat. Intrigued, Hannah called a WVHDF-approved lender on her lunch break.

Fast forward 37 days: she closed on a $172,000 townhouse with $7,800 in closing help from the Movin’ Up initiative and a USDA loan’s 0% down option. Her new mortgage? $1,164. She’s now building equity while paying less each month—and that freed-up $286 is earmarked for a weekend Patisserie class at The Culinary Classroom in Clarksburg.

Step-by-Step Application Guide

1. Find an Approved Lender. WVHDF lists partners statewide. A local lender knows county nuances.
2. Get Pre-Qualified. Provide pay stubs and bank statements; expect a soft credit pull.
3. Select a Home within Limits. Your Realtor can filter MLS results by the $422k cap.
4. Sign the Movin’ Up Addendum. This short form discloses the deferred second mortgage.
5. Complete Homebuyer Education. An online HUD-approved course (≈2 hours) satisfies the requirement.
6. Close & Celebrate. Funds are wired automatically; you walk away with keys—and maybe a little extra cash for that first porch swing.

Quick-Hit FAQ

Q: Do I have to be a first-time buyer?
A: No. The WV Movin’ Up mortgage option is open to repeat buyers purchasing a new primary residence.

Q: Is there a minimum borrower contribution?
A: Yes, at least $500 must come from your own pocket, but gift funds are allowed on top of that.

Q: Will the second mortgage accrue interest?
A: No, the note is 0% and deferred—no monthly payments until payoff, refinance, or sale.

Q: Are manufactured homes eligible?
A: Yes, if the home is double-wide, permanently affixed, and meets HUD guidelines.

Q: How long does approval take?
A: Average turn-times range from 25–40 days, subject to appraisal timelines.

Ready to Plant Your Roots?

Whether you’re eyeing a riverside bungalow in Point Pleasant or a ski-in chalet near Snowshoe, Movin’ Up can turn “wish list” into “address change.” Start by downloading WVHDF’s pre-qualification checklist or connect with a certified lender today. Your future porch light is one click away.

Explore Movin’ Up and Get Pre-Approved