Carver County Community Development Agency Celebrates National Homeownership Month

Communities with ample access to housing that is affordable stand out as vibrant, welcoming places where residents can thrive. Towns and cities that offer diverse housing options become magnets for new residents eager to plant roots, creating a ripple effect of opportunity and prosperity. 

In Carver County, MN, the Carver County Community Development Agency (CDA) is proud to lead efforts that make homeownership more accessible for current and future residents. This June, in celebration of National Homeownership Month, the CDA is spotlighting the many programs and resources available to help individuals and families achieve the dream of owning a home.

“There is a direct correlation between homeownership and stability, prosperity and a strong community fabric,” said Carver County CDA Executive Director Allison Streich. “During National Homeownership Month, we invite you to explore all our helpful tools to assist with purchasing a house, including our new Down Payment Closing Cost Assistance Program.”

Buying a House 101

Purchasing a home can be a dizzying experience, especially for first-time buyers. Can I afford this? What kind of mortgage do I qualify for? How do I budget for homeownership? The list of questions surrounding the process and procedure of buying a house is massive.

Carver County CDA recognizes that home ownership can be intimidating for various reasons. That’s why it aims to serve first-time homebuyers with HomeStretch, an eight-and-a-half-hour educational course required for its Down Payment Closing Cost Assistant Program and Community Land Trust opportunities. HomeStretch seeks to answer the above questions and other common questions about buying a house. The CDA, in partnership with Dakota County CDA and Old National Bank, is offering a course at its office on Friday, July 18, 2025.  To register for this class, please see: Home Stretch Homebuyers Education Course.

The Minnesota Homeownership Center is a wonderful resource where prospective buyers can find a directory of in-person and virtual educational workshops, among other resources.

“Education is a major key to long-term, successful homeownership,” Streich said. “Purchasing a home is often among the most significant decisions an individual or couple may make. We want anyone considering Carver County as a place to become a homeowner to know that we’re here to help. We recommend visiting our website to take full advantage of the resources, information and assistance we can provide.”

Expanding Access to Homeownership

Most, if not all, Americans would say owning a home is a major goal in life. Unfortunately, in many cases, the American Dream of homeownership is becoming more challenging to reach.

Understanding the generational boost and community impact that homeownership provides, Carver County CDA is dedicated to doing its part in pursuit of expanding homeownership access to low-to-moderate income buyers. To that end, Carver County CDA has two separate initiatives to support and encourage homeownership within Carver County: the Down Payment Closing Cost Assistance Program and the Carver County Community Land Trust (CCCLT). While applicants must choose one program or the other, both can have additional funding layered with them, i.e., Minnesota Housing down payment assistance.

Down Payment Closing Cost Assistance Program

Through this newly launched program, the CDA is offering up to $50,000 in deferred funding for homebuyers characterized as being at or below 100% of the Area Median Income for down payment and/or closing costs. The current 2025 AMI is $132,400. To learn more and apply, head to our site at Down Payment Closing Cost Assistance Program.

Carver County Community Land Trust (CCCLT)

Founded in 2009, the CCCLT creates long-term affordable homeownership opportunities in a shared equity model. Targeting first-time buyers whose gross annual income is at or below 80% of Carver County’s Area Median Income (AMI), the CCCLT purchases and holds the land while the buyer purchases and owns the house. Since its creation, CCCLT has helped provide homeownership with 42 homes throughout the County and is adding 11 new homes within the coming 12 months. Follow the hyperlinks for pre-screening and other information in a detailed brochure. 

Why Carver County?

Located 20 miles southwest of Minneapolis, Carver County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. For Carver County CDA inquiries, email us or call 952-448-7715.

Carver County’s 11 cities and 10 townships offer abundant amenities for residents and opportunities for homebuyers looking to plant roots. For information on exploring Carver County and all it has to offer, check out Choose Carver County.