Homeownership Support
Ready to Move from Renting to Owning?
ICDC’s Homeownership Center helps residents understand the homebuying process, prepare for mortgage readiness, explore down payment assistance resources, and protect homeownership once they get there.
You do not have to be ready to buy today.
Many people come to ICDC at the beginning of the process. Maybe you are working on credit, trying to understand what you can afford, saving for upfront costs, or simply wondering whether homeownership is possible.
The Homeownership Center helps you understand where you are now and what steps may help you move forward.
How the Homeownership Center Helps
ICDC provides practical, local support for prospective homebuyers and homeowners. Our work is focused on helping families prepare, purchase, and protect.
Mortgage Readiness
Understand where you are now and what steps may be needed before speaking with a lender or pursuing pre-approval.
Affordability & Budgeting
Review income, monthly expenses, savings, credit, and what homeownership may realistically look like for your household.
Down Payment Assistance
Learn about resources that may help reduce upfront costs and understand what may be required to qualify.
Homeownership Protection
Access support related to homestead exemptions, property tax issues, title questions, and long-term housing stability.
Homeownership is a process, not a one-day decision.
The right support can help residents move from uncertainty to a clearer, more realistic plan.
Is this program for me?
The Homeownership Center may be a good fit if you want trusted guidance before making one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.
- You rent and want to explore buying your first home.
- You live in or care about South Dallas/Fair Park.
- You are not sure whether you are ready to buy.
- You need help understanding credit, savings, or affordability.
- You want to learn about down payment assistance.
- You are interested in future ICDC housing opportunities.
The Homeownership Center Process
The process starts with a simple interest form. From there, ICDC helps you understand your next step.
Complete the Interest Form
Tell us about your goals and how to contact you.
Attend a Workshop
Learn the basics and understand the Homeownership Center process.
Review Affordability
Look at income, expenses, credit, savings, and readiness.
Build an Action Plan
Identify next steps for credit, savings, documents, or lender referral.
Move Toward Purchase
When ready, move toward pre-approval, assistance, and home purchase.
Start Here
Take the first step toward homeownership.
Complete the interest form and ICDC will follow up with information about workshops, intake opportunities, and next steps.
This is not a mortgage application. It simply helps us understand how we can support you.
Complete the Homeownership Interest Form
Tell us where you are in the process and how to reach you. ICDC will use your response to help connect you with the appropriate next step.
Attend a First-Time Homebuyer Workshop
Monthly workshops are the best next step.
ICDC’s First-Time Homebuyer Workshops help participants understand mortgage readiness, affordability, budgeting, down payment assistance, and the steps involved in moving toward homeownership.
Next workshop: Date · Time · Location
Learn the Process
Understand the basic steps from interest to readiness to purchase.
Get Organized
Start thinking about income, budget, credit, savings, and documents.
Protect the Investment
Learn why sustainable homeownership includes protection after purchase.
Interested in Mill City Townhomes?
ICDC is developing Mill City Townhomes, a new affordable homeownership opportunity planned for South Dallas. The development will include eight townhomes designed for affordability for buyers earning below 80% of Area Median Income.
Mill City will have its own dedicated page with development details, timeline updates, buyer readiness information, and an interest form.
Why start now?
These homes are not ready yet, but buyers need to be. Mortgage readiness, savings, credit, paperwork, and down payment assistance can take time.
If you are interested in Mill City, the best first step is to begin the Homeownership Center process now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be ready to buy right now?
No. Many people come to ICDC early in the process. We can help you understand your next step.
Do I need perfect credit?
No. We can help you understand what lenders may look for and what steps may help you prepare.
Can ICDC help me with down payment assistance?
ICDC can help you understand available resources and what may be required to pursue down payment assistance.
What happens after I complete the interest form?
ICDC will follow up with information about the next workshop, orientation, or intake step.
Is Mill City Townhomes available now?
Mill City Townhomes is currently in development. Interested buyers should begin preparing now through the Homeownership Center.