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Get Matched Free →Joplin Homebuyer Assistance Program (JHAP-3)
How much assistance
Up to $40,000 (Forgivable Loan)
Forgiven over a 5-year or 10-year affordability period depending on the amount of assistance provided, as long as the home remains the buyer's primary residence.
Eligibility
- Income limits: Household income up to 300% of Federal Poverty Level (income-eligible households). The program is open to all income-eligible homebuyers, not just first-time buyers.
- First-time buyer required: No
- Geographic restrictions: Property must be located within the Joplin city limits in Jasper or Newton County, Missouri.
- Homebuyer education required: Yes
How to Apply for Joplin Homebuyer Assistance Program (JHAP-3)
Step 1: Check program status Visit jhapinfo.com or call 417-624-0820 ext. 1577 to confirm whether the waitlist is open or new applications are being accepted. As of April 2026, all $1,000,000 in program funds have been reserved and applications are paused.
Step 2: Review income eligibility Verify that your household income is at or below 300% of the Federal Poverty Level for your household size. The current income chart is posted on jhapinfo.com.
Step 3: Complete HUD-approved homebuyer education Complete an approved homebuyer education course before closing. The Economic Security Corporation of Southwest Area and other HUD-approved counseling agencies offer these classes.
Step 4: Find a home inside Joplin city limits Work with a licensed Missouri real estate agent to locate an eligible single-family home within the Joplin corporate city limits. Property must pass a housing quality standards inspection.
Step 5: Get prequalified with a participating first-mortgage lender Obtain a first-mortgage pre-approval (conventional, FHA, VA, or USDA) that is willing to subordinate to the JHAP-3 forgivable second. MHDC First Place and Next Step are commonly paired.
Step 6: Submit the JHAP-3 application Submit your signed purchase contract, income documentation, lender pre-approval, and homebuyer education certificate to the JHAP office. If funding is depleted, request waitlist placement in writing.
Step 7: Close and move in If approved, the City and ESC will coordinate with your closing attorney to record the forgivable second. You must occupy the home as your primary residence for the full 5- or 10-year affordability period for the loan to be fully forgiven.
Notes
The third round of the Joplin Homebuyer Assistance Program (JHAP-3) launched in March 2026 with $1,000,000 in funding to help an estimated 25-35 income-eligible buyers purchase homes inside Joplin city limits. Assistance is provided as a forgivable second loan with no monthly payments. Contact the JHAP Program Office at jhap@joplinmo.org or 417-624-0820 ext. 1577 for waitlist status or to ask about future funding rounds. Funds can be layered with MHDC First Place or Next Step first mortgages.