What are the basic HOPER program requirements?

FHA financing only (purchase or rate/term refinance), a minimum 620 credit score, an eligible primary residence in an eligible state, a new solar system not exceeding 20% of the property value, fixed loan terms of 15–30 years, and completion of the program's financial education courses plus two brief surveys per year for five years.

Does HOPER have income limits or repayment requirements?

No income limits and no repayment. Unlike most assistance programs, HOPER compensation is earned income for research participation, reported on a 1099 and taxable, so there is no income ceiling, nothing to repay, and no second lien.

HOPER Program Requirements & Eligibility

Q: Who qualifies for the HOPER program?

Broadly, anyone who qualifies for a standard FHA loan with a minimum 620 credit score, buying or refinancing an eligible primary residence (1–4 units, manufactured home, townhome, or PUD, not a condo) in one of the 42 HOPER-eligible states. Final eligibility is determined by AHA Group and standard FHA underwriting.

Q: Is the HOPER program available in my state?

HOPER is available in 42 states. As of this writing the exceptions are Alaska, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Rhode Island, and Vermont. See the eligible states page at hopersolarprogram.com/states.html for the current list.

The one-sentence version: HOPER eligibility means an FHA loan (purchase or rate/term refinance) with a minimum 620 credit score, on an eligible primary residence in one of the 42 HOPER-eligible states, plus completing the program's education courses and surveys.

Borrower & Credit Requirements

Minimum 620 credit score; standard FHA underwriting applies on top of this floor.
Qualify on the full loan amount, including the financed solar system; debt-to-income is calculated on the combined payment.
No income limits. HOPER compensation is earned through participation, not granted based on need; there's no income ceiling to stay under.
Your 3.5% minimum investment comes from your own funds before program earnings are applied to the transaction.

Loan Requirements

FHA financing only: a purchase loan or a rate/term refinance. Conventional, VA, and USDA loans aren't eligible.
Fixed terms of 15, 20, 25, or 30 years.
Seller concessions capped at 2.5%, and program earnings plus concessions together shouldn't exceed 6% of the sales price.

Property & State Requirements

Primary residence: 1–4 units, manufactured homes (single- or multi-width), fee-simple townhomes, or PUDs.
Condominiums are ineligible, nationwide, no exceptions.
New solar system not exceeding 20% of the property's value, financed into the loan under FHA's Solar & Wind Technology policy.
Located in one of 42 eligible states. Currently unavailable in Alaska, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Rhode Island, and Vermont, check your state here.

Participation Requirements

Pre-closing financial education course: self-paced online, roughly 4–6 hours ($149).
Post-closing mentorship course: roughly 9 hours ($99).
Two brief research surveys per year for five years; this participation is what makes the up-to-$13,000 earned income.

Final say: this checklist reflects published program guidelines. Final HOPER eligibility is always determined by AHA Group and your lender's standard FHA underwriting; a pre-approval is how edge cases get answered.

Quick answers

Who qualifies for the HOPER program?

Broadly: anyone who qualifies for a standard FHA loan with a 620+ score, buying or refinancing an eligible primary residence in an eligible state. If your loan officer can pre-approve you for FHA, HOPER is almost always on the table.

Is HOPER available in my state?

It's available in 42 states. The current exceptions are Alaska, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Rhode Island, and Vermont, see the full eligible states list.

Does HOPER have income limits or repayment?

Neither. Compensation is earned income for research participation (1099, taxable), so unlike down payment assistance, there's no income ceiling, nothing to repay, and no second lien on your title.

What if I'm right at the edge of a requirement?

Edge cases (credit right at 620, manufactured homes, 2–4 unit properties) are exactly what a pre-approval sorts out. It costs nothing to find out where you stand.

Think you qualify?
Find out in one conversation.

Call, start your application online, or book a free consultation, whichever fits how you like to work.

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HOPER program requirements:who qualifies?

Quick answers

Who qualifies for the HOPER program?

Is HOPER available in my state?

Does HOPER have income limits or repayment?

What if I'm right at the edge of a requirement?

Think you qualify?Find out in one conversation.

HOPER program requirements:
who qualifies?

Think you qualify?
Find out in one conversation.