8zKeys4Life - 8z Real Estate

We believe that real estate and home ownership are powerful engines to build stronger communities.

Home ownership is directly linked to unleashing upward social mobility, the American promise. At 8z, that is why we do what we do, passionately.

As part of the 8z4Life program, we’re proud to launch Keys4Life, an initiative that provides grants to first time buyers to help them realize their dreams of owning a home. This support is through dual paths: financial literacy education on the intricacies of home ownership and the steps to get there; paired with real financial support provided by 8z and its partners.

We have created a $250,000 fund to help with closing costs and prepaid expenses to bridge the often-small gap that may hinder first time buyers.

8 Principles of Home Ownership

Our Keys4Life educational program details the 8 Principles of Home Ownership:

Credit

Down Payment

Savings

Budget

Debt to Income

Make a Plan

Build a Team

Follow Up

Keys4Life Details

Learn more about the details and parameters of the program by expanding the boxes below.

Qualifications to Apply

Must be a first time home buyer who is ready to purchase a home!
Must be a client of an 8z Realtor and an 8z loan officer.
Client’s income and asset limits must follow CHFA. Your 8z lender will determine if a client fits these parameters.
Clients must be willing and able to attend Financial Literacy classes and complete the required coursework.

How Keys4Life Works

Once an application is received, 8z will reach out to the client’s Realtor to receive their written recommendation.
The client needs to be working with both an 8z Realtor and, ultimately, an 8z lender.
Upon completion of the Financial Literacy classes, the client will begin looking for properties with their Realtor and working with their lender to get ready to write a contract.
Once under contract, both the Realtor and lender will review the settlement sheet for closing costs required as well as review the need per each client.
Clients will fall into grant three tiers depending on the need and purchase price of home:
- $1000 towards closing costs
- $2500 towards closing costs
- $5000 towards closing costs

Keys4Life Program Details

Approved Keys4Life clients must complete the Financial Literacy program, which is broken down into three, two-hour sessions, each one week apart.
Clients are required to attend all three sessions, which will be held virtually via Zoom.
The program runs quarterly. If a session is full, clients will be added to the next quarter’s classes.
Applications Open December 15th.
Applications Close January 5th.
The sessions will be held virtually in February, dates to be determined.
Class size is limited to 10 households per session.

Ready to Apply?

8z Keys4Life Application

Postulación a Keys4Life de 8z

Together, we can make home ownership a reality for many who may not have become homeowners otherwise.

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According to the Federal Reserve Survey of Consumer Finances, the net worth of a homeowner is over 44 times greater than that of a renter.

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The graduation rate for children of homeowners is 19 percent higher than for renters, and they are twice as likely to acquire some postsecondary education, according to a study in a journal published by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.