Looking for the MN Fix Up Fund? We’ve got the scoop on what happened to this program, as well as other low income home repair grants and loans in Minnesota!
When you’ve dug so deep into your wallet that there’s nothing else left and your home keeps needing repair after repair, you might be worried about what you’re going to do. These programs can help you get the assistance you need for repairs to your home. You could qualify for help that provides you the relief you’ve been hoping for!
Get more information on home repair grants right here.
What happened to the MN Fix Up Fund?
According to a Minnesota Housing spokesperson who reached out via email, the MN Fix Up Fund was rebranded a few years ago. It is now called the Fix Up Loan Program.
“The Minnesota Housing Fix Up Loan Program allows those who are qualified to repair, remodel and make energy and accessibility improvements to their home. Loans go up to $50,000 with affordable, fixed interest rates. Longer repayment terms mean the option for lower monthly payments, and both secured and unsecured loan options are available. Fix Up works for a variety of projects and incomes, in homes all around the state. You can hire a contractor or even do projects yourself. Learn more about eligibility requirements and the application process by finding a local Fix Up lender partner at mnhousing.gov/fixup.”
Check out these other MN home repair options!
You could qualify for a grant from the USDA for up to $7,500. The grant can help you pay for valuable repairs to your home. The grant has requirements you must meet to qualify for it. Those who have a USDA-backed mortgage may qualify for the grant.
While most people think of Habitat for Humanity as an organization that builds houses, they might be able to help you repair a house you already have. If you qualify for their program, you could get a grant or a sweat equity loan. These could help you make repairs to make your home safer, more modernized or energy efficient.
The weatherization assistance program helps low-income families qualify for energy efficiency upgrades to their home. The program helps by providing you with upgraded insulation and other things that could allow you to save money on your electric bills. The added insulation and other options could even add value to your home! You must apply for the program through your local assistance office.
The home repair loan programs might help.
The Minnesota Housing Fix Up Loan Program allows those who are qualified to repair, remodel and make energy and accessibility improvements to their home. Loans go up to $50,000 with affordable, fixed interest rates.
In addition to their home loan programs, the USDA also offers a rehabilitation program. If you qualify for the program, you could get a loan of up to $20,000 to fix up your home. The loan is secured through a mortgage and you must pay it back. The interest rates vary, but they could be as low as 5%.
You can also get low-cost loans to repair your home!
Using the CEE loan, you could qualify for $1,000 to $20,000 to fix your home up. The loan is secured meaning that if you don’t pay it back, you could be at risk of losing your home. The annual percentage rate for the loan is 6.41%.
Low income homeowners in Minnesota could qualify for the home improvement loan from the housing authority. This loan is for people who are unable to get traditional financing and have basic home improvements that directly affect the safety, habitability, energy efficiency or accessibility of their homes. Loans are forgiven if you do not sell, transfer title or cease to occupy the property during your loan term.
You might be eligible for property tax relief in Minnesota!
Many low-income families qualify for a property tax refund when they pay their taxes at the end of the year. The property tax refund could help make your return bigger or could even save you from having to pay more on your tax bill.
You may also qualify for the homestead refund. This is similar to a property tax refund, but it is only for people who have a certain number of acres. Since the more land you have, the more you pay, getting a refund toward it could help you save money.
Senior citizens could qualify for property tax deferral. If you are over 65 and you make $60,000 per year or less, you might get help with your property tax payments. Once you qualify for the program, you can use it for life. It allows you to pay no more than 3% of your income in property taxes.
Minnesota foreclosure prevention programs are available.
If you are low-income, you could qualify for foreclosure postponement. Certain issues like a recent job loss, military-related reasons and other things could help you qualify. There are different requirements you must meet if you want to get foreclosure postponement.
The Minnesota Affidavit of Postponement could help you keep your home out of foreclosure for up to five months. Not everyone will qualify for it and you might have to meet other requirements to use it. During the five month period, it’s suggested you take advantage of free counseling so you can get caught up on your mortgage.
Minnesota offers a foreclosure relief program through an independent agency. You can get help with foreclosure relief so you can make sure you don’t lose your house. After working hard and using things like the MN Fix Up Fund, it can be difficult to lose your home to foreclosure. Counseling can teach you how to make your mortgage a priority and better handle any issues you might have with your finances.
By using the prevention from foreclosure counseling with the home-ownership center, you can learn more about what you can actively do to keep your home from being foreclosed on. The program is free for anyone and also includes resources if you’re in imminent danger of losing your home.
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City and county specific home repair grants are here.
There are specific programs that can help you in different counties of Minnesota. Now that the MN Fix Up Fund has been revamped, you may discover that your best options lay in your local county organizations. There are so many options available to homeowners who need help in Minnesota!
Dakota County
You might be able to get help through the Dakota County housing authority. Keep in mind that most housing repair assistance in Dakota County is with low-interest loans and not grants.
Hennepin County
The Hennepin County community action partnership offers help with loans. They might be able to help with a low-interest loan to contribute toward repairs or pre-foreclosure assistance. You must apply through the county and you must meet certain requirements. Emergency help could be available.
In an effort to beautify the city, Minneapolis offers some grants to some residents for home repair. These grants are based on need and income. They could help you make sure you’re able to fix your home up and make it as livable as possible.
Ramsey County
If you’re in the St. Paul city limits, you could qualify for help from Rebuilding Together. The organization provides loans and grants to those who are in the Twin Cities. They offer low-interest loans to help you fix your home up.
Residents of Ramsey County who do not qualify for the MN Fix Up Fund and who are elderly, disabled or low-income could get help from the Hearts and Hammers organization. Not only does the organization fund repair projects for those it serves but they also offer volunteers to complete the service. The waiting list for this program can be somewhat long at times.
The Project for Pride in Living could help residents of Ramsey County fix their home up. The MN fix up fund and the program work together to allow people the chance to make sure their home is safe and they are comfortable in it. You must meet certain requirements as a homeowner to qualify for any help from the organization.
St. Paul’s city living housing resources could help you get a grant to pay for repairs to your home. The program is through the housing authority and benefits residents by offering them a chance to fix up their home at low- or no- cost to them. It also benefits the city by making it a better place to live.
If you’re in Payne or Phalen neighborhoods in St. Paul, you could get help. The housing authority and homeowner organizations have teamed up to help those who are in need of repairs get the help that will make their home safer and more comfortable to live in.
St. Louis County
Those who are in St. Louis County could get help with low-interest rate loans. These loans are capped at $2,500 and come with interest fees of 6% or less depending on your credit. They can be used for repairs and can help you make your home better.
If you live in Duluth, you might qualify for low-interest rate loans also! These loans come in varying amounts.
Thanks for checking out our post on the MN Fix Up Fund!
You can get grants for many different repairs. After working so hard to accomplish your dream of homeownership, you shouldn’t let something like home repairs bring you down. Instead, visit your local housing authority or even talk with your local assistance office.
Now you know what happened to the MN Fix Up Fund – and you have a list of other options that can help you out, too!
Catherine Marucci
Wednesday 7th of December 2022
Hi Eric. It can be a tough situation but don't give up hope. If you've already tried the programs listed above, it may be worth calling 211 to see if they know of anything you would qualify for.