Mobile’s Downpayment Assistance Program is designed to turn renters into homeowners by closing the affordability gap at the time of purchase. Administered by the City of Mobile’s Neighborhood Development Department, the program offers a second-mortgage lien that can cover a substantial portion of the buyer’s down payment and allowable closing costs—commonly up to $10,000, with enhanced assistance (around $15,000) for homes in targeted or formerly blighted areas. The funds are forgiven if the buyer occupies the home as a primary residence for at least five years, aligning with neighborhood stabilization and anti-blight goals. Applicants must be first-time homebuyers, complete a pre-purchase counseling and education course, and purchase an eligible property that passes a Housing Quality Standards inspection and meets HUD safety requirements. Funding for the program is sourced from federal HUD allocations, enabling the city to support both city-sponsored single-family developments and private resales. By combining education, quality control, and significant gap financing, the program makes it easier for Mobile households to qualify for safe, affordable homes without needing a large lump-sum down payment.