FAQ

What is Hoper?

Hoper is a housing innovation company and a division of Attainable Housing Advocates, a group focused on expanding access to sustainable homeownership. We develop and operate research-driven programs designed to make homeownership more financially stable and attainable.

Through Hoper, eligible participants can earn income at closing while contributing to research focused on improving housing affordability.

Is Hoper a lender?

No. Hoper is not a mortgage lender.

We work alongside lenders, real estate professionals, and homebuyers to support participation in the Hoper program.

Is Hoper a nonprofit organization?

No. Hoper is a social innovation company and a division of the Attainable Housing Advocates Group.
Our programs combine research, education, and practical tools designed to improve long-term housing outcomes.

What is the Hoper Research Program?

The Hoper is a research initiative that allows eligible participants to earn income when purchasing a home.
Participants complete structured financial education and contribute to long-term housing research. In return, they may earn up to 3.5% of the home’s purchase price — up to $13,000 — at closing.

Is this down payment assistance?

No. Hoper does not provide down payment assistance.

Participants may earn income through the Hoper research program. Those funds can be used toward closing costs, reserves, or other expenses associated with purchasing a home.

Does the earned income need to be repaid?

No. Earned income through the Hoper program does not require repayment and does not create a second lien on the property.

Are there income restrictions?

No. The Hoper program does not impose income restrictions.
Eligibility is based on participation requirements and the structure of the home purchase.

Do I need to be a first-time homebuyer?

No. Hoper supports first-time buyers, repeat buyers, homeowners upgrading or relocating, and homeowners refinancing their current property.

The program is designed to support people at different stages of the homeownership journey — whether you’re purchasing your first home, moving to your next one, or refinancing to improve your financial position.

How much does it cost to participate?

Participation includes two online education components:

Pre-closing financial education course
4-6 hours, self-paced
Enrollment fee: $149

Post-closing financial mentorship course
8 hours, completed after moving into the home
Enrollment fee: $99

These courses are part of the research and education structure that supports the program.

Will participating affect my loan terms?

No. Hoper is designed to support buyers without increasing mortgage rates, adding second liens, or changing the structure of the loan.

Your mortgage terms are determined by your lender.

Do I need perfect credit to participate?

No. Hoper does not set its own credit score requirement. Your lender will determine the credit qualifications for your mortgage.

The program’s education components help participants better understand credit, budgeting, and long-term homeownership costs.

Is the earned income guaranteed?

Earned income is tied to eligibility and participation requirements within the Hoper research program.
Our team reviews these requirements with participants during the enrollment and purchase process.

How quickly can I start the process?

You can begin as soon as you enroll in the pre-closing education course.

Because the course is self-paced, most participants complete it within 4–6 hours, allowing them to move forward based on their homebuying timeline.

Can Hoper help if I’m not ready to buy yet?

Yes. Many participants begin with the education portion of the program while preparing financially for a future purchase.

The goal is to help buyers move forward with a clearer understanding of costs, financing, and long-term homeownership responsibilities.

Can Hoper help even in today’s housing market?

Yes. Rising costs and affordability pressures are exactly why the Hoper program was developed.

By combining financial education, research participation, and the opportunity to earn income at closing, Hoper helps buyers approach homeownership with stronger financial preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

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