POLICY UPDATES

November 5, 2012

The Bank’s Workforce Initiative Subsidy for Homeownership (WISH) Program provides grants to eligible first-time homebuyers of up to $15,000 per household, matching up to $3 for every dollar contributed by the homebuyer toward the purchase of the home.

Under the WISH program guidelines, a homebuyer’s contribution may include sweat equity. The Bank defines sweat equity as activities required of the homebuyer that are directly related to the construction of a home. Activities not related to the construction of a home, such as fundraising for the sponsoring community organization or participating in education-related activities, are not considered sweat equity for purposes of determining the amount of a homebuyer’s contribution.

The Bank places a value of $15 per hour on sweat equity activities.  As evidence of a homebuyer’s sweat equity contribution, disbursement requests must include a Sweat Equity Log or Certificate of Sweat Equity Hours issued by the sponsoring community organization.

If you have any questions, please contact the Community Investment Department at 415-616-2542 or email wish@fhlbsf.com.