Oakland County Grant Awards $270,000 to 54 First-Time Homebuyers

Oakland County Treasurer Robert Wittenberg shared news that $270,000 in grants have gone out through the Oakland County Treasurer's Office Independent Bank Home Buyer Assistance Program, as shared by Oakland County Times. The program started in September 2024. By December 31, 2025, it had helped 54 first-time homebuyers purchase houses in 23 towns, including Ferndale, Lake Orion, Southfield, Waterford, and White Lake. Average price paid? $244,000.

Applications are still open. The treasurer's office funds it, and Independent Bank runs it. Why was it created? Its creation aimed to dismantle barriers to affordability and provide opportunities for income-qualified residents throughout the county to become homeowners.

"This milestone represents steady, measurable progress in expanding access to homeownership," said Robert Wittenberg, as reported by Oakland County Times. "Our collaboration with Independent Bank has helped qualified buyers reduce upfront costs, purchase homes in communities across Oakland County, and contribute to the economic strength and stability of those communities."

Qualified homebuyers can snag a $5,000 grant per household. The money goes toward the down payment and closing costs of their first house purchase. Many first-time buyers face shrinking buying power. Saving for competitive down payments becomes a struggle when nationwide averages sit between 14% and 20%, according to recent national homebuyer and real estate market data, as referenced by Oakland  County Times.

Research from the Mortgage Bankers Association shows typical first-time buyers put in just 6% to 9% toward a down payment. The assistance narrows that gap and breaks through upfront affordability walls.

"It is great to see the vast success that the Oakland County Treasurer's Office Independent Bank Home Buyer Assistance Program has had over the past year," said Patrick Ervin, Executive Vice President of Mortgage at Independent Bank, as per Oakland County Times. "Creating increased opportunities and access to homeownership benefits the entire community."

Who qualifies? Applicants must be first-time homebuyers purchasing a main residence in the county. They must have a qualifying household income at or below 120% of the county's Area Median Income—that's $123,240 for 2025.

Applicants must contribute at least $1,000 in personal funds. They must complete pre-purchase counseling. Mortgage financing? That has to come through Independent Bank. Complete eligibility requirements and application details are available at oakgov.com/dpassist.