HENRICO, VA — Henrico County is set to host a free first-time homebuyer event on Sept. 24 for people who want to learn more about affordable homeownership through the county’s housing initiative. The open house, called Ready, Set, Close! First-Time Buyer Event, will run from 4 to 7 p.m. at Deep Run Recreation Center.
The gathering is aimed at qualifying buyers and home builders who want information about available homes and the process for taking part in the program. County officials say attendees can arrive at any time during the open house format, which is designed to make the event easy to access for working families and others with busy schedules.
County program has already supported 87 home purchases
The event comes after the Henrico County Board of Supervisors created the Henrico Affordable Housing Trust Fund in May 2024. County leaders said the goal was to help residents who have been priced out of the local housing market find a path to ownership at a lower cost.
Since the trust fund began, 87 homes built with its support have been bought by qualifying first-time buyers at reduced prices. County officials also say 472 homes are currently approved for funding through the program, showing that the initiative is still expanding beyond its first round of sales.
What buyers can expect to learn at Deep Run Recreation Center
At Ready, Set, Close!, prospective buyers will be able to speak with staff from several nonprofit housing partners. Those organizations include Partnership for Housing Affordability, Housing Opportunities Made Equal of Virginia, the Maggie Walker Community Land Trust, Local Initiatives Support Corporation Virginia, Richmond Habitat for Humanity and Virginia Housing.
County officials say the conversations will focus on homeownership programs and practical next steps for people trying to qualify. Buyers can also ask questions about homes that are already available or expected soon through the trust fund.
Builder partners will show current and upcoming homes
The county says home builder partners will also be on hand to discuss specific homes tied to the trust fund. Those builders include Stanley Martin Homes, HHHunt Homes, StyleCraft Homes, Ryan Homes, Center Creek Homes and D.R. Horton.
For buyers, that means the event is not just about general advice. It is also a chance to connect directly with the companies building homes that may be sold at reduced prices to eligible first-time purchasers through the county’s affordable housing effort.
Income limits and affordable pricing are central to the trust fund
Revitalization Specialist Emily Hurley said the trust fund is intended to help first-time buyers whose annual income falls below a certain level purchase a home in Henrico at a more affordable price. She said county staff understand that buying a first home has become increasingly difficult for many residents.
Hurley said the trust fund is meant to increase the supply of affordable homes and help residents achieve homeownership. County officials are encouraging prospective buyers to attend the event and learn whether they may qualify for the program.
Henrico is also inviting builders and developers to learn about incentives
The information fair is not only for would-be buyers. Henrico says the event is also open to home builders and developers interested in learning about incentives the county can offer to for-profit and nonprofit groups that create quality affordable housing.
That broader invitation suggests the county wants to grow the program on both ends: by helping households buy homes now and by encouraging more development that can feed the trust fund pipeline later. Officials say the event is meant to be accessible for everyone.
Anyone who may need accommodations is asked to contact Hurley by Thursday, Sept. 10, at (804) 501-7612 or hur034@henrico.gov.
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