FHA Grants for Homeowners
Down Payment Assistance Programs
Elimination of Non-profit Down Payment Assistance
On July 30, 2008, President Bush signed H.R. 3221 - Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008.
Section 2113 of the bill prohibits seller-funded DPA (Down Payment Assistance) for loans backed by
the Federal Housing Administration. Prior to this bill, the seller could contribute up to 6% to the buyer to
cover either a down payment or closing costs on an FHA loan. The changes became effective October 1, 2008.
Since this program is no longer available, we recommend that you get pre-approved for a low down payment FHA home loan.
We provide the following information as a reference to the programs that provided FHA down payment grants and might return at some time in the future.
The AmeriDream program is designed to provide downpayment assistance to low and moderate income homebuyers who demonstrate the need for financial assistance. To use their program, Buyers must purchase a home enrolled in The AmeriDream downpayment Gift Program and qualify for a mortgage.
[ -more on AmeriDream Program- ]
The Nehemiah program is a private California non-profit organization that offers down payment assistance programs to qualified homebuyers. This programs offers free gift funds to be used towards the down payment and closing costs for eligible FHA loan programs.
[ -more on Nehemiah Program- ]
The Housing Action Resource Trust (HART) program is a California 501 c (3) non-profit housing and nommunity development corporation that promotes homeownership by offering down payment assistance programs to qualified low and moderate income homebuyers.
[ -more on HART Program- ]
The Partners in Charity (PIC) is a non-profit corporation that promotes homeownership by offering down payment assistance programs to qualified low and moderate income homebuyers. This programs offers free gift funds to be used towards the down
payment and closing costs for eligible FHA loan programs.
[ -more on Partners in Charity Program- ]
With the Family Home Providers Program, those with an FHA loan or who pre-qualify for an FHA home loan may be eligible for 3% of the final contract price of the home. The home must appraise for the sales contract price or more, and the seller pays closing costs.
[ -more on Family Home Providers Program- ]
Futures Home Assistance is a non-profit charity group which offers a down payment gift up to 6% of the closing costs of a home purchased with an FHA loan. You may be eligible for additional funds beyond the usual 6%.
[ -more on Futures Home Assistance Program- ]
Genesis Program, otherwise known as Grant America offers down payment assistance to low and middle income home buyers including those with an FHA loan or pre-approval for an FHA home loan. Grant America offers up to $34,000 in down payment assistance for new or resale homes.
[ -more on Genesis Program- ]
Newsong provides down payment assistance for purchases of both residential and commercial properties. The program features a one-time gift to cover all closing costs, and those who qualify for an FHA loan are eligible to apply for Newsong.
[ -more on Newsong Program- ]
The Responsible Home Ownership program is operated the non-profit Community Housing and Development Corp. This program offers down payment assistance specifically to low-income individuals who have steady income and good credit.
[ -more on Responsible Home Ownership Program- ]
The Quickdown program works together with non-profit agencies to offer down payment help for home buyers with approved or pre-approved FHA home loans. Quickdown is designed for first-time home buyers who can't afford to buy a home without down payment assistance.
[ -more on Quickdown Program- ]
American Family Funds runs a non-profit charity called The Dove Foundation. This charity offers down payment and/or closing cost assistance to home buyers with FHA home loans and to those pre-approved for FHA loans.
[ -more on American Family Funds Program- ]
FHA LOAN QUESTION # 13 [ -more FHA questions- ]
Q: What types of closing costs are associated with FHA-insured loans?
A: Except for the addition of an FHA mortgage insurance premium, FHA closing costs are similar to those of a conventional loan. The FHA requires a single, up-front mortgage insurance premium equal to 2.25% of the mortgage to be paid at closing (or 1.75% if you complete the HELP program). This initial premium may be partially refunded if the loan is paid in full during the first seven years of the loan term. After closing, you will then be responsible for an annual premium - paid monthly - if your mortgage is over 15 years or if you have a 15-year loan with an LTV greater than 90%.
