Genesis Program (Grant America)
FHA Downpayment Grants for Homebuyers
The Genesis Program, also known as Grant America, offers down payment assistance to low and middle income home buyers. Buyers with an FHA loan or who are pre-approved for FHA mortgages qualify for this program.
- Grant America offers up to $34,000 in down payment assistance.
- This program for those buying new or resale homes.
- The seller must participate in the Grant America program and pay a fee.
Tell your realtor you want to buy a home using a seller in the Grant America program. Once you find a home you wish to buy, contact your loan officer. An application will be sent in your name for Grant America, which will send funds to approved buyers the day you close the deal.
Contact your loan officer if you have questions on the Grant America application process. Sellers must participate in the program. Your loan officer and realtor may be able to assist if the seller has questions about how to sign up.
Additional Information:
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.
FHA LOAN QUESTION # 5 [ -more FHA questions- ]
Q: How large of a down payment do I need?
A: There are mortgage options now available that only require a down payment of 5% or less of the purchase price. But the larger the down payment, the less you have to borrow, and the more equity you'll have. Mortgages with less than a 20% down payment generally require a mortgage insurance policy to secure the loan. When considering the size of your down payment, consider that you'll also need money for closing costs, moving expenses, and - possibly -repairs and decorating.
First time home buyers purchasing a home with an FHA loan or going through a HUD-approved charitable agency can use their 2009 First Time Homebuyer's Tax Credit to make their downpayment.
Down payment assistance programs allowed the seller and charitable organizations to contribute towards the closing costs and down payment of FHA loans.
