Quickdown Program
FHA Downpayment Grants for Homebuyers
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.
Like other down payment assistance programs, Quickdown requires the seller to participate, but Quickdown does not work in direct contact with the seller. Ask your loan officer or real estate agent about finding a participating seller or getting a willing seller involved in the program. If you have an FHA home loan and make an offer to a participating seller, apply for Quickdown through your loan officer who will submit an application for pre-approval. It's important to decide on using this down payment assistance program as early as possible to avoid delays in processing and to get your funds in time for the closings date.
Most down payment assistance programs require the seller to pay a fee to participate. It is important to note that the fee is considered a payment for services rendered. It is not a tax-deductible charitable contribution. Ask your loan officer for further information if you have questions.
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 # 12 [ -more FHA questions- ]
Q: What is the debt-to-income ratio for FHA loans?
A: The FHA allows you to use 29% of your income towards housing costs and 41% towards housing expenses and other long-term debt. With a conventional loan, this qualifying ratio allows only 28% toward housing and 36% towards housing and other debt.
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.
