There are national non profit organizations
dedicated to assisting homebuyers with their down payment and closing costs.
Buyers can receive a free gift under these programs. Gift amounts vary with
each program but are generally available in amounts of 3% with some programs,
all the way up to $22,500 with others. Buyers never have to repay these gifts.
It's easy to receive a free gift from these programs, however qualification
guidelines do vary with each program. Each program requires that buyers must
qualify for any eligible loan program with their lender (there are many
programs that qualify).
While this is the ONLY qualifying requirement of some programs, others have
requirements such as requiring that the buyer complete a Home Ownership
Counseling Course or provide 1% of their own funds into the transaction. In
addition some programs have income/asset restrictions, recapture clauses,
reserves required, or geographic boundaries. Each program can provide you with
their specific requirements and/or limitations
These programs generally participate with FHA, Conforming, and Jumbo loan
products. Most of these programs do not underwrite the loan or add any cost in
the form of points, fees, etc., they simply provide the gift for the down
payment and/or closing costs.
These downpayment assistance programs can be used for Single Family (1-4 unit)
homes, Manufactured/Modular Homes, Condominiums, Townhomes, Existing or New
Construction, Rehab and Jumbo.
Other Resources:
Partners in Charity Program
The Genesis Program
(Article Courtesy Mortgage 101)
To get started with a mortgage, refinance your home or receive a
home equity line of credit click here!