
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 took effect on Oct. 1, 2008.
We provide this information for reference only.
Family Home Providers is a non-profit affordable housing company offering down payment assistance to any family with steady employment and good credit. Under the Family Home Providers plan, those with an FHA loan are eligible for 3% of the final contract price of the home purchased with the FHA approved loan. Under this program:
One business day before closing on the home, Family Home Providers will wire the money to the closing agent. Your loan officer can set up a homeowner's insurance policy for your new home and open an escrow account, and you can close the deal.
Under the Family Home Providers down payment assistance program, your out-of-pocket costs for the down payment and/or closing costs should be under $1,000. Talk to your loan officer if you think you need to lower this amount. The loan officer can give you advice for saving the extra money, or re-arranging the closing terms to absorb some of the additional costs into your FHA loan where permitted. You may not be able to absorb all the closing costs of an FHA mortgage, ask your loan officer what rules may apply to you.
Down payment assistance programs generally require the seller to pay a fee to participate. This fee is considered a payment for services rendered and not a tax-deductible charitable contribution.
Since this program is no longer available, we recommend that you get pre-approved for a low down payment FHA home loan.

