
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.
Futures Home Assistance is a non-profit charity group offering a free down payment gift up to 6% of the closing costs of a home purchased with an FHA loan. The mission statement of Futures Home Assistance includes the belief that people who dream of owning a home should not be hindered because of a lack of down payment funds.
The application process for the Futures Home Assistance program is similar to many other charity groups offering down payment assistance:
For those with approved FHA home loans, Futures Home Assistance usually responds to your loan officer's request within 24 hours. Once you are notified of approval your loan officer will tell you how long until your down payment gift funds are available. In some cases, more than the standard 6% down payment assistance amount may be available. Ask your loan officer whether you are eligible to receive more than 6% through this program.
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.
