Grant America (or Genesis Program)

The Genesis Program, also known as Grant America, is a non-profit down payment assistance program. It is operated by the Penobscot Indian Tribal Nation and technically qualifies as a government entity. Like other Native American tribal nations, the Penobscot tribal nation is HUD-approved to offer assistance, even to those living outside tribal jurisdiction. Grant America offers down payment assistance to low and middle income home buyers:

• Those with an FHA loan or are pre-approved for FHA mortgages qualify for the Grant America program.
• Grant America offers up to $34,000 in down payment assistance.
• This program is open to those with approved FHA loans buying new or resale homes.
• Program participation is not required to be included in the contract, but the seller must participate in the Grant America program.

Applying for a Grant America program is simple:

• Get pre-approved for an FHA loan or complete your FHA mortgage paperwork and get approved for a specific FHA loan amount.
• Find a home you want to buy and agree with the seller to draw up a contract.
• Tell your realtor you want to buy the home using Grant America.
• Contact your loan officer
• Your loan officer will complete a Grant America application on your behalf.
• Grant America wires funds to the bank the day of closing the deal (or the day before if you close in the morning).

Contact your loan officer if you have questions about how the program application process works. Remember, the seller 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.

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.

FHA GRANT ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

• Ameridream
• Nehemiah
• American Family Funds
• Familiy Home Providers
• Futures Home Assistance
• Grant America
• Housing Action Resource Trust
• Newsong
• Partners in Charity
• Responsible Home Ownership
• Quickdown

The first thing you learn as a new FHA mortgage borrower is that you can't apply for an FHA loan at just any bank. The FHA must approve lenders to offer FHA loans, FHA refinancing and homeowner bailout programs. Down payment assistance programs allowed the seller and charitable organizations to contribute towards the closing costs and down payment of FHA loans.

FHA FORECLOSED HOMES

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