The HART program offers grants to homebuyers as gift funds up to $15,000 toward the purchase of a home.

Housing Action Resource Trust (HART)

FHA Down Payment Grants for Homeowners

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 took effect on Oct. 1, 2008.

We provide this information for reference only.

The Housing Action Resource Trust or HART program is a non-profit housing organization offering help to home buyers who qualify for FHA "first mortgage" loans. A first mortgage does not mean "first-time home buyers only," but rather those who are getting the initial mortgage and not applying for a second mortgage or home equity loan.

Those who have pre-approval for an FHA loan or have an approved FHA loan qualify for HART. This program is aimed at those who have the right credit and employment to qualify for an FHA loan but lack the money for a down payment and/or closing costs. To use the Housing Action Resource Trust:

Get an FHA-approved loan or pre-approval on an FHA loan.
Find a house and make an offer.
Tell your realtor you want to buy the home using the Housing Action Resource Trust program
Contact your loan officer, who applies to the HART program on your behalf.

As with other down payment assistance programs, the seller must agree to participate in the HART program. Your loan officer will let you know when funds are scheduled to be transferred in your name for the down payment and/or closing costs.

If your seller has not signed up for the HART program but is willing to participate, ask your loan officer and/or realtor for details on how the seller may register with the House Action Resource Trust.

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

The FHA and the Government Crackdown on Loan Fraud

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.

Could Down Payment Assistance Programs Make a Comeback?

Down payment assistance programs allowed the seller and charitable organizations to contribute towards the closing costs and down payment of FHA loans.

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Remember, the FHA does not make home loans. They insure the FHA loans that we can assist you in getting.

FHA.com is a privately owned website that provides information about FHA guaranteed home loans, and is not associated with the federal government or HUD / FHA.

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