On July 30, 2008, President Bush signed the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 which prohibits seller-funded down payment assistance. Historical program information is only provided for reference on this website.

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Partners in Charity

Loan Assistance Programs Canceled in 2008

Elimination of Nonprofit Down Payment Assistance: On July 30, 2008, President Bush signed the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 which 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. These grants are no longer available.

NEW: Down Payment Assistance Programs for 2024

Partners In Charity is a non-profit group offering down payment assistance on properties such as single-family homes, condominiums, and multi-unit properties. Assistance is also available for rehabilitation programs. Partners In Charity funds are offered to those who qualify for FHA loans or are pre-approved for FHA loan amounts.

There is only one requirement to use the Partners In Charity program; you must intend to occupy the building you purchase. You can't get down payment assistance for purchasing a home you intend to rent. Partners in Charity offers:

  • Need-based assistance from 2% to %10 of final closing price.
  • Funds can be used for closing costs and down payment.
  • This assistance can be listed as the source of down payment in the pre-approval process.
Your lender applies for the Partners In Charity program on your behalf. This program requires the seller to participate and your loan officer and/or realtor can help you with these details.

The Partners In Charity program can be listed in your "good faith estimate" for sources of down payment funds. It's important to decide whether you want to use this program in the early stages of your planning, preferably before submitting a request for pre-approval of an FHA home loan. Your loan officer can determine your needs to enter the correct amount of the down payment on these forms.

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.

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