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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Quickdown Program

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

Quickdown is a program that works with non-profit agencies to provide down payment assistance. Homebuyers who benefit from Quickdown are those who qualify for approved or pre-approved FHA home loans. This program is designed for those who want to buy a home but are "cash challenged" and can't afford the down payment. Quickdown Homebuyers:

  • Can't afford to purchase a home without down payment assistance
  • Must use assistance funds for down payments only.
  • Are often first-time homebuyers or those who can't qualify for a conventional mortgage.

Quickdown requires the seller's participation, but does not work in direct contact with the seller. Ask your loan officer and/or real estate agent on how to get a willing seller involved in the closing of a home purchased with an FHA loan with assistance from Quickdown. If you have found a seller familiar with Quickdown:

  • Make an offer on the home you wish to buy.
  • Once the offer is approved, contact your loan officer and ask about using the Quickdown assistance program for the down payment.
  • Your loan officer applies to Quickdown on your behalf.

If you are interested in using Quickdown, your loan officer must file an application for pre-approval, so it's important to decide on using this down payment assistance program as early as possible to avoid delays in processing and getting your funds in time to close the sale using your FHA home loan.

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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