American Family Funds
Loan Assistance Program Canceled in 2008
Elimination of Non Profit 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 2021
American Family Funds (AFF) administers The Dove Foundation, a non-profit charity offering down payment and/or closing cost assistance to qualified American home buyers. The program features:
- A simple application completed by your loan officer.
- No credit check.
- No income requirements.
- No limit on the amount of down payment assistance and/or closing costs.
Once you are pre-qualified for the FHA loan and find a property you want to buy, notify your loan officer, who will apply for the AFF down payment assistance on your behalf. Make an offer on the home that includes use of the AFF program.
- The seller must accept the terms of your offer.
- AFF provides the down payment money at the time of settlement.
- The money is applied to your down payment and/or closing costs.
- Typical down payments range between 3% and 6% of the contract price of a house, but individual terms may vary.
Ask your loan officer for details on American Family Funds, down payment assistance programs, or how to make an offer contingent on the use of the AFF program if you aren't sure how to proceed. AFF is only one of a wide variety of down payment assistance plans, be sure to explore all your options and find the program that meets your needs.
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.
Discontinued Down Payment Grant Programs:
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FHA Loan Articles and Mortgage News
October 24, 2021 - Scammers have developed approaches to refinance loan scams that get more sophisticated with each attempt. These attempted crimes may begin with a phone call from someone claiming to be a loan officer offering to discuss your refinance loan needs.
October 16, 2021 - FHA foreclosure relief was announced for certain areas of New Hampshire and Montana affected by natural disasters. In New Hampshire, Cheshire and Sullivan were affected by severe storms and floods. The state of Montana had areas affected by the Richard Spring Fire.
October 14, 2021 - Make the most informed decision about your refinance options as you can considering both. You can negotiate a better rate, monthly payment, or take cash out on the transaction if you choose your loan carefully and do so with an eye on your financial goals.
October 13, 2021 - The FHA and HUD have announced foreclosure relief measures and other disaster recovery options for those affected by flooding and storms in parts of Vermont during the summer of 2021. HUD extended an automatic 90-day foreclosure moratorium for Windham and Bennington counties.
October 9, 2021 - If you need a home loan, you’re likely planning and saving in advance of your application--applying for a home loan means putting money aside for a down payment, saving for closing costs, and working on your credit and debt ratio in the meantime.
