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
July 27, 2021 - What documents do you need to complete a mortgage application? Once you get past the eligibility question, there are a variety of things you’ll want to have at your fingertips when filling out forms to get pre-approved for a purchase loan or apply directly for one.
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July 24, 2021 - ​What factors change FHA loan rates? Interest rates, in general, can fluctuate daily, and it can be difficult to know what to think when you see rates offered at one level from one lender, and at a higher or lower rate elsewhere.
July 22, 2021 - How many mortgage calculators do you need? There are multiple versions and they all have an important function. Many seeking FHA loans won’t need to use all of them or even most of them. Sometimes you just need a little extra information for planning and saving purposes.
July 21, 2021 - Are you concerned that your lender might deny your home loan? Do you know why your loan might be denied and what you can do about it ahead of time? Reasons may include late or missed payments on rent or past mortgages, low credit scores, or houses that cannot pass the appraisal process.
