AmeriDream Program
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 2018
AmeriDream is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people find affordable housing. Part of the AmeriDream mission is to help low and moderate income families buy homes by offering down payment assistance. Buyers who are qualified for an FHA loan but don't have the money for down payment and/or closing costs are eligible to apply for AmeriDream down payment assistance:
- A down payment gift of up to 10% (typically 3%-6%) of the purchase price.
- A true gift-the down payment assistance is not repaid by the home buyer
- Home buyer must have an approved FHA home loan or pre-approved FHA loan.
To participate in the AmeriDream down payment assistance program, buyers should;
- Get pre-approved for an FHA mortgage and start looking for a home.
- Make an offer on the home you want to buy and get a ratified contract.
- Your loan officer applies for the AmeriDream down payment assistance program on your behalf.
- You will receive a "Notice of Gift Approval" from AmeriDream.
- Close the deal on your new home.
The seller must participate in the AmeriDream program, but your loan officer can assist a seller in signing up for the program by showing where and how to apply. For your home buying needs, the loan officer will handle your application for AmeriDream down payment assistance, but may require additional information from you to help fill out the form.
AmeriDream is just one of many organizations offering down payment assistance to those with FHA approved home loans. If you have been pre-approved for an FHA mortgage loan but don't meet the income requirements for the AmeriDream program, keep looking. There are several down payment assistance programs with no income requirements or restrictions.
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
December 5, 2018 - When you purchase a home with an FHA mortgage, are you already contemplating when you might sell or refinance? It may sound premature to some, but for those who prefer long-term financial planning a strategy for home ownership makes sense.
December 2, 2018 - The average civilian with no time in uniform cannot be approved for a VA home loan because this mortgage is a benefit offered in exchange for military service. FHA mortgages, on the other hand, are open to all financially qualified borrowers.
December 1, 2018 - FHA mortgage loans require the home to meet minimum standards in order for the loan to be approved by your participating lender. There are some issues that leave the lender no choice but to deny the mortgage. Do you know what those are?
November 29, 2018 - A study by the National Association of Realtors reveals that a large number of house hunters in the Millennial age range purchased a previously owned home that requires some kind of repair work. If it’s safe to assume that Millennials love fixer-upper homes.
November 28, 2018 - There is a big difference between house hunting in December and closing the deal in December. Buyers may find sellers more willing to negotiate during the winter months in general if it looks to the seller like a long time might pass before getting another offer.
FHA.com Reviews
FHA.com is a one-stop resource for homebuyers who want to make the best decisions when it comes to their mortgage. With our detailed, mobile-friendly site, individuals can access information about different FHA products, the latest loan limits, and numerous other resources to make their homebuying experience easier. Take a look at some of the reviews from other FHA.com visitors!
