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 2019
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
January 31, 2019 - An important thing to know about applying for an FHA mortgage in the new year is that FHA loan limits are higher in 2019, giving people the ability to borrow more to buy a home. And you don't have to stay with your current lender when you are doing an FHA-to-FHA refi loan.
January 30, 2019 - Looking for a first home but worried about your credit scores? FHA loans feature lower credit requirements but it’s easy to forget that FICO scores are not the only criteria used to judge your ability to afford a first home loan.
January 28, 2019 - There are five basic areas you should prepare in before filling out paperwork to apply for an FHA home loan. If you haven’t taken these steps, it is best to do so before you submit your application to the lender.
January 27, 2019 - There are published minimum FICO scores for many government-backed mortgage loan programs including FHA loans. The VA home loan program requires no down payment AND has no VA-required minimum FICO scores, but they're not available to just anyone.
January 26, 2019 - Mortgage loan Interest rates can and do change on a daily basis; some of those changes are minor, others may result in a sharp upward or downward turn. The mortgage loan rates a borrower checks in the morning may not be the same rates as those posted later in the day.
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!
