AmeriDream Program
Loan Assistance Program 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 2022
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 homebuyer
- Homebuyer 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:
SEE YOUR CREDIT SCORES From All 3 Bureaus
Do you know what's on your credit report?
Learn what your score means.
FHA Loan Articles and Mortgage News
May 10, 2022 - Buying a home involves many small details and first-time homebuyers often have to resort to checklists or other means to keep everything organized. What do you need to know at the start of your first home buying journey?
May 8, 2022 - Some people aren’t sure which home loan product is right for them. In some cases it’s a question of supply and demand; if you seek an FHA manufactured home loan in New York City you are likely to be disappointed. But what about less obvious issues?
May 7, 2022 - Would you buy or rent the very first property you viewed in the house-hunting process? Few people would take the first property available without comparing it to others. Why would you treat the mortgage portion of your home ownership journey any differently?
May 6, 2022 - Housing discrimination persists in America despite federal laws requiring it to end; the Department of Housing and Urban Development encourages all who may have experienced some form of discrimination in the housing process to come forward.
May 5, 2022 - What do you need to consider in the planning stages of your FHA home loan? Some may not be sure how long it takes to save up for a down payment and closing costs, or what it takes to prepare credit ahead of a home loan.
