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
September 26, 2022 - Knowing the FHA loan rules for loan approval in certain regions of the country can be important especially if the home you want to buy may be located in a known flood zone. Homes in certain types of flood zones or Special Flood Hazard Areas are not eligible for FHA mortgages.
September 25, 2022 - FHA appraisers must follow certain rules governing the process including some that address specific systems in the home. Some FHA appraisal requirements depend on standards set by the local authority, while others have specific guidance found in FHA rulebooks.
September 16, 2022 - If you seek an FHA One-Time Close construction loan or an FHA 203(k) Rehabilitation loan, there are some questions to ask when comparing lenders. You will need to know the lender’s policy on things like how the loan converts from the construction phase to the permanent phase.
September 14, 2022 - Borrowers who want FHA condo loans, or who buy homes in neighborhoods that have homeowner associations may be required to sign agreements for maintenance of common areas, agreements not to radically alter the exterior aesthetics of the home, or other covenants.
September 13, 2022 - The FHA offers something called a 203(k) Rehab loan for borrowers who want to purchase and rehab a property. This is a great loan offering, but what about borrowers who don’t need to do extensive rehab work to a home?
