The Genesis Program
Loan Assistance Programs 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 2020
The Genesis Program, also known as Grant America, is a non-profit down payment assistance program. It is operated by the Penobscot Indian Tribal Nation and technically qualifies as a government entity. Like other Native American tribal nations, the Penobscot tribal nation is HUD-approved to offer assistance, even to those living outside tribal jurisdiction. Grant America offers down payment assistance to low and middle income home buyers:
- Those with an FHA loan or are pre-approved for FHA mortgages qualify for the Grant America program.
- Grant America offers up to $34,000 in down payment assistance.
- This program is open to those with approved FHA loans buying new or resale homes.
- Program participation is not required to be included in the contract, but the seller must participate in the Grant America program.
Applying for a Grant America program is simple:
- Get pre-approved for an FHA loan or complete your FHA mortgage paperwork and get approved for a specific FHA loan amount.
- Find a home you want to buy and agree with the seller to draw up a contract.
- Tell your realtor you want to buy the home using Grant America.
- Contact your loan officer
- Your loan officer will complete a Grant America application on your behalf.
- Grant America wires funds to the bank the day of closing the deal (or the day before if you close in the morning).
Contact your loan officer if you have questions about how the program application process works. Remember, the seller must participate in the program. Your loan officer and realtor may be able to assist if the seller has questions about how to sign up.
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:
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
June 26, 2020 - The FHA reverse mortgage loan program is known as the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage or HECM for short. Lots of people are interested in reverse mortgages--but who qualifies for the FHA version of the reverse mortgage and how do you know if your home is eligible for the loan?
June 25, 2020 - Refinancing can save you money in interest payments over the long term. It can also provide a lower monthly payment or result in cash back to the borrower once the original loan has been paid off and the associated closing costs dealt with.
June 23, 2020 - Credit approval for big loans like a mortgage isn’t dependent just on FICO scores.. Home loan approval depends on a number of factors that are reviewed by your lender after you submit a loan application. One factor is your employment history.
June 20, 2020 - Comparing rates is a very good thing to do when shopping around for a lender but knowing why government-backed loans such as FHA mortgages, USDA loans and VA loans have lower interest rates for highly qualified borrowers is an important factor.
June 19, 2020 - CARES Act relief measures and other moves by federal agencies have provided some economic help--and the FHA/HUD is no exception, requiring participating lenders to delay initiating or continuing foreclosures during the ongoing emergency.
