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:
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FHA Loan Articles and Mortgage News
April 2, 2020 - If you have an FHA mortgage, refinance loan, or One-Time Close construction mortgage and are experiencing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak, you may qualify for certain relief measures including those announced in this latest HUD action. What kind of relief may be available to you?
April 1, 2020 - FHA lenders have been asked by the Department of Housing and Urban Development to use reasonable judgment when trying to decide who is legitimately affected by COVID-19 for the purpose of evaluating the loan.
March 30, 2020 - Recently the FHA and HUD issued a mortgagee letter announcing that appraisal rules had been temporarily modified to permit exterior-only appraisals for FHA home loans and reverse mortgages.
March 20, 2020 - The Department of Housing and Urban Development has announced immediate relief for home owners affected by the national coronavirus outbreak. Effective immediately there is a HUD-mandated moratorium on all foreclosures on FHA Single-Family home loans for sixty days.
March 19, 2020 - Making your mortgage payment in times like these can be challenging, and many fear getting behind. What should a home owner do if it appears that a late or missed home loan payment is on the horizon?
