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
January 4, 2020 - Purchasing a home, or building one from the ground up using a construction loan, is a serious commitment. You’ll need to review your credit rating and credit history, which is beneficial no matter what you decide about buying a home.
January 2, 2020 - Did you know FHA mortgages are not limited to first-time home buyers or those who have never owned property before? It’s true--you don’t need to have a financial need or be a first-time buyer to qualify.
December 30, 2019 - There is no income limit for FHA Jumbo loans, and there is no first-time home buyer requirement. There is, however, a set of rules that apply specifically to Jumbo loans that you’ll want to know about.
December 24, 2019 - If you are interested in refinancing your home loan with an FHA mortgage, you may be confused over the rules . Some FHA refinance loans allow cash back to the borrower while others do not. The requirements for such loans will depend on whether there is cash back or not.
December 22, 2019 - If you are considering a home loan in the new year, consider the options open to you with an FHA mortgage. FHA loans are guaranteed by the government for a certain amount of the loan, which makes it easier for the lender to offer you credit even if you have previous negative credit issues.
