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 2021
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
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April 8, 2021 - There are some general FHA loan rules you should know in the planning stages of your new loan--rules that can help you decide what to do about saving up for a down payment or how to deal with closing costs. Knowing these rules can help you get much closer to home loan approval.
April 7, 2021 - The FHA Cash-Out refinance loan is a way home owners can tap into the equity built up in their homes and take it out in cash once the original loan and the closing costs of the new loan have been dealt with. There are many uses for the money you get in a cash-out refinance transaction.
March 31, 2021 - But the FHA mortgage loan program offers new purchase home loans for owner/occupiers with down payments as low as 3.5%. FHA loan applicants who don’t meet FHA and lender credit score minimum requirements may need to consider a 10% down payment.
March 30, 2021 - FHA home loans are for any financially qualified borrower. They are not limited to those in financial need and they are not restricted to first-time home buyers. However, there are some things you should DEFINITELY do ahead of your home loan and things you should NOT do.
