The Housing Action Resource Trust
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 2019
The Housing Action Resource Trust or HART program is a non-profit housing organization offering help to home buyers who qualify for FHA "first mortgage" loans. A first mortgage does not mean "first-time home buyers only," but rather those who are getting the initial mortgage and not applying for a second mortgage or home equity loan.
Those who have pre-approval for an FHA loan or have an approved FHA loan qualify for HART. This program is aimed at those who have the right credit and employment to qualify for an FHA loan but lack the money for a down payment and/or closing costs. To use the Housing Action Resource Trust:
- Get an FHA-approved loan or pre-approval on an FHA loan.
- Find a house and make an offer.
- Tell your realtor you want to buy the home using the Housing Action Resource Trust program
- Contact your loan officer, who applies to the HART program on your behalf.
As with other down payment assistance programs, the seller must agree to participate in the HART program. Your loan officer will let you know when funds are scheduled to be transferred in your name for the down payment and/or closing costs.
If your seller has not signed up for the HART program but is willing to participate, ask your loan officer and/or realtor for details on how the seller may register with the House Action Resource Trust.
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
October 6, 2019 - There are several areas that can affect whether your dream home is able to be purchased or not and your FHA appraiser is the one tasked with determining if the issues below will interfere with loan approval or not.
October 5, 2019 - Those who have FHA mortgages should know that the basic policy of the FHA and HUD in natural disasters is that participating lenders should consider loan moratoriums, flexible loan modification plans, and other foreclosure avoidance measures.
September 30, 2019 - Do you need to refinance your home? There are some important steps you can take to help yourself get the best deal possible when trying to refinance. A bit of planning and preparation will go a long way toward helping you get the best rates and terms possible on your refi loan.
September 27, 2019 - In the earliest days of September 2019, mortgage loan interest rates were being reported in some circles as the best in three years. A week later, rates were suddenly pushing higher. Rates become more important when you are about to enter into a mortgage loan interest rate lock commitment with the lender.
September 25, 2019 - When a disaster strikes, it is crucial that FHA borrowers contact their lenders as quickly as possible in the aftermath to make arrangements for the existing mortgage. Yes, disaster-based home loan relief is possible, but it is not automatic and you must apply for this relief with your lender.
