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
April 15, 2019 - Some borrowers get confused over the differences in what the FHA home loan program will permit versus state or local laws that have a say in similar or identical areas. It’s easy to assume that FHA loan rules would override a local ordinance, but this is definitely not true.
April 13, 2019 - FHA condo loans allow financially qualified borrowers to apply for maximum financing of 96.5% and a 3.5% down payment. FHA loan minimums permit maximum financing and the lowest down payment for those with FICO scores 580 or higher.
April 12, 2019 - FHA One-Time Close construction loans are different than other FHA new purchase loans. There are some basic differences between new construction and existing construction FHA loans. Before we launch into those differences, it’s important to point out one very important aspect about this program.
April 11, 2019 - If you are buying your first home with an FHA mortgage, there are some questions you should ask about the property you want to buy. Sometimes it only takes a little bit of information to help make up a potential homeowner’s mind, but knowing the right questions to ask is key.
April 10, 2019 - FHA One-Time Close construction loans are designed for those who want to have a home built for them from the ground up. Construction loan mortgages, especially FHA One-Time Close loans, are unique among mortgage lending products and have some distinct advantages.
FHA.com Reviews
FHA.com is a one-stop resource for homebuyers who want to make the best decisions when it comes to their mortgage. With our detailed, mobile-friendly site, individuals can access information about different FHA products, the latest loan limits, and numerous other resources to make their homebuying experience easier. Take a look at some of the reviews from other FHA.com visitors!
