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 2021
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 14, 2021 - Make the most informed decision about your refinance options as you can considering both. You can negotiate a better rate, monthly payment, or take cash out on the transaction if you choose your loan carefully and do so with an eye on your financial goals.
October 13, 2021 - The FHA and HUD have announced foreclosure relief measures and other disaster recovery options for those affected by flooding and storms in parts of Vermont during the summer of 2021. HUD extended an automatic 90-day foreclosure moratorium for Windham and Bennington counties.
October 9, 2021 - If you need a home loan, you’re likely planning and saving in advance of your application--applying for a home loan means putting money aside for a down payment, saving for closing costs, and working on your credit and debt ratio in the meantime.
October 8, 2021 - During the pandemic, the Department of Housing and Urban Development announced a variety of COVID-19 relief measures for those with FHA mortgages. This comes as new relief for borrowers recently or newly struggling to make their mortgage payments because of the pandemic.
October 6, 2021 - Are you interested in buying a condo unit with an FHA home loan? It’s an option some borrowers don’t realize they have--some make assumptions about the FHA home loan program and the availability of loans for condo units.
