Nehemiah 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 2022
The Nehemiah Program has helped over a quarter of a million Americans purchase homes. Unlike some down payment assistance programs, Nehemiah offers down payment help to anyone who qualifies for an approved FHA loan. There are no limits on income or assets, but buyers must have an FHA loan or be pre-approved for an FHA mortgage. The Nehemiah program offers:
- Up to 6% of the final contract sales price for down payment and/or closing costs.
- Available for first-time and repeat homebuyers.
- Approved for new construction and resale homes.
- No geographical restrictions.
As with most down payment assistance programs, these funds are not available for "second mortgage" or home equity loans; Nehemiah is intended to help people buy a new home. The process for applying for Nehemiah is similar to most other down payment assistance programs:
- Find a house and make the seller an offer.
- When the offer is approved, contact your loan officer.
- Tell your realtor you want to buy the home using the Nehemiah program.
- Your loan officer applies to the Nehemiah program on your behalf.
- Nehemiah down payment assistance will be sent before you close on the home.
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
January 25, 2022 - There are a number of ways you can pay for the closing costs of your FHA home loan. Closing costs can include any discount points you are paying to lower your interest rate, appraisal fees, property taxes, and other expenses.
January 17, 2022 - Most people generally seem to understand that you cannot be discriminated against for your race, religion, gender, or national origin when you look for an FHA mortgage. This is true at all stages of the housing process whether you seek an FHA loan, conventional mortgage, or even rental housing.
January 16, 2022 - Our headline is a bit disingenuous because the myths we’re discussing prevail in every calendar year one way or another. Most times, when people make assumptions about FHA loans, it often has to do with being or not being a first-time homebuyer.
January 15, 2022 - The FHA home loan program offers options for borrowers who want to buy a typical suburban home, but there are also loan options for mobile homes and condo units. These loans are known as Title I loans and can be used to buy or refinance these homes.
January 14, 2022 - Did you know that you can get help with the FHA required minimum down payment, for example, but that the money must be documented from start to finish before the lender can allow you to use it? You can ask your participating lender for instructions on what should be submitted.
