Newsong 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
Newsong provides a down payment assistance program for residential and commercial properties. This program offers a one-time gift for all closing costs, and there are no income requirements or limits on who can participate. Anyone who qualifies for an FHA loan can apply to receive down payment help from Newsong. The program does not require inspections or credit checks, and there are no restrictions on where you wish to buy your home as long as it is within the "geographic United States". The program offers:
- No "first time homebuyer" restrictions-this program is for anyone buying a home with a pre-approved FHA loan or an existing FHA loan.
- Up to $25,000 for closing costs for a home purchased with an FHA loan.
- More funds available on a case-by-case basis-your loan officer will provide more information if you need to request additional assistance.
- Gift funds made available 24 hours after approval.
If you are approved for an FHA loan and want to participate in the Newsong program, take the following steps:
- Find a home and make an offer.
- Once the offer is approved, contact your loan officer and ask about the Newsong program.
- Tell your realtor you want to buy the home using the Newsong program
- Your loan officer applies to Newsong on your behalf.
- Money is available up to 24 hours after the application is approved.
In many cases same-day approval is possible if your loan officer can complete and send the paperwork before noon. The seller must participate in the Newsong program. Ask your loan officer and/or realtor how your seller should sign up for Newsong.
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
July 27, 2021 - What documents do you need to complete a mortgage application? Once you get past the eligibility question, there are a variety of things you’ll want to have at your fingertips when filling out forms to get pre-approved for a purchase loan or apply directly for one.
July 26, 2021 - The most important thing you should know as a buyer about FHA loan credit requirements this year is that FHA standards (580 or better FICO scores for the lowest down payment) are not the only minimum credit score standards at work. The lender’s own standards also count.
July 24, 2021 - ​What factors change FHA loan rates? Interest rates, in general, can fluctuate daily, and it can be difficult to know what to think when you see rates offered at one level from one lender, and at a higher or lower rate elsewhere.
July 22, 2021 - How many mortgage calculators do you need? There are multiple versions and they all have an important function. Many seeking FHA loans won’t need to use all of them or even most of them. Sometimes you just need a little extra information for planning and saving purposes.
July 21, 2021 - Are you concerned that your lender might deny your home loan? Do you know why your loan might be denied and what you can do about it ahead of time? Reasons may include late or missed payments on rent or past mortgages, low credit scores, or houses that cannot pass the appraisal process.
