Partners in Charity
Loan Assistance Programs Canceled in 2008
Elimination of Nonprofit 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 2024
Partners In Charity is a non-profit group offering down payment assistance on properties such as single-family homes, condominiums, and multi-unit properties. Assistance is also available for rehabilitation programs. Partners In Charity funds are offered to those who qualify for FHA loans or are pre-approved for FHA loan amounts.
There is only one requirement to use the Partners In Charity program; you must intend to occupy the building you purchase. You can't get down payment assistance for purchasing a home you intend to rent. Partners in Charity offers:
- Need-based assistance from 2% to %10 of final closing price.
- Funds can be used for closing costs and down payment.
- This assistance can be listed as the source of down payment in the pre-approval process.
The Partners In Charity program can be listed in your "good faith estimate" for sources of down payment funds. It's important to decide whether you want to use this program in the early stages of your planning, preferably before submitting a request for pre-approval of an FHA home loan. Your loan officer can determine your needs to enter the correct amount of the down payment on these forms.
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:
SEE YOUR CREDIT SCORES From All 3 Bureaus
Do you know what's on your credit report?
Learn what your score means.
FHA Loan Articles and Mortgage News
April 12, 2024 - There are important choices to make when deciding whether to rent or own, but making the most informed choice is crucial. Some don’t think about the advantage of a fixed mortgage payment over rent that potentially increases year to year.
April 11, 2024 - FHA home loans offer borrowers more forgiving credit qualifying requirements than some conventional mortgages, but borrowers must still qualify for the loan with FICO scores and credit history information. What can you do to improve your credit scores before applying for a loan?
April 10, 2024 - When CBS News reported that the National Association of Realtors agreed to pay $418 million over roughly four years to resolve all claims against the group by home sellers related to broker commissions, the news sent shockwaves through the real estate industry.
April 9, 2024 - If you have never bought or built a home before, it would be easy to assume there is just one type of loan offered and that it’s just a matter of picking a condo, existing construction, new construction, or deciding to build on your own land.
April 8, 2024 - Do experts think mortgage rates will drop during the spring of 2024? Some say no, but that doesn’t mean house hunters should give up hope. Many hang their hopes on the potential that the Fed will cut interest rates in late spring or early summer.
