Buyer's Programs and Resources - The Dulcie Crawford Group

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage loans

These mortgages, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), are government-insured loans that offer very low downpayments, which may be borrowed from relatives. Rates are often lower, and qualifying is easier because credit is not as large a factor. These loans are often assumable, meaning you can take them over from the previous owners or allow a buyer to take it over from you. Refinancing is easier, and there are other products and services available. There is, however, a cap on how much can be borrowed. Processing may take longer and appraisal guidelines may be strict; the house must be worth the selling price. FHA mortgages are not restricted to first-time borrowers.

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Home Loan Guaranty Service

VA mortgages are government-guaranteed loans available to veterans of the armed services, those currently on active duty or in the reserves, and widows or widowers of veterans. Like FHA loans, VA loans have guidelines that allow more people to qualify. In addition, some VA loans require no downpayment at all. There are limits on the size of VA loans, but usually they are large enough to cover the purchase of moderately priced homes across the country. VA-guaranteed home loans are made by private lenders. The guaranty means that VA will protect the lender against loss if the veteran or a later owner fails to repay the loan.

U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development Housing & Community Facilities program

This program provides a variety of financing for low- and very-low income buyers in rural areas. If you are a farmer or live in a rural area, ask mortgage lenders if you may qualify. The Rural Housing Service (RHS) provides a number of homeownership opportunities to rural Americans, as well as programs for home renovation and repair. RHS also makes financing available to elderly, disabled, or low-income rural residents of multi-unit housing buildings to ensure they are able to make rent payments. Direct loan and grant income limits are listed by state on the program’s Web site.

Reverse mortgages (Home Equity Conversion Mortgages)

Designed specifically for older borrowers who have substantial equity in their homes, this type of mortgage can be used to increase the monthly income of retired or elderly borrowers. It enables them to use the equity in their home without selling or moving. The owner receives a monthly payment that slowly reduces the equity. However, the loan must be repaid if the borrower sells, moves, or dies, which may reduce the value of equity available to heirs. Information on reverse mortgages can be found here:www.aarp.org/money/revmort/.

American Dream Downpayment Assistance Initiative (ADDI)

The American Dream Downpayment Assistance Initiative authorizes up to $200 million annually around the country for downpayment assistance. To be eligible for ADDI assistance, individuals must be first-time home buyers interested in purchasing single family housing. A first-time home buyer is defined as an individual and his or her spouse who have not owned a home during the three-year period prior to the purchase of a home with ADDI assistance. ADDI funds may be used to purchase one- to four- family housing, condominium unit, cooperative unit, or manufactured housing. Individuals who qualify for ADDI assistance must have incomes not exceeding 80 percent of area median income. ADDI provides funds to all states and to local participating jurisdictions that have a population of at least 150,000. For more information:

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
451 7th Street S.W., Washington, DC 20410
Telephone: (202) 708-1112
TTY: (202) 708-1455

Zero Downpayment Act

Zero Downpayment Act eliminates the downpayment requirement for families and individuals who buy homes with Federal Housing Authority (FHA) insured mortgages. The Zero Downpayment Act offers opportunities for first-time home buyers who do not hold enough savings for downpayments, who meet FHA’s underwriting requirements, and who can easily afford monthly mortgage payments. The zero down plan is different from assistance programs like the American Dream Downpayment Act. Instead of granting a lump-sum award to qualified homeowners, FHA charges a modestly higher insurance premium to lenders on its zero down loans. Contact HUD for more information.

Energy Efficient Mortgage (EEM) program

FHA’s Energy Efficient Mortgage program helps homebuyers or homeowners save money on utility bills by enabling them to finance the cost of adding energy efficiency features to new or existing housing as part of their FHA-insured home purchase or refinancing mortgage. FHA EEMs provide mortgage insurance for a person to purchase or refinance a principal residence and incorporate the cost of energy efficient improvements into the mortgage. The borrower does not have to qualify for the additional money and does not make a downpayment on it. The mortgage loan is funded by a lending institution, such as a mortgage company, bank, or savings and loan association, and the mortgage is insured by HUD.