Dpa mortgage loans offer a range of down payment assistance options to help homebuyers overcome the hurdle of saving for a down payment. These options can be a game-changer for first-time homebuyers or those with limited savings.
Some dpa mortgage loans offer 100% financing, eliminating the need for a down payment altogether. This can be a huge relief for those struggling to save for a down payment.
For example, the FHA 203(b) loan program provides mortgage insurance to cover 3.5% of the purchase price, effectively reducing the down payment requirement. This program is a popular choice for first-time homebuyers.
Another option is the VA loan program, which offers 100% financing for eligible veterans and active-duty military personnel. This program is a great benefit for those who have served their country.
What Is It?
DPA mortgage loans can provide you with a mortgage loan and funding to use for your down payment.
You can choose to receive the down payment assistance as a grant, which does not have to be repaid.
If you're eligible, you can essentially receive free money to help you buy a home.
Eligibility and Requirements
To be eligible for a dpa mortgage loan, borrowers must meet certain requirements. A minimum credit score of 660 is typically required, and borrowers must also meet the requirements of the applicable PHFA first mortgage program.
Some dpa mortgage loans, like the Keystone Advantage Program, have specific requirements for liquid assets, which cannot exceed $50,000 after deducting the funds needed to close on the loan. This includes cash, checking and savings accounts, stocks, bonds, and certificates of deposit.
Borrowers may also need to meet income and purchase price limits, as seen in the Maryland Smart Buy and Home In Five Advantage programs. For example, the Home In Five Advantage program has an income limit of $138,600 for all borrowers.
Here are some key eligibility requirements for dpa mortgage loans:
- Minimum credit score: 660 (Keystone Advantage Program)
- Minimum liquid assets: $50,000 (Keystone Advantage Program)
- Income limits: $138,600 (Home In Five Advantage program)
- Purchase price limits: variable (dependent on program)
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for certain homebuyer assistance programs, you'll need to meet specific requirements. Your credit score must be at least 660, and you can't have more than $50,000 in liquid assets after closing costs.
You'll also need to meet the requirements of the applicable PHFA first mortgage program. This includes having a minimum loan amount of $500 and using assistance only for the minimum required down payment and/or closing costs. Some programs may have additional requirements, such as a maximum loan-to-value ratio or a minimum income level.
Here are some key eligibility requirements to keep in mind:
- Minimum credit score: 660
- Maximum liquid assets: $50,000
- Minimum loan amount: $500
- Assistance only for down payment and/or closing costs
- Meet the requirements of the applicable PHFA first mortgage program
Some programs, like the Keystone Advantage Assistance, may also have restrictions on combining assistance with other programs. For example, the Keystone Advantage Assistance program may not be combined with any other PHFA assistance program, except for the Access Modification Loan Program.
Down Payment Requirements for a House
The amount of your down payment depends on several factors, including your income, loan type, and the cost of the home. The larger your down payment, the smaller your monthly mortgage payment will be.
A down payment is typically a percentage of the property's cost, and can vary based on the type of loan you receive. For example, if a home costs $100,000 and a down payment of 5% is required, you must pay $5,000 at the time of purchase.
You'll need to figure out which TSAHC assistance option to choose and how much you need to put down on your house, and your lender will help you with this.
To qualify for some down payment assistance programs, you may need to meet certain requirements, such as having at least $1,000 in student loan debt, or contributing $1,000 or 1 percent of the purchase price, whichever is greater.
Here are some general down payment requirements to keep in mind:
Keep in mind that these are just a few examples, and down payment requirements may vary depending on the specific program and your individual circumstances.
Benefits and Features
With a dpa mortgage loan, you can get down payment assistance up to 6% of the note amount. This can be a huge help for first-time homebuyers or those who are struggling to save for a down payment.
One of the benefits of dpa mortgage loans is the 30-year fixed term with full amortization on the first mortgage. This means you'll have a stable and predictable monthly payment for the life of the loan.
You'll need to complete a homebuyer education course to qualify for a dpa mortgage loan. This course will help you understand the homebuying process and prepare you for homeownership.
Keep in mind that credit and income restrictions may apply to dpa mortgage loans. This means you'll need to have a good credit score and a stable income to qualify.
Here are some key features of dpa mortgage loans at a glance:
- Down payment assistance up to 6% of the note amount
- 30-year fixed term with full amortization on the first mortgage
- FHA loan types only
- Homebuyer education course is required
- Credit and income restrictions may apply
Programs and Initiatives
The American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) provides down payment, closing costs, and rehabilitation assistance to eligible individuals, with assistance not exceeding $10,000 or six percent of the purchase price, whichever is greater.
ADDI funds can be used for single-family housing, condominium units, cooperative units, or manufactured housing, and individuals must have incomes not exceeding 80% of area median income.
To be eligible for ADDI assistance, individuals must be first-time homebuyers interested in purchasing single-family housing, and a first-time homebuyer is defined as an individual and their spouse who have not owned a home during the three-year period prior to the purchase of a home.
Here are some key programs and initiatives:
- ADDI: provides down payment, closing costs, and rehabilitation assistance to eligible individuals
- Keystone Advantage Assistance Loan Program: provides a second mortgage loan to help with down payment and closing costs, with up to four percent of the purchase price or $6,000 (whichever is less) in assistance
- SmartBuy: offers $5,000 in assistance for down payment or closing costs, and up to $40,000 in assistance for student loan debt relief
- CHENOA Fund Program: provides down payment assistance up to 3.5% of the purchase price or appraised value
- Home Plus Freddie Mac HFA Advantage Loan Program: offers down payment assistance options between 3% and 5%
Employer Assisted Housing Initiative
The Employer Assisted Housing (EAH) Initiative is a wonderful program that helps low- to moderate-income workers achieve homeownership.
This initiative is offered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency, which recognizes the challenges many workers face in affording a home. Participating employers provide a monetary home purchase benefit to their staff, and partner with the agency to stretch their employees' home buying dollars further.
Employees who work for participating employers can receive a Keystone Advantage Assistance Loan of up to $8,000 for downpayment and/or closing cost assistance. This loan is interest-free and amortized over 10 years.
To qualify for this loan, employees must meet the eligibility requirements for the Advantage Program. Assistance under the program is limited to the lesser of 4% or $6,000 to non-EAH borrowers.
Combining the employer's benefit with a PHFA mortgage offers even more benefits. PHFA loans have competitive rates and fees, free homebuyer counseling, and downpayment and closing cost assistance loans available.
Here are some of the advantages of PHFA loans:
- Competitive rates and fees
- Free homebuyer counseling
- Downpayment and closing cost assistance loans are available
- 30 year, fixed-rate terms
- Mortgage loans for new or existing homes
- Conventional, FHA, VA, and RD loans
- Funds are available year round
- Refinance loan programs are available
The Chenoa Fund
The Chenoa Fund is a down payment assistance program that provides up to 3.5% of the purchase price or appraised value. It's available nationwide and can be used for both FHA and Conventional loans.
One of the benefits of the Chenoa Fund is that it offers a 30-year fixed term with full amortization. This means that borrowers can spread out their payments over a long period of time, making it easier to manage their finances.
The Chenoa Fund does have some restrictions, however. Borrowers must meet certain credit and income requirements, and homebuyer education may be required for certain payment assistance programs. It's essential to note that program availability is subject to change without notice, and additional restrictions may apply.
Here are some key details about the Chenoa Fund:
It's worth noting that the Chenoa Fund is a relatively flexible program, allowing borrowers to use the down payment assistance for both down payment and closing costs. However, borrowers will still be responsible for making a borrower contribution of at least 5% of the sale price.
Freddie Mac HFA
The Freddie Mac HFA Advantage Loan Program is a popular option for homebuyers in Arizona. It's derived from the Freddie Mac Home Possible Advantage program and is offered statewide.
Down payment assistance options range from 3% to 5%. This can be a huge help for first-time homebuyers or those who need a little extra boost to get into a home.
A minimum FICO score of 640 is required for this program. If you're purchasing a manufactured home, the minimum FICO score is 660.
The maximum debt-to-income ratio for this program is 50%. This means that your monthly debt payments should not exceed 50% of your gross income.
Here are the key details of the Freddie Mac HFA Advantage Loan Program at a glance:
- Down payment assistance: 3% to 5%
- Minimum FICO score: 640 (660 for manufactured homes)
- Maximum debt-to-income ratio: 50%
Government Programs
The PHFA Grant offers $500 in grant assistance to help with downpayment and closing costs when obtaining the HFA PreferredTM(Lo MI) loan.
This grant does not require repayment and must be used towards the purchase of the home. It can be used in conjunction with the HFA PreferredTM(Lo MI) loan and the Keystone Advantage Assistance Loan Program.
Eligible borrowers may also combine the PHFA Grant with the Keystone Advantage Assistance Loan Program. The PHFA Grant can be used in conjunction with the following PHFA first mortgage home purchase loan programs: HFA PreferredTM(Lo MI).
Here are the details of some government programs that offer down payment assistance:
The American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) provides down payment, closing costs, and rehabilitation assistance to eligible individuals.
Arizona Government
Arizona Government programs offer various assistance options for homebuyers. The PHFA Grant provides a $500 grant that doesn't require repayment and can be used towards downpayment and closing costs.
You can use the PHFA Grant in conjunction with the HFA Preferred loan program. This program offers down payment assistance options between 3% and 5% and a minimum FICO score of 640.
The Home Plus Fannie Mae HFA Preferred Loan Program is another option, offering down payment assistance options between 3% and 5% and a minimum FICO score of 640. You can also use the PHFA Grant with the Keystone Advantage Assistance Loan Program.
The Flex 3% or 4% Grant offers assistance in the form of a grant, which can be used for down payment or closing costs. The amount of the grant cannot exceed 3% or 4% of the 1st lien amount.
Here are some Arizona Government programs that offer down payment assistance:
- PHFA Grant: $500 grant for downpayment and closing costs
- Home Plus Fannie Mae HFA Preferred Loan Program: down payment assistance options between 3% and 5%
- Flex 3% or 4% Grant: assistance in the form of a grant for down payment or closing costs
- Home Plus Freddie Mac HFA Advantage Loan Program: down payment assistance options between 3% and 5%
These programs can help make homeownership more affordable for Arizona residents.
VA & USDA
If you're looking for a zero-down loan program, the VA and USDA loan programs are great options. They offer 100% financing, eliminating the need for a down payment.
The Home Plus VA and USDA Loan Programs are available anywhere in Arizona, making them accessible to many homebuyers. These programs are a great alternative to traditional loan programs.
Down payment assistance is available through the Home Plus program, covering 2% to 5% of the purchase price. This can be a huge help for those with limited savings.
To qualify for the Home Plus program, you'll need a minimum FICO score of 640. If you're purchasing a manufactured home, the minimum FICO score is 660.
Here are the key requirements for the Home Plus program:
- Down payment assistance of 2% to 5%
- Minimum FICO score of 640 (660 for manufactured homes)
- Maximum debt-to-income of 45% (50% if FICO score is 680)
- Maximum income of $136,609
Remember, you'll also need to meet the guidelines required for a VA or USDA loan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a dpa worth it?
Yes, a Down-payment Assistance (DPA) loan can be a valuable option for homebuyers, offering the possibility of owning a home sooner with a smaller down payment. Consider exploring DPA options to see if they can help you achieve your homeownership goals.
Sources
- https://www.phfa.org/programs/assistance.aspx
- https://www.tsahc.org/homebuyers-renters/loans-down-payment-assistance
- https://www.arizonadownpaymentassistance.com/down-payment-programs/
- https://www.ihda.org/my-home/getting-an-ihda-loan/
- https://www.onqhomeloans.com/home-loans/down-payment-assistance/maryland-programs/
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