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[H255]Help From The Government

by Raynor James, Ray

Getting Down Payment Help From The Government

When it comes to buying a house, the government can actually help. No, really.

HUD stands for the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. With such a name, you can see why everyone just calls it HUD. The department’s stated mission is to pursue initiatives that make home ownership available to as many Americans as possible. HUD does this through making guarantees on home loans and other initiatives. A common misconception about HUD is that it actually issues mortgages to borrowers. It does not. Before you get too disappointed, HUD does offer initiatives in the housing down payment area.

In December of 2003, HUD started an initiative known as the American Dream Downpayment Initiative. Yes, they actually spelled downpayment as one word, but who is going to complain about such help? The initiative is part of the American Dream Downpayment Assistance Act passed in 2003, which provides $200 million dollars in down payment assistance. Talk about putting your money where your mouth is!

The goal of the initiative is the same as all HUD programs, to wit, to increase homeownership by helping people with the hurdle of down payments. The initiative is available only to first time buyers and is focused on revitalizing neighborhoods, giving minorities a leg up as well as lower income individuals. With the skyrocketing real estate prices of the last seven years, the initiative represents a breath of fresh air.

Under the initiative, HUD will provide assistance with down payment and closing costs. The help is capped at $10,000 or six percent of the purchase price, whichever is greater. Put another way, this is not some token assistance program. $10,000 or six percent is nothing to sneeze at. What do you know, a government program that actually helps people.

In truth, HUD is one of those rare government agencies that does a great job. To find out more about the American Dream Downpayment Initiative, contact HUD.

Loans For Low To Moderate Income Buyers

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), an agency of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), provides several mortgage loan programs for low to moderate income home buyers. FHA loans offer market rates with a lower down payment requirement.

FHA loans require a minimum down payment of 3%, cash to close the loan, and an acceptable credit score. Closing costs can be part of the loan amount, and credit score requirements vary with programs.

To apply for a FHA loan, you must submit an application with a HUD approved lender. Most traditional lenders already are approved by HUD.

Loans For Veterans

Loans guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) are available to most veterans and service persons. Usually these types of loans do not require a down payment and have more favorable loan terms. VA loans do not have a maximum amount, but lenders typically limit the loan amount to $359,650, the conforming rate.

To apply for this type of loan, you must be qualified by the VA. Once they approve your application and verify your qualifications, they will issue you a certificate which you present to a traditional mortgage lender as part of your application paperwork.

Loans For Rural Residents

The Department of Agriculture also backs loans through its Rural Housing Service (RHS). RHS loans require no down payments, but you must be able to afford monthly mortgage payments and have an acceptable credit history.

RHS also offers direct loans to low income family, those with income 80% or less than the area’s average income and cannot get credit from financing companies. These mortgage loans can be extended to 38 years and require no down payment.

Apply For Government Assistance

Government mortgage loan programs enable you to avoid mortgage insurance and secure financing to buy a home. These programs are offered through traditional lenders, which can easily be found online.

To view our list of recommended lenders online for government backed mortgage financing, visit this page: .

Article Source : buisness and finance

About Author

Both Raynor James & Carrie Reeder are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Raynor James has sinced written about articles on various topics from Real Estate, Business and Finance and Debts Loans. Raynor James is with the site - FSBO America - homes for sale by owner.. Raynor James's top article generates over 90500 views. to your Favourites.

Carrie Reeder has sinced written about articles on various topics from Finances, Mortgage and Finances. . Carrie Reeder's top article generates over 135000 views. to your Favourites.