Using Down Payment Assistance For First Time Homebuyers

Gustan Cho The Mortgage Expert
March 24, 2020 - 4 min read

Gustan Cho Associates are mortgage brokers licensed in 48 states

This ARTICLE On Using Down Payment Assistance For First Time Homebuyers Was PUBLISHED On March 24th, 2020

The down payment is the biggest hurdle for any home buyer.

Most homebuyers can afford the new housing payment and the ability to repay their new mortgage loan on a home purchase
Many times, the proposed new mortgage payment may be the same or even less than the rental payments
However, many first-time homebuyers often do not have the down payment for a home purchase
Closing costs may be covered through a seller’s concession and/or lender credit
Therefore, most homebuyers do not have to worry about closing costs
Using down payment assistance is an option for first-time homebuyers to come up with the down payment on a home purchase

In this article, we will discuss and cover Using Down Payment Assistance For First Time Homebuyers.

Using Down Payment Assistance To Buy First Home

Down Payment Assistance, also referred to as DPA, is available for home buyers.

DPA programs are offered through cities, counties, and states
DPA programs are not federally funded and/or insured programs
It is up to local and state governments to offer down payment assistance home purchase programs
Homebuyers, especially first-time homebuyers, may find using down payment assistance programs as a viable option to purchase their home
Every DPA mortgage program is different

These DPA programs can provide homebuyers with funds in the form of a grant, gift, or bridge loan to fulfill the down payment on a home purchase.

Importance And Benefits Of Using Down Payment Assistance On Home Purchase

What is the meaning and benefits of using advance help when buying a home

Most mortgage programs allow gift funds by family members to be used for the down payment on a home purchase.

However, there are many who do not have family and/or people that can help them with any funds on a home purchase
For homebuyers who have no family and/or money for the down payment on a home purchase, using down payment assistance may be a viable option on a home purchase
There are various types of DPA home purchase programs throughout the U.S.
Some may be free while others have conditions attached
Some DPA programs will fund homebuyers the down payment in a form of a zero percent interest as a second mortgage and make it come due when the homeowner refinances and/or sells the home
Almost 70% of renters stated that saving for the down payment on a home was the number one barrier in purchasing a home and obtaining a mortgage

Many homebuyers are in the belief they need a 20% down payment to purchase a home. This is not the case. We will discuss the down payment mortgage guidelines in the following paragraph.

Down Payment Requirements On Mortgage Programs

Many homebuyers are still under the impression that you need a 20% down payment to purchase a home.

This is not the case
VA and USDA loans do not require any down payment on a home purchase
FHA loans require a 3.5% down payment on borrowers who have at least a 580 credit scores
Borrowers under 580 and down to 500 credit scores can qualify for an FHA loan with a 10% down payment
Conventional loans require a 3% to 5% down payment
Non-QM mortgages require a 10% to 20% down payment

Most DPA loan programs are geared towards first-time homebuyers in need of the down payment for a home purchase.

Types Of DPA Home Purchase Programs

DPA loan programs offered depends on the municipality and state. One program available in California may not be offered in Texas. There are county DPA programs that are available only in certain counties. For example, a DPA loan program in Los Angeles may not be offered in San Diego. There are so many different types of DPA home purchase programs. Homebuyers interested in a down payment assistance program should check with their local and/or state governments to see the programs available.

Please contact us at Gustan Cho Associates at 800-900-8569 or text us for a faster response to find out about a specific down payment assistance program.

Agency Mortgage Guidelines Versus DPA Credit/Income Guidelines

What are the guidelines for mortgage agencies and the DPA loan / income guidelines?

Down Payment Assistance home purchase programs can be used for FHA and Conventional Loans. All DPA applicants need to meet the minimum agency mortgage guidelines. However, the DPA provider will normally have overlays which are higher lending standards. Typical DPA requirements imposed may be the following: