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What You Should Know About Down Payment Assistance

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What You Should Know About Down Payment Assistance

When it comes to putting a down payment on a home, the general rule of thumb is to hand over a minimum of 20%. If you don’t think you can afford that, however, don’t despair. You may be able to get help through a down payment assistance program. These typically have strict guidelines regarding who qualifies. However, they’re worth looking into if a lack of cash is an obstacle to buying a home. Consider working with a financial advisor as you explore ways to afford to purchase a residence.

How Do Down Payment Assistance Programs Work?

Down payment assistance programs can be administered by a local or state housing authority, a nonprofit organization or directly through your lender. They provide a set amount of money to qualified homebuyers. Homebuyers can use the money to cover their down payment or closing costs.

The money you receive through the program may be considered one of three things: a grant, an interest-free loan or a debt you pay off in the future. Typically, you’ll have to agree to live in the home and use it as your principal residence for a certain period of time to avoid having to repay the money. If your down payment assistance is treated as a loan, it would have to be paid in full if you sold the property or finished making all of your mortgage payments.

Who’s Eligible for Down Payment Assistance?

What You Should Know About Down Payment Assistance

Not everyone will qualify for down payment assistance and each state has its own rules for determining eligibility. Generally, it’s based on your income and how much home you’re buying. In Virginia, for example, your earnings have to be at or below 80% of the area median income where you’re planning to buy. In other states, the limit may be as high as 120%.

Many of these programs are limited to first-time buyers. If you’ve owned a home previously, you might not be able to qualify. In some cases, homebuyers also have to attend special training where they learn about the mortgage process and the financial responsibilities that go along with owning a home.

How Much Funding Is Available?

The amount of money you can get through a down payment assistance program depends on the state that’s administering the funds. Some states base your award on the home’s sales price while others offer a flat amount. In Virginia, for instance, the amount can go as high as 20% of the purchase price. New York, on the other hand, caps assistance at $15,000.

Does Your Credit Matter?

What You Should Know About Down Payment Assistance

Down payment assistance programs are designed to help homebuyers who might otherwise be shut out of the market. Anyone who has already been preapproved for a mortgage can qualify for aid. During the preapproval process, the lender will go over your income, expenses and credit history. This will help the lender determine how much of a credit risk you are.

If your credit’s not in the best shape, it’s a good idea to work on improving it. Ideally, you’d do that before seeking pre-approval or applying for down payment assistance. The best way to do so is to pay all of your bills on time. Late payments can be extremely damaging to your score. You’ll also benefit from paying down your existing debts and limiting your applications for new debt until you’re able to get pre-approved.

Tips on Home Buying

  • If you need help getting your finances in tip-top shapes before buying a home, you might benefit from working with a financial advisor.  Finding a qualified financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with up to three financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost to decide which one is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
  • Our no-cost mortgage calculator let’s you estimate your monthly mortgage payment with taxes, fees and insurance.
  • Use SmartAsset’s mortgage comparison tool to compare mortgage rates from top lenders and find the one that best suits your needs.

Photo credit: ©iStock.com/pixdeluxe, ©iStock.com/Neustockimages, ©iStock.com/Courtney Keating

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