FHLB Grant for NC 1st Time Homebuyers Down Payment Assistance

Many people haven't heard of the FHLB (Federal Home Loan Bank) grant program for 1st time home buyers in North Carolina, so I thought I'd share information about this great program.  Similar programs may be available in other states.

This program is only available through member banks of the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) system.  The only participating NC banks that I am aware of are RBC Bank and Monarch Mortgage.  As of today, both of these lenders have their 2011 funding for this program.  I know loan officers with both of these lenders, so let me know if you need a good loan officer to contact.

It is my understanding that as of today, 2/21/2011, $7500 is available to 1st time home buyers.  This funds can be used for down payment assistance, interest rate buydown, and/or principal reduction.  There is a maximum total household income of 80% of the Area Median Income, so check with your loan officer for the exact maximum income limits for the area you plan to purchase your home.  The grant is initially set up as a 0% interest 2nd mortgage, but it is forgiven at 20% per year that the homeowner lives in the property and is completely forgiven after 5 years!

I'd love to help you find your new home in the Concord and Greater Charlotte NC Area, so give me a call if I can be of assistance in any way. 

UPDATE (1/26/2012): The 2012 FHLB Grant Program offers up to $5,000, instead of the previous maximum of $7,500. Qualifying buyers would receive 4 times the amount they put into the transaction from the FHLB Grant Program, for a maximum of $5,000 assistance with $1,250 buyer funds in the transaction.

UPDATE (4/12/2013): The 2013 FHLB Grant Program is still initially set up as a 0% interest 2nd mortgage, however there has been one significant change.  If the home is sold during the first 5 years that the homeowner lives there after purchase, 100% of the down payment assistance will recaptured at closing.  The recapture amount is now reduced by 20% per year during years 6 through 10 that the homeowner lives in the home after purchase and is completely forgiven after 10 years.

Also, RBC Bank was acquired by PNC Financial and no longer offers this program.  However, SunTrust Mortgage also participates in the FHLB program.