Here's an update about the home buyer assitance programs. 

• On October 1, 2007 HUD published a final regulation that establishes that a prohibited source of downpayment assistance is a payment that consists, in whole or in part, of funds provided by any of the following parties before, during, or after closing of the property sale: the seller, or any other person or entity that financially benefits from the transaction; or any third party or entity that is reimbursed directly or indirectly by the seller, or any other person or entity that financially benefits from the transaction.

• This regulation is effective October 31, 2007. Therefore, in order for a homebuyer to use downpayment assistance derived from a seller the homebuyer must have entered into a contract of sale (including any amendments to the purchase price) that was signed by the homebuyer on or before October 30, 2007. However, in accordance with a settlement agreement resolving previous litigation between the Nehemiah Progressive Housing Development Corporation (Nehemiah) and HUD, this regulation will not apply to the Nehemiah downpayment assistance program until April 1, 2008. Therefore, in order for a homebuyer to use downpayment assistance derived from a seller under the Nehemiah program, the homebuyer must have entered into a contract of sale (including any amendments to the purchase price) that was signed by the homebuyer on or before March 31, 2008."