Although this is a contest entry to the The Active Rain Buyer Challenge ( Active Rain is a network of Real Estate Agents Across the Country), the information on Home Loans for Tribal Members is correct. All of the information is correct for buying a Home in Indian Country except for the fictitious person David.
Our company, CELLing Realty, assists with Real Estate Needs not only here in the United States but Internationally as well. Since The Reservation's are Sovereign Nations, this is another part of our services. We can help you with Information, Qualified Lenders for the 184 Guarantee Loan, and also help you find the right Real Estate Agent to work with you, and your family, regardless of what state you live in.
Native American's are under-represented in home ownership. In recent years, Indian Gaming has given many Tribal Members more buying power, but many do not meet convential lending criteria.This is especially true if you are trying to buy, or refinance on Tribal Trust or Individual Trust Land. In addition, many Real Estate Agents, and lenders do not understand the process's they have to go through with the BIA and HUD. We have been assisting buyers and sellers on Tribal Trust Land and know the process involved. We have helped promote Native Pride by assisting Native American families with their Real Estate needs.
Here is a link that you can go to and see if your Tribe qualifies, and if you have to buy a home on the REZ, or can buy anywhere in Indian Country. This is a good Loan, with no Mortgage Insurance (extra money you pay each month that isn't a part of the loan).
http://www.hud.gov/utilities/intercept.cfm?/offices/pih/ih/homeownership/184/tribal_list.pdf (A list of the Participating Tribes)
I received a call from a prospective buyer that had been recently discharged from the Army, and was looking to buy a condo in our area. We started talking, and I asked him, his name is David, some questions about the type of home he was looking for, and how he found me; was it from a particular home he saw, the Internet, or one of my mailings.
I spend a lot of time Marketing, and it is helpful to know where the buyer found me, then I know which area they are looking in. It turns out David found us by a flier posted on the Post Office Bulletin board.
Here is my open letter to David. I am making this public as the information might give you and your current REALTOR more alternatives in finding a home (if you are a Tribal Member) anywhere in the United States. Currently there are 184 Tribes that are eligible for the program.
Land In Indian Country across the United States
Hello David,
I enjoyed our conversation this afternoon, and am sure that we can assist you. It was nice to talk to another Veteran, and someone that might want to move to the Whitewater/Cabazon area. I know this area well, and I am sure that we can find something for you here.
You mentioned that you are enrolled as a Tribal Member of Morongo, and this just opened up a lot of possibilities for you. Morongo has been expanding for the past several years, and just a couple months ago they signed a new agreement with the State allowing them to expand even further.
I know you are working with the ABC Security Firm, and as you stated you want to find another job, but don't quit yet, or take on any debt at this point. I made a few calls, and with your current job, no debt, and money in the bank, it sounds like you meet the qualifications for the following loan, for Native Americans and Alaskan Natives.
Home Loans for Tribal Members in Indian Country are available and the Section 184 Guarantee Loan is specifically for Native Americans to buy a home, or land, on the REZ, or near it. This program has a lot more flexibility than conventional loans, including the VA loan. I have a list of lenders you can call, and am including 3 local ones for you.
Canyon National Bank in Palm Springs-(760) 327-3334
Directors Residential Lending in Rancho Cucamonga (909) 481-4599
* General Mortgage Corporation in San Marcos 1-800-454-498
The 184 Guaranteed Loan requires an Individual Tribal Member to qualify in 3 areas:
1. Credit History- A minimum of 12 months of good credit, or no bad credit. Since you don't have any debts it appears you meet this criteria.
2. Income-to-debt Qualifying- Must submit 24 months history of income-this could be Gaming Revenues, or employment. You didn't mention if you received any benefits from your Tribes' enterprises, but even if you didn't, your W-2's from the Military, and pay check stubs from ABC Security will work.
3. Assets-It sounds like you have enough for this. If not you can receive the money from a family member, or possibly a down payment assistance program. This program is nice because it doesn't require you to have the money in the bank for a certain length of time.
I am including a couple of links for you, these should not only allow you to see if you qualify, but give you an idea of what's available in our area if this is where you would like to relocate. If you decide to move to another area, that is in Indian Country, we will be happy to assist you there as well.
http://www.hud.gov/utilities/intercept.cfm?/offices/pih/ih/homeownership/184/tribal_list.pdf A list of Participating Tribes
www.WhitewaterTimes.com We have several Homes for sale in this area, and you can click on the link of Interest button to see information on schools, entertainment, etc.
http://www.morongo.com/ this is the official site for the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. Only part of it is currently working, but you can still get some information.
http://www.indiancountry.com/author.cfm?id=54 Indian Country News
http://www.nps.gov/history/nagpra/DOCUMENTS/ClaimsMAP.htm Map and Information on Indian Land
Thank you David, and I hope you find this information useful. I am looking forward to our meeting on Tuesday. Please feel free to call me with any questions you might have in the meantime.
Respectfully,
Kathy 
Kathy McGraw-Broker/Owner
CELLing Realty & Whitewater Times©
137 N. San Gorgonio, Banning, CA
(951) 849-8600 fax:(760) 293-9466
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