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Congressman George Miller responds to Down Payment Assistance Programs

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Hometown

I recently emailed Congressman George Miller 7th District to voice my opinion on bringing back seller paid down payment assistance programs.  This was his response on Feb. 3rd, 2009

Dear Mr. Phillips: 

Thank you for contacting me regarding the recent changes to the Federal Housing Authority's (FHA) Downpayment Assistance Programs. 

Downpayment Assistance Programs are intended to assist families who are unable to make a downpayment obligation themselves when purchasing a home. These programs have helped many people start on the path to homeownership and have helped millions of families over the years.

 As you probably understand, Downpayment Assistance Programs (DPA) have not been eliminated by Congress. However, some changes were made to the Downpayment assistance rules when Congress passed the Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008. DPA programs work in conjunction with the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) insured home loans. If you are using an FHA insured home loan as a buyer, you are required to contribute a small amount of the downpayment amount - 3.5% of the total purchase price. Contributions from sellers can still help buyers with their down payment, just not that first 3.5%.

 I understand that you have concerns about some of these recent changes to the DPA program. HR 6694, the FHA Seller-Financed Downpayment Reform and Risk-Based Pricing Authorization Act of 2008, would make some exceptions to the rules above, including allowing some buyers to accept downpayment contributions from the seller. This legislation recently was considered, and passed, by the Financial Services Committee and is now awaiting consideration by the full House of Representatives. It is unlikely, however, that there will be sufficient time to consider this bill before the end of the current legislative session.

 Although the current legislative session will soon come to an end, it is possible the new Congress will look at this issue again next year. I will certainly consider your views should the issue come before the full House for consideration.

 Sincerely,

 GEORGE MILLER

Member Of Congress, 7th District

Click Here to visit my website.

Show All Comments Sort:
Doug Aaserude
Inactive until May. 2009 - Beaverton, OR
Broker

Interesting. You got a response from a congressman. Good going.

Feb 09, 2009 06:38 PM
Karen Anne Stone
New Home Hunters of Fort Worth and Tarrant County - Fort Worth, TX
Fort Worth Real Estate

Mark:  I am sorry to say that to me... this is obviously a form letter.  Congressman Miller does not appear to realize how very necessary DPA programs are to both first time buyers... and the economy in general.  Thanks for sharing...

Feb 09, 2009 07:20 PM
Lenn Harley
Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Leesburg, VA
Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland

So far have we come.  So far have we yet to go.  Winston Churchill.

 

Feb 09, 2009 08:42 PM
Fernando Herboso - Associate Broker MD, & VA
Maxus Realty Group of Samson Properties - Clarksburg, MD
301-246-0001 Serving Maryland, DC and Northern VA

I believe it will be part of the  stimulus plan  . . .

Feb 09, 2009 10:13 PM