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If you are having trouble affording a down payment, it’s a bad idea to consider a payday loan for such a high dollar amount--your debt trouble in such cases may only be just getting started. This program lets buyers get a single loan with just one closing. Yes, the above quote from the FHA loan rule book states that equity can be provided instead of hard cash. Whether it’s your first primary residence or a second home purchase, there are several key DOs and DON’Ts when it comes to down payment gift rules.
Cherry Creek Mortgage, LLC NMLS #3001 does not manage or control the content of third party websites. Make sure the gift is coming from an allowed relationship depending on your loan. For example, if you borrow $240,000 on a home that’s worth $300,000, like our example above, you have a loan-to-value ratio of 80%, or $240,000 divided by $300,000. All of our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts, who ensure everything we publish is objective, accurate and trustworthy.
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FHA loans require a minimum of 3.5 percent down with credit scores greater than or equal to 580. For credit scores between 570 and 500, FHA requires 10 percent down. In both instances, the entire down payment can come from an eligible donor.
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Documenting a Down Payment Gift
Essentially, gifts that report on a tax return get tallied up over time, offsetting against a lifetime exclusion on gifts. Beyond that amount, a gift tax will be enacted, which can range between 18% and 40%. According to the IRS gift tax exclusions in 2022, any down payment gift below $16,000 does not have to be reported.

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Financial Planning Tips for New Home Buyers
Certain groups like health care workers, educators, protectors, veterans and households with disabled members can qualify for specific programs. Requirements vary, but many of these programs are available to first-time buyers or those who haven’t owned a home for at least the past three years. The home they’re buying usually has to be their primary residence, too. The minimum down payment for a house depends on the loan you’re using to finance the purchase. Some people may be able to qualify for loans with 0% down, but loans with 3% down or 3.5% down are common.

Charitable organizations can make contributions toward a down payment. FHA borrowers can take advantage of down-payment assistance programs for eligible homebuyers, including first-time and low-income buyers. More lenient than conventional home loans, FHA mortgage loans define family slightly differently. Cousins, nieces, and nephews don’t count under normal family guidelines, but they do allow gifts from close friends that can include extended family including cousins, nieces, and nephews. As a government agency that provides assistance for homebuyers, the FHA also allows gifts from employers, labor unions, and charitable organizations. Down payment gift funds must meet certain requirements or the gift giver and recipient face trouble down the road.
Depending on the borrower's credit score, FHA loans will require a minimum of 3.5% down and 10% down . While this may shape the amount of the down payment required, the entire amount can still be gifted from an eligible donor. Some borrowers who work on their credit long before applying for a loan may be eligible for the best down payment terms. Those prohibited sources include pink slip loans, payday loans, credit card cash advances, or other types of loan known in the mortgage loan industry as “non-collateralized loans”.
For those who qualify financially as new borrowers or return borrowers, the minimum FHA mortgage down payment is 3.5%. However, that low down payment option is not available for everyone. For FHA loans, the total amount of the mortgage down payment can be gifted.
A downpayment is required 100% of the time for new purchase FHA loans and your down payment amount may be affected by your credit scores. Expect to make a minimum down payment of 3.5% if your credit score meets FHA and lender standards; all others will be required to pay a minimum 10% down. When it comes to home buying, 20% or higher is the standard mortgage down payment size that most lenders would ideally prefer. However, things are much different today than they have been in the past, as FHA loans and other proprietary mortgages often have much lower down payment requirements.
Other programs, however, will also allow gifts from a charitable organization or a non-blood relative. While it’s recommended to always speak with your lender for information on acceptable donors, below are a few common types of mortgage loans and who qualifies as a gift donor under each program. Depending on the type of mortgage you’re getting, there are different rules regarding who can provide a down payment gift to you. When applying for a mortgage loan, the lender needs a clear picture of your financial situation. This process known as underwriting includes collecting information about your employment, income, and assets.
Please seek the services of a legal, accounting or real estate professional prior to any real estate transaction. It is not Zillow's intention to solicit or interfere with any established agency relationship you may have with a real estate professional. If you’re planning on using gifted money as part or all of your down payment, it’s important to realize that there are restrictions and documentation requirements. Keep in mind that even if you finance with a loan that allows a lower down payment, you’ll usually still have to pay closing costs out of pocket.

FHA loans and conventional loans are good options if you don’t meet eligibility requirements for VA or USDA. Give us a call to see if you’re eligible for a low-down payment loan. Among the most lenient types of loans for down payment gifts, USDA home loans and VA home loans have the least restrictions on who can provide mortgage gifts. Anyone you have a relationship with can provide a down payment gift, but the one caveat is that they can’t be an interested party.
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