A top Arizona lender shares her thoughts about the Home Plus DPA program.

There are two reasons why lenders would want to participate in the Home Plus Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program.  The Urban Institute’s Housing Finance Policy Center’s research explains both.  The first is that over 68% of renters cite that saving for a down payment is an obstacle to homeownership and the second is the fact that thirty-nine percent of renters believe that twenty percent is needed as their down payment.

The Home Plus Homebuyer Down Payment Assistance Program provided by the Arizona Industrial Development Authority allows lenders to utilize typical first mortgage programs already available with very few additional requirements.  At closing, the AzIDA provides a zero-interest, zero payment second lien that the borrower can use for down payment and/or eligible closing costs which will be fully forgiven at the end of 36 months if minimal criteria are met.

This program offers solutions to borrowers.  The rates are not tied to credit score, so you might use it to offset higher rates due to credit.  The assistance can be used to help pay closing costs so the borrower can keep cash in their pocket for reserves or emergencies after closing.  It can also help in the negotiations of a purchase so not to ask for assistance from the seller. 

Home Plus defeats the down payment obstacle that prevents so many from homeownership.  It is now our job as lenders to provide the accurate education about programs like Home Plus to correct the perception of loan requirements so we can turn shelter expense into future wealth.