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Analyzing Down Payment Assistance Programs for Military and Veterans

There are a little less down payment assistance programs out there, according to Down Payment Resource. On Monday, Down Payment Resource released its Q1 2017 Homeownership Program Index (HPI). According to the HPI, the number of down payment assistance programs fell by nine to 2,454 from the previous quarter. Around 87 percent of these programs have funds available for eligible homebuyers, unchanged from the previous quarter.

According to the Zillow Housing Aspiration Report, saving for a down payment was the biggest barrier to homeownership, as 70 percent of renters cite not affording a down payment as the top hurdle.

“There are many mortgage-ready renters today, but they don’t know it. Often, homebuyers remain sidelined for years due to the down payment,” said Rob Chrane, CEO of Down Payment Resource. “Plus, veterans and members of the military may not know about additional homeownership benefits they can pair with their VA loan. After serving our country, it’s important we in turn support our veterans in achieving their dream of homeownership.”

A particular focus of Down Payment Resource’s HPI is programs aimed at military and veteran homebuyers. Down Payment Resource notes that there are 135 programs across the country with special benefits for veterans or members of the military, and military and veterans often have the option to pair these programs with their Veterans Association housing benefit.

Some of these programs include the PenFed Foundation Dream Makers program.

“Since the Dream Makers inception, the PenFed Foundation has provided over $5 million in down payment assistance grants, supporting the purchase of a home by veterans and military personnel,” said Mark Smith, Director of Programs at the PenFed Foundation.

Other programs across the U.S. include the Atlanta Neighborhood Development Partnership Veterans Program, the Florida First & Military Heroes Program, the Home in 5 Advantage Program in Phoenix, and the Home for Texas Heroes program.

About Author: Seth Welborn

Seth Welborn is a contributing writer for DS News. He is a Harding University graduate with a degree in English and a minor in writing, and has studied abroad in Athens, Greece. An East Texas native, he also works part-time as a photographer.
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