The $25,000 Downpayment Toward Equity Act: Explained
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Toward Equity Act of 2021, also known as the $25,000 First-Time Buyer Home Grant, aims to fulfill Biden’s promise to assist Americans in buying quality housing. The Act is currently under consideration in Congress and could be passed any day, providing down payment assistance as promised by Biden over the past year.The government plans to narrow the racial wealth and homeownership gap by offering cash grants to first-generation homebuyers.
This article simplifies the Downpayment Toward Equity Act to show which first-time buyers qualify, how to get your cash grant, and when to expect the bill to be passed into law.
An increase in support for owning a home.
First-time home buyers may be eligible to receive a $25,000 cash grant to purchase a new home through the Downpayment Toward Equity Act.
The $25,000 First-Time Buyer Home Grant, also known as the Act, went live in 2021 as part of President Biden’s campaign promise to help Americans purchase quality housing. Although not yet enacted, President Biden’s 2024 Fiscal Year budget proposal has reaffirmed the grant program.
This article will provide an overview of the program, including eligibility requirements for first-time homebuyers, the grant-claiming process, and expected availability dates.
What Is the $25,000 Down Payment Toward Equity Act?
The Down Payment Toward Equity Act is a bill that provides a grant for first-time home buyers. President Biden champions the program, offering up to $25,000 to help cover home-buying expenses. You can use the money for closing costs, down payment, and interest. Purchasing can become more difficult due to these expenses, but action will ultimately streamline the process.
Not everyone is eligible for the $25,000 Down Payment Toward Equity Act 2021. To qualify, you must meet certain requirements. We will go over these requirements to help you understand if you are eligible.
Requirements to be eligible for the $25000 Downpayment
If you wish to apply for the $25,000 Down Payment Equity Act, please note that the eligibility criteria will change as the Act evolves.
To qualify for the $25,000 grant, you will need to fill out an application and meet the following requirements:
- Purchasing a home as a first-time buyer.
- Purchasing a primary residence rather than a vacation home or secondary residence
- A first-generation buyer, a person from foster care, or someone whose parents defaulted on a home loan.
- Meeting household income limitations in your specific area
- Using a government-backed mortgage
These will qualify you for the $25,000 grant. This grant aims to assist first-time homebuyers in purchasing their place and reducing income and race inequality in homeownership.
The Down Payment Toward Equity Act aims to address housing inequalities and increase accessibility to home ownership.
$25,000 Homebuyer Grant Application Process
Apply for the $25k First-Time Homebuyer Grant. Wait for the review of your application status. Once approved, receive the grant funds.
1. Apply For the $25k First-Time Homebuyer Grant
If you believe you meet the criteria for the $25,000 grant for first-time homebuyers, the initial step is to submit your financial and background information.
2. Wait For the review of your Status
After reviewing your submitted documents, authorities will confirm your eligibility for the $25,000 first-time homebuyer grant. You will receive a notification if further information is required or ineligible.
3. Get Your Funds Approved
Once we review your information, we’ll approve the funds. Awarded funds vary by person, with most buyers receiving $25,000 for their home. However, those who have experienced discrimination due to skin color may be eligible for a bonus of $5,000.
4. Authorities distribute the $25k Grants
After receiving the $25,000 grant, the individual can use it for the mortgage or down payment, making the home-buying process easier. This prospect will revolutionize the housing industry.
Do you know when the $25,000 first-time homebuyer grant is available?
As of July 2022, the Down Payment Toward Equity Act is still pending. It has not yet become law, so the funds are not accessible or available for application. Nevertheless, seeing something this helpful and gaining traction in positions of power is exciting.
If this Act becomes law, eligible individuals will automatically receive their earned money without any complicated paperwork. The mortgage lender will apply for the money after participating in a two-hour session with a government-approved counselor.
$25k First-Time Homebuyer Grant Rules for Moving
Limitations of the $25,000 Down Payment Act of 2021: If you move within the first five years of owning the home, you must repay part of the grant (not the whole amount unless you move within the first year).
The repayment process is straightforward and uncomplicated. If you obtain the grant, committing to staying in your home for at least five years is advisable before accepting it. However, remember that the legislation may evolve and change before going g live.
What Is The Program’s Current Status?
On July 16, 2023, the $25,000 grant for first-time home buyers became a bill in Congress for 2023-2024, replacing the expired Downpayment Toward Equity Act of 2021 (H.R. 4495).
Rep. Maxine Waters authored the former and current versions of The Downpayment Toward Equity Act in the House of Representatives. Senator Raphael Warnock authored the bill’s Senate version in the last Congress.
Senator Warnock has not yet reintroduced the Downpayment Toward Equity Act in the Senate. The timeline for the act is as follows:
- July 17, 2021: H.R. 4495 introduced as Downpayment Toward Equity Act of 2021
- September 30, 2021: S. 2920 introduced as the Downpayment Toward Equity Act of 2021
- February 10, 2022: Hearings held in Senate
- June 22, 2022: Hearings held in Senate
- March 9, 2023: White House budget allocates $175 billion for affordable housing programs, including $10 billion for cash grants for first-time home buyers
- June 21, 2023: H.R. 4231 introduced as Downpayment Toward Equity Act of 2023
Home buyers cannot claim the Downpayment Toward Equity grant until the bill passes into law. However, they can consider the Conventional 100 mortgage that provides 100% financing plus closing costs for first-time buyers with reduced mortgage interest rates.
$25,000 First Time Homebuyer Program Bottom Line
The Downpayment Toward Equity Act was introduced in Congress in 2021 but has not yet been passed into law as of mid-2023.
The bill is still under consideration by Congress and subject to debate, negotiation, and potential changes before it can be approved and signed into law by the President. Despite this, many legislators and industry experts remain optimistic that the bill will soon benefit first-time buyers.
The most recent development occurred on March 9, 2023. The White House proposed its budget for the fiscal year 2024, allocating $175 billion for affordable housing programs, including $10 billion for cash grants for first-time home buyers.
Some industry experts anticipate that the legislation will go live in some capacity before the end of 2023.
As of mid-2023, the Down Payment Toward Equity Act 2021 has not yet been passed. However, the Biden administration is still hopeful that it will be able to provide relief that makes homes more affordable. If the $25,000 first-time homebuyer grant becomes law, it will help many people. All we can do is wait and see if it passes.
Georges has been working in Wall Street for the last 16 years trading derivatives with hedge funds. He has been an active real estate investor for over a decade. Georges graduated from HEC Business School in Paris and holds a master in Finance from ESADE Barcelona.
