Illinois REALTOR® Magazine | April 2013
Help Get Buyers Into A Home
The spring homebuying season is upon us and there are a number of Illinois homebuyer assistance and mortgage financing programs available that could help get your buyers into a new home. From programs geared toward first-time buyers or veterans to federal loans for consumers buying in rural Illinois communities, there might be a financing option that fits your buyer.
SmartMove Trio
The SmartMove mortgage financing program now features expanded benefits under changes announced by Governor Pat Quinn in late February. The Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA) program has been expanded to offer a third benefit to qualifying borrowers – an optional mortgage credit certificate to reduce federal income tax liability. SmartMove Trio is one of the most lucrative homebuyer packages offered by IHDA. Since January 2009, SmartMove has assisted around 2,700 Illinois families in buying a home.
What does the program offer?
- A 30-year, first mortgage with an affordable interest rate.
- A second mortgage of up to $6,000 for down payment and/or closing costs assistance (for first-time homebuyers only).
- And a new addition: An optional mortgage credit certificate to reduce federal income tax liability.
Who is Eligible?
- A first-time Illinois homebuyer (defined as someone who hasn’t owned a primary residence in the last three years).
- Military veterans (do not have to be a first-time buyer).
- Homebuyers purchasing a home in targeted areas of the state (also exempt from the first-time buyer requirement).
- Borrowers must also meet household income and purchase price guidelines.
How does the mortgage credit certificate work?
The mortgage credit certificate allows homeowners to use 20 percent of their annual mortgage interest as a direct federal tax credit, which results in a dollar-for-dollar reduction of the annual federal income tax liability. The remaining 80 percent of their annual mortgage interest continues to qualify as an itemized tax deduction. Over the life of a SmartMove Trio loan, homeowners would see a federal income tax credit worth up to $18,000.
Learn more: www.ihda.org/homeowner/gettingLoan.htm
- Call 312-836-5200 to speak with IHDA's Homeownership Originations department.
- VIDEO: Scott Bush, Homeownership Programs explains IHDA's SmartMove Program
Source: Illinois Housing Development Authority
USDA Rural Development Single Family Housing Guaranteed Loan Program
This federal program through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) assists low to moderate income consumers buying homes in eligible rural areas, including many counties in Illinois.
What does the program offer?
A 30-year fixed-rate loan with 100 percent financing, no monthly mortgage insurance and doesn’t require a down payment. A one-time guarantee fee applies, but can be rolled into the loan amount. Eligible closing costs and lender fees may also be rolled into the loan or paid by the borrower.
Who is Eligible?
Borrowers who are buying a property in an eligible rural area and have a household income that does not exceed the income guidelines established for a particular county. There are flexible credit guidelines so those with non-traditional credit histories can apply and the program is not limited to first-time buyers. Buyers may have an income of up to 115 percent the median income for the area.
Which properties are covered?
Eligible properties include existing homes, new construction, modular homes, eligible condominiums, new manufactured homes and Planned Unit Developments (PUDs). There is no maximum purchase price; qualifying ratios are determined between a borrowers income and housing affordability.
Learn more: www.rurdev.usda.gov/HAD-Guaranteed_Housing_Loans
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Welcome Home Heroes
This Illinois Housing Development Authority program helps Illinois veterans and military personnel finance a home through affordable mortgages and down payment and closing cost assistance.
What does the program offer?
- A $10,000 forgivable loan over two years for down payment and closing cost assistance.
- A 30-year fixed rate mortgage with an affordable interest rate.
- Optional mortgage credit certificate.
Who is Eligible?
- Veterans (who need not be first-time buyers).
- Active military personnel, reservists and Illinois National Guard members (first-time buyers only).
- Buyers must meet income and purchase price guidelines.
Which properties apply?
One-to-two-unit properties that will be used as a primary residence.
Learn more: www.ihda.org/homeowner/heroes.htm
- Download the face sheet (pdf)
- VIDEO: Scott Bush, Homeownership Programs explains IHDA's Welcome Home Heroes Program
Source: Illinois Housing Development Authority
Finally Home
A mortgage guarantee program offered through the Illinois State Treasurer’s Office offers borrowers a 10 percent mortgage guarantee to help them qualify for an affordable and sustainable loan.
What does the program offer?
For eligible borrowers, the program guarantees up to 10 percent of their qualifying loans. The goal is to help Illinois residents avoid predatory lenders and obtain affordable mortgages to purchase or refinance a home.
Who is Eligible?
Low- to moderate-income Illinois residents who otherwise might not be able to obtain a conventional mortgage. Borrowers must be documented Illinois income taxpayers. The homes being purchased or refinanced must be in Illinois.
Learn more: http://treasurer.il.gov/programs/finally-home/finally-home.aspx
Source: Illinois State Treasurer’s Office
Illinois Building Blocks Pilot Program
A targeted financing program offering up to $10,000 in down payment assistance to buyers who purchase vacant properties in five Illinois communities hit hard by foreclosures: Berwyn, Maywood, Park Forest, Chicago Heights and South Holland. The program is administered through the Illinois Housing Development Authority.
- UPDATE (3/21/13): The Illinois Building Blocks Program has been expanded to include: Belleville, Blue Island, Champaign, Cicero, Crest Hill, Joliet, Lockport, Lynwood, Melrose Park and Peoria. The community revitalization program helps qualifying buyers purchase vacant homes by offering $10,000 in down payment and closing cost assistance. Learn more.
What does the program offer?
A 30-year fixed rate mortgage at an affordable interest rate and a $10,000 forgivable loan over two years for down payment and closing costs assistance.
Who is eligible?
Properties must be purchased in one of the five targeted communities. Borrowers do not have to be first-time buyers, but income and purchase price limits do apply.
Learn more: www.ihda.org/homeowner/ILBuildingBlocksProgram.htm
Source: Illinois Housing Development Authority
