Americans are offered $15,000 in free money to buy a tiny home with no strings attached – but you must meet requirements
A tax expert has warned millions of state residents that free money will remain on the table.
In a TikTok video, the money expert said New Yorkers could potentially be eligible for up to $15,000 in grants.
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The TikToker (@ahadthecpa) told its followers that they can get the free cash help – but there are eligibility requirements.
“If you’re buying a home in New York for the first time, there’s a really good program that will give you $15,000 in down payment,” Ahad said.
“Essentially, it is a forgivable loan. So if you meet the terms of the loan, you don’t have to pay it back.”
The loan program is operated by the State of New York Mortgage Agency (SONYMA).
The name of the program is Down Payment Assistance Loan (DPAL).
The loan has a 0 percent interest rate and no monthly payment, according to TikTok.
The minimum loan amount under the program is $1,000 for eligible recipients.
“One of the biggest financial hurdles prospective homeowners face is the down payment and closing costs,” SONYMA wrote on its website.
“DPAL…can provide the initial financing you need to purchase your first home.”
There are some requirements for the homeowner and the home to be eligible for the loan.
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS
Homeowners often buy their first home in New York.
After receiving the loan, they must live in the apartment for at least 10 years.
If they move out before the end of the loan term, they will have to repay at least part of it to the state.
Applicants must check with their lender to determine if they are program participants.
The DPAL loan must be less than the buyer’s closing cost and down payment.
“I think this is a great program considering the interest rates are a bit higher,” Ahad said in the video.
“This will help homebuyers make a little more money when they buy it.”
Buyers interested in applying for DPAL can learn more about each lender and apply here.
HOUSING BALLOON
The cost of buying a home remains historically high.
According to the Federal Reserve, the median home selling price in the second quarter of 2023 was $495,100.
That average is below the highs seen in late 2022 — the average home sale reached $552,600 at the end of the year.
According to CNET, the average interest rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage is just over 7.5 percent.
“Mortgage rates have been between 6 percent and 7 percent for the last 10 months,” Realtor’s Hannah Jones told the publication.
“Although home prices have fallen slightly across the country, still-high borrowing costs mean hopeful homebuyers feel little relief.”
The US Sun reports on other grant programs designed to help homeowners stay afloat — here’s a home repair loan with free money.
Also, this state offers home loans for construction.