Here's what you need to know about giving and receiving gift funds.
Saving a down payment is one of the most challenging—aspects of buying a home. The larger your down payment, the less you have to finance, which can lead to lower interest rates and monthly payments over the life of your loan. Furthermore, with a 20% down payment or more can help you avoid costly private mortgage insurance.
If you're ready to become a homeowner, asking your family for help with your down payment may have crossed your mind. While down-payment funds can be gifted between family members, you must follow a list of rules to document the gift, including a down payment gift letter.
If you’re lucky enough to get down-payment help this year (or generous enough to give it), be sure you know the rules around gift funds. It’s not as simple as handing over a wad of cash with a note that says “Congrats! Here’s a little something for your new house.”
Down payment gift funds must meet certain requirements or the gift giver and recipient face trouble down the road. From writing a gift letter to rules around repaying gift money, here are basic facts homebuyers and donors should know.
Who can gift a house down payment?
How much money can you receive as a gift?
Many home loan programs allow some or all of a down payment gift to come from a variety of sources. You can get gift money from a relative, friend, your employer, local labor union, government agency or even a charitable organization.
The amount of gift funds you can apply to your down payment depends on what loan program you select. Here’s a look at the most common options.
Fannie Mae gift funds.
Freddie Mac gift funds.
FHA gift funds.
VA gift funds.
USDA gift funds.
How Does Using Gift Money for a Down Payment Work?
You can use gifted funds to make a down payment, but the mortgage lender will want to know some details before they allow you to use it. Only two specific groups can give a home buyer money to fund their down payment.
- A family member — as long as they can prove they have a standing relationship with the buyer
- Government organization — as part of a program meant to get first-time buyers into the market
You must confirm the relationship between you and the gift giver.
If you plan on getting gift funds from a family member, you’ll need a letter that confirms your relationship and that the money is a gift and not expected to be repaid. Usually this is in the form of a gift letter, which both parties sign. Your lender will provide the required format.
Sample Gift Letter
The lender will also require further evidence of the gift — for instance, they will ask to see the donor's bank statements to show they have the funds to give the buyer as much money as is promised. They may also ask for a bank slip from the buyer’s account to show when the money was transferred, and a bank statement from the borrower after the money is deposited.
Often, gifts change hands during the application process — this gives time for the money to show up on both the donor and the buyer’s bank statements as well as gives the mortgage lender time to verify that the money is from a legitimate source and the pair has an appropriate relationship.
If the gift funds are added to the buyer’s bank account after settlement, then documentation will still be required before it can be applied to the purchase. Typically, this will require a receipt of the cashier’s check as given to the closing agent.
Can you pay back a mortgage gift?
The answer is NO. This is considered mortgage loan fraud, which is a crime. It can also put your loan qualification at risk as all loans need to be factored into your debt-to-income ratio.
The moral of this story: Be honest with your lender about where you’re receiving all funds for your down payment — as they’ll likely find out anyway.
What Else Should You Know About Down Payment Gifts?
As previously mentioned, there’s a difference between receiving a down payment gift and a loan. Buyers need to be clear with their mortgage lenders and confirm that the money received was gifted. A sudden infusion of cash without a traceable source will leave lenders suspicious and, perhaps, wary of completing the loan deal on their end.
Buying a Home is More Than a Down Payment
Ultimately, the cost of the down payment is only one expense to consider in the home-buying process. Homebuyers need to pay for closing costs, which include expenses like an appraisal, credit report, and underwriting fees.
The Do’s and Don’ts of a Down Payment Gift
| Do… | Don’t… |
| Get a signed statement from the gift giver | Tell the lender the funds are a gift when it’s a loan |
| Remind gift giver to keep a paper trail | Change or add money without explanation |
| Get the money in advance and know how seasoned money works | Assume all loan types allow down payment gifts |
| Understand the monetary limit of gift funds for tax purposes | Neglect the mortgage because you have no money in the game |
Down payment gifts can make it easier for homebuyers to afford a home.
If you’re in the market for a new home and want a little help, don’t hesitate — just make sure you follow the above steps to ensure you accept such a gift in the proper manner. When you speak with your lender about what loan is best for you, make sure you let them know upfront that you plan on using gift funds for the down payment. Some loans have strict guidelines on how much gift money you can use for a down payment and who can gift you the money.
Reach out of you have questions or need help!
CMG Financial | NMLS 1820
8337 W. Sunset Road, Suite 300
Las Vegas, NV 89113
Office (702) 777-1306
Aundrea Beach-Greco
Mortgage Advisor, CMPS
NMLS 333739
(702) 326-7866
info@aundreabeach.com
www.AundreaBeach.com
