One topic that comes up in both my daily job as a real estate broker and in my legislative role for the Citizen Potawatomi Nation is the HUD 184 Loan, also known the “Indian Home Loan”. I sometimes wonder if home buyers want to finance a home with this loan because it is cool and not everyone can qualify or if the decision is one on the loan being the right option for them. Also, over time, it seems like the loan program has matured and become more available through various lenders. Here is a link for a list and you can see which lenders offer the loan in your state.
The Section 184 loan is designed for American Indian and Alaska Native families, The United States Congress established this program in 1992 to grow homeownership and increase accessibility to home loans in Native American Communities. An individual borrower must be a member of a federally recognized tribe. Hawaiian natives can access basically the same loan, under the 184a program. With Section 184 financing borrowers can get into a home with a low down payment and flexible payment options. It can be used, both on and off native lands, for new construction, rehabilitation, purchase of an existing home, or refinance. However, the loans are not available in every state. Check with your lender, however, I will tell you they ARE available in Washington state.
Another available housing program for us as members of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation is the Down Payment and Closing Cost Assistance program.
This is a one-time-only grant for Native Americans with priority given to CPN tribal members. All CPN citizens living in the United States may apply. The maximum grant is $2,125. Mobile homes are not eligible. Please note this point about NO MOBILE homes. I stress this point because I’ve had folks really angry at me for this being an “only stick built program”. It’s good to know that upfront. Another point that is noting is that felons cannot occupy the home.
Non CPN citizens can also apply if they are native, however there are more restrictions. For more information, go to: https://www.potawatomi.org/blog/service/housing/ This is also a resource for information should you be thinking about relocating back home to our reservation land. There are rental and lease to own options that may be worth exploring.
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