Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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Frequently Asked Questions for the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Guarantee Program

	What is the Section 184 Loan Guarantee program?
	Why is there a lack of mortgage lending Indian country?
	How does the Section 184 program correct the problem?
	Is trust land the only eligible land for a Section 184 loan?
	What must a tribe do to participate in the Section 184 Indian Housing Loan Grantee program?
	How do I appraise homes on Native American lands?

What is the Section 184 Loan Guarantee Program?

The Section 184 Loan Guarantee Program was created by the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 to address the lack of mortgage lending in Indian Country. The 184 program offers a loan guarantee to private sector lenders who make mortgage loans to eligible borrowers for homes located in Indian Country.

Why is there a lack of mortgage lending in Indian country?

Much of the land in Indian Country is held in trust by the United States government for the benefit of a particular tribe or individual Native American. Land held in trust for a tribe cannot be mortgaged, and land held in trust for an individual must receive approval from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), before a lien is placed on the property. Without the ability to mortgage and foreclose on a home or place a lien on individual trust property, lenders were not willing to make home loans to individual Native Americans.

How does the Section 184 program correct the problem?

For a home loan on tribal trust land, the eligible individual borrower leases the land property from the tribe on a lease approved by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and by HUD to create a leasehold estate. It is the home and the leasehold interest in the homesite that are mortgaged so that in the event of a foreclosure the home and leasehold interest are what are foreclosed. The ownership of the land itself remains in trust for the tribe.

For a home loan on individual or "allotted" trust land, both HUD and the BIA must approve the loan applicant. In the event of a default by a borrower on a 184 guaranteed loan on either tribal or individual trust land, the lender or HUD can only pursue liquidation of the loan after offering to transfer the loan to an eligible tribal member, the tribe or the Indian Housing Authority serving the tribe. In the event of a foreclosure, the lender or HUD can not sell the property to anyone but an eligible tribal member, the tribe or the housing authority serving the tribe. Thus the unique status of the trust land is protected.

Is trust land the only land eligible for a Section 184 loan

No. Land located in an Indian area or Alaska Native area are eligible locations for a 184 guaranteed home loan. Fee simple lands within an approved Indian area (see PIH Notice 2004-19) are allowed under Section 184.

How do I appraise homes on Native American lands?

The HUD FHA 4150.2 handbook (issued May 20, 1999), provides guidance for appraisers on how to appraise existing, proposed and new construction of one to four family homes on tribal trust, allotted and fee simple lands under HUD's Office of Native American Program (HUD/ONAP) Section 184 Loan Guarantee Program. You may obtain a copy of the Handbook 4150.2, Valuation Analysis for Home Mortgage Insurance online or by calling: 1-800-767-7468