For Borrowers	For Tribes and TDHEs	For Lenders

 

Dear Lender Letter 2020-12 - Extension of Re-verification of Employment and Tax Transcript Flexibilities and Updated Appraisal Flexibilities in Connection with the COVID-19 National Emergency The purpose of this Dear Lender Letter (DLL) is to inform lenders and servicers of an extension of the re-verification of employment and IRS tax transcript flexibilities originally issued in DLL 2020-05, extended in DLL 2020-06 and DLL 2020-08 and further extended in DLL 2020-10, for an additional period through December 31, 2020.  This DLL will also provide an updated scope of work inspection option providing for Exterior-Only Appraisals, which limits face to face contact for certain Section 184 and 184A transactions affected by the COVID-19 National Emergency. Dear Lender Letter 2020-11 - Section 184A Loan Limits This Dear Lender Letter (DLL) announces a technical correction by the Office of Native American Programs (ONAP) to the Section 184A loan limit for properties located in Hawaii County.  This DLL is effective immediately for all Section 184A loans that do not have a 184A cohort number assigned as of September 9, 2020. Dear Lender Letter 2020-10- Extension of Foreclosure Moratorium and Administrative Flexibilities Due to the ongoing COVID-19 National Emergency, HUD is extending the foreclosure and eviction moratorium applicable to the Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee program and Section 184A Native Hawaiian Housing Loan Guarantee program through December 31, 2020. HUD is also extending the loan processing flexibilities originally issued in DLL 2020-05, and further extended in DLL 2020-08, through October 31, 2020. For more information, please see Dear Lender Letter 2020-10.

Program Overview

The Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program is a home mortgage product specifically designed for American Indian and Alaska Native families, Alaska villages, tribes, or tribally designated housing entities. Congress established this program in 1992 to facilitate homeownership and increase access to capital in Native American Communities.

With Section 184 financing borrowers can get into a home with a low down payment and flexible underwriting. Section 184 loans can be used, both on and off native lands, for new construction, rehabilitation, purchase of an existing home, or refinance.

Section 184 is synonymous with home ownership in Indian Country.

How Section 184 Works

The Office of Loan Guarantee within HUD’s Office of Native American Programs, guarantees the Section 184 home mortgage loans made to Native borrowers. The loan guarantee assures the lender that its investment will be repaid in full in the event of foreclosure.

The borrower applies for the Section 184 loan with a participating lender, and works with the tribe and Bureau of Indian Affairs if leasing tribal land. The lender then evaluates the necessary loan documentation and submits the loan for approval to HUD’s Office of Loan Guarantee.

The loan in limited to single-family housing (1-4 units), and fixed-rate loans for 30 years of less. Neither adjustable rate mortgages (ARMs) nor commercial buildings are eligible for Section 184 loans. Maximum loan limits vary by county. Click on the link below for the most current loan limits.

• Section 184 - Maximum loan limit by county (Effective July 17, 2020)

By encouraging lenders to serve Native communities, Section 184 is increasing the marketability and value of the Native assets and strengthening the financial standing of Native communities.

Eligible Borrowers

• American Indians or Alaska Natives who are members of a federally recognized tribe
• Federally recognized Indian tribes (Complete List as of 02/01/2020)
• Tribally designated housing entities
• Indian Housing Authorities

Native Hawaiians can access homeownership loans through the Section 184A Program.

Eligible Areas

Loans must be made in an eligible area. The program has grown to include eligible areas beyond tribal trust land. Click on the links below to determined participating States and counties across the country.

• Section 184 Approved Counties by State

Lender Participation

Borrowers must apply with a HUD-approved Section 184 lender. Approved lenders are listed below.

• Participating Lenders
• Participating Tribes

Resources

Additional homebuyer resources, including homebuyer classes, can be found at www.hud.gov/counseling.

Tribal Leaders Handbook on Homeownership (7/2018)

Homeownership Data from the Center for Indian Country Development Reservation Profiles Database (6/2018)

Alaska Rural Homeownership Resource Guide

BIA Contract Guide for Mortgage Lending (9/2016)