I have a new mortgage product available that can give up to $13,000 in down payment or closing funds for FHA borrowers.
Best of all, it isn’t a down payment assistance program, it’s actual earned income that is used for qualification purposes and can be utilized any way the borrower would like.
HOPER allows homebuyers to earn up to $13,000 (3.5% of the home purchase price) toward the home purchase—with no repayment, no liens, and an interest rate that’s 1%-2% lower than standard down payment assistance (DPA) options.
Unlike standard DPAs, which often come with higher interest rates and restrictions, HOPER gives buyers real financial flexibility.
Additionally, homebuyers qualify for $10,000-$12,000 in tax credits on average within the first year, allowing them to replenish their savings to create an emergency fund. This financial boost can help set them up for long-term success as a homeowner.
Click here for the link to view a video of the program:
Who is HOPER, and why are they paying FHA homebuyers?
HOPER is a socially-innovative research organization, studying the positive impact that two cash inflows —up to $13,000 at closing and $10,000-$12,000 within a year after closing—along with financial mentorship has on loan performance. Their goal is to prove, through real-world data, that:
- Savings rates go up
- Default rates go down
To conduct this research, they pay FHA homebuyers for their participation, much like a second job.
How can borrowers use the 3.5% up to $13,000 from HOPER?
This isn’t a loan—it’s earned income, meaning borrowers have full control over how they use it:
- Down payment & closing costs – Reduce their upfront cash needed to close.
- Interest rate buy-down – Lower their monthly mortgage payment.
- Paying off high-interest debt – Improve their overall financial standing.
- Savings – Strengthen their emergency fund.
Why would a borrower choose the HOPER program when buying a home?
Here’s why HOPER is a game-changer for FHA homebuyers:
- Receive up to $25,000 in financial support—$13,000 upfront + $10,000-$12,000 in tax credits.
- Lower monthly costs—Reduce or eliminate their electric bill, protect yourself from rising utility costs.
- Better loan terms—No liens, no repayment requirements, lower interest rates than DPAs.
- Flexibility—Use their funds strategically to reduce debt, cover costs, or save.
A Real Example
What is required to participate in this project?
1. Buyers are to complete an online financial education course before buying their home (4-6 hours). This equips them with smart money habits and unlocks the 3.5% of the purchase price up to $13K, which is deposited into their savings club account to be used at closing.
2. Sign up for an online financial mentorship course (to be completed within one year of purchasing your home). This prepares them to make wise financial decisions with the $10,000-$12,000 tax credit they will receive, ensuring they build savings instead of spending it.
3. Undergo an energy assessment on the home they are buying. If solar can offset most of their expected electricity use, your home qualifies for the program.
Why is solar a required component of the program?
HOPER’s research focuses on reducing loan default risk. The #1 reason homeowners’ default is a lack of savings, especially in the first five years of purchasing the home.
Many new homeowners report having less than $1,000 in liquid savings, meaning any unexpected expense—a job loss, medical emergency, or car repair—can quickly put them at risk of missing mortgage payments.
Here’s how solar helps:
• Immediate savings boost: Home buyers receive a 30% tax credit for their solar system, averaging $10,000-$12,000, which can be used to build an emergency fund. This equates to roughly 5-6 months of mortgage payments, providing a financial safety net in the crucial early years of home ownership.
• Long-term affordability: Their electric bill is typically the second-largest home expense after the mortgage. By generating most of their electricity from solar, you lock in energy savings and protect yourself from rising utility rates over time. This makes home ownership more sustainable, reducing the risk of financial strain in the future.
How is the solar paid for?
FHA has made it seamless to include the cost of installing solar directly into your mortgage. This means:
- The solar system is fully paid for on day one—no separate loan, no extra payments.
- The cost is simply rolled into your mortgage, so you own the system outright.
- You still benefit from solar incentives, including tax
What will happen to the monthly mortgage payment?
The borrower’s total housing expenses (mortgage + utilities) will remain roughly the same whether they participate in the HOPER program or not.
For example: if adding solar increases the mortgage by $200/month, their electricity bill will typically decrease by roughly the same amount, keeping the overall monthly costs stable.
Who installs the solar?
To ensure compliance with FHA guidelines and timelines, AHA (Attainable Housing Advocates) will get the buyer an energy assessment with a state-approved solar installer.
Once their home’s energy assessment is completed, AHA will provide a solar quote and breakdown of HOPER benefits, allowing them to make an informed decision.
In Conclusion
Do reach out to me for more on this incredible opportunity. As a reminder, this is not a down payment assistance program, it’s earned income that can be utilized for a down payment or closing costs.
Finally, the installed solar system is OWNED BY THE HOMEOWNER – there is no lien on the property whatsoever, so selling the home down the road becomes much easier.
