Become a VHFA participating lender | VHFA.org - Vermont Housing Finance Agency

All VHFA programs are offered exclusively through our VHFA participating lenders. VHFA provides 30-fixed rate mortgage options for VT homebuyers purchasing a primary residence. Once the VHFA mortgage is originated, the lenders sells the loan servicing-released to U.S. Bank.

Questions? Contact VHFA 800-339-5866

Benefits

Down payment and closing cost assistance

VHFA ASSIST is a loan that can be used for down payment and/or normal and customary closing costs. ASSIST has 0% interest and no payments, the loan is repaid when the borrower sells the home, refinances or pays off the mortgage. To be eligible borrowers must be true first-time home buyers and cannot have liquid assets (non-retirement) in excess of $30,000.

Up to a $2,000 annual tax credit

VHFA exclusively issues Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCC) to Vermont borrowers. MCC converts up to 30% of mortgage interest paid from a tax deduction to a tax credit. A MCC tax credit reduces federal tax liability dollar for dollar, can be used even if a borrower does not itemize and can be used for the life of the first mortgage as long as the borrower resides in the home.

No loan level pricing adjustments or credit fees

There are no rate adjustments based on borrower credit profile or loan structure.

Low mortgage insurance premium rates (max 18%)

VHFA conventional loans feature ‘charter level’ mortgage insurance premium rates without any interest rate add-ons. You choose the mortgage insurance provider and the coverage amount ranges from 6% to 18% depending on the Loan-to-Value.

Waived or reduced Vermont Property Transfer Tax = savings up to $825

On the first $110,000 of the purchase price, the State of Vermont waives the Vermont Property Transfer Tax
On any amount from $110,000.01 to $200,000, the State of Vermont reduces the Vermont Property Transfer Tax rate from 1.45% to 1.25%
For a borrower purchasing a home for $200,000 = $825 savings at closing

Requirements

All VHFA loans are underwritten to standard conventional or government credit policy guidelines and are paired with Fannie Mae, Rural Development, FHA or VA products. The Participating Lender is responsible for the credit and collateral underwriting and salability.

Participating Lender must possess and maintain appropriate licensing to originate mortgage loans in Vermont.

Participating Lender must have origination staff physically located in Vermont for a minimum of 12 consecutive months with production volume of at least $10 million in mortgage loan originations.

Participating Lender must maintain approval for all of the following to offer VHFA programs:

VHFA
U.S. Bank
Fannie Mae
Ginnie Mae

Participating Lender is responsible for table-funding the down payment assistance and will be reimbursed upon post-closing approval.

Participating Lender must comply with annual performance requirements including:

Fully fund and sell a minimum of 5 VHFA first mortgage loans in a calendar year
Ensure that origination and support staff attend annual program and process training; these training sessions are scheduled throughout the year and conducted online or in person