The AFL’s Platinum Program was created to help low-to-moderate income homebuyers in California purchase a home by providing down payment and/or closing cost assistance, currently in the form of a non-repayable grant.
Since it began in 2010, AFL Platinum has helped 17,800 people purchase homes, providing more than $146.5 million in grants.
Features at a Glance(1)
- Non-repayable grant for down payment and/or closing costs;
- Grant sized up to 5% of the loan amount;
- Program NOT limited to first-time homebuyers;
- FICO score requirement from 640 and up;
- Available with various mortgage loans; and
- NOW available with eligible refinances.
The grant is not a second mortgage and does not create a lien against the property and can be used towards down payment and/or closing costs.
AFL’s Platinum is designed to be flexible and is available for the purchase of both new and existing homes, as long as the home will be the primary residence of the homebuyer. The Program is also not limited to first-time homebuyers. Whether someone owned a home in the past or not, they can apply for the Program.
How Does a Homebuyer Qualify for the Program?
First, the homebuyer(s) must meet GSFA’s specific qualifying guidelines for the Program which include the following(1):
- Intend to occupy the home as the primary residence;
- Qualifying income (total income used to qualify for the mortgage) must not exceed Program Income Limits;
- Meet the minimum credit score requirement of 640; and
- Not exceed the maximum debt-to-income ratio of 45%.
Conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA 30-year mortgages are allowed. Current interest rates and APRs are available through a Participating Lender.
Second, the homebuyer(s) must apply for the Program through a AFL’s Platinum Participating Lender and meet all the qualifying guidelines for the type of mortgage loan being used to finance the purchase of the home.