C.A.R. Launches Mortgage Protection Program

To help provide first-time home buyers with peace of mind when purchasing a home, the CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®’ (C.A.R.) Housing Affordability Fund is offering a new mortgage protection program to first-time home buyers.

Through the C.A.R. Housing Affordability Fund’s Mortgage Protection Program, first-time home buyers who lose their jobs due to layoffs may be eligible to receive up to $1,500 per month, for six months, to help make their mortgage payments. A qualified co-buyer also can participate in the program, and receive a monthly benefit of $750 per month for up to six months. Program benefits also include coverage for accidental disability and a $10,000 death benefit.

For more information including eligibility requirements and information on applying for the C.A.R.H.A.F. Mortgage Protection Program, please visit

Tax Credit Can be Used as Additional Down Payment

Qualified, first-time home buyers using a Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-insured mortgage now can apply the $8,000 federal tax credit toward their down payments, the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently announced.

Currently, borrowers applying for an FHA-insured mortgage are required to issue minimum down payments of 3.5 percent. Previously, FHA-approved lenders were not allowed to monetize the tax credit as part of the 3.5 percent; however, under the new guidelines announced this afternoon, borrowers now can use the tax credit as additional down payment, or for other closing costs.

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 offers homebuyers a tax credit of up to $8,000 for purchasing their first home. Families can access this credit after filing their tax returns with the IRS.

What Is the FDIC & Why Is It Important?

The FDIC – short for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – is an independent agency of the United States government. To learn more about what it does, why it's important to you, and what the FDIC actually insures. Please click the link below to read more.

Immigration Through Investment
Presented by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services

Under section 203(b)(5) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), 8 U.S.C. § 1153(b)(5), 10,000 immigrant visas per year are available to qualified individuals seeking permanent resident status on the basis of their engagement in a new commercial enterprise. Read more about how Immigration and Investing can go hand in hand.

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