Us Code § 12808 - Second mortgage assistance for first-time homebuyers

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 12808 — Second mortgage assistance for first-time homebuyers, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 12808. Second mortgage assistance for first-time homebuyers

(a) In general

The Secretary shall make available a model program under which units of general local government provide loans (secured by second mortgages) with deferred payment of interest and principal to first-time homebuyers.

(b) Homeownership counseling

The program under this section shall provide for homeownership counseling to first-time homebuyers assisted, which shall include—

(1) counseling before and after purchase of the property;

(2) assisting first-time homebuyers in identifying the most suitable and affordable properties;

(3) providing homebuyers with financial management assistance;

(4) assisting homebuyers in understanding mortgage transactions and home sales contracts; and

(5) assisting homebuyers with eliminating any credit problems that may prevent the homebuyers from purchasing the property.

(c) Eligibility requirements

Deferred payment loans secured by second mortgages may be provided under the model program under this section if—

(1) the homebuyer assisted is a first-time homebuyer;

(2) the property secured by the second mortgage is a single-family residence and is the principal residence of the homebuyer; and

(3) the principal obligation of the deferred payment loan secured by a second mortgage does not exceed 30 percent of the acquisition price of the residence to the homebuyer.

(d) Payment terms

(1) Period of deferral

The payment of any principal and interest on a loan under this section shall be deferred for not less than the 5-year period beginning on the date of the acquisition of the residence by the homebuyer.

(2) Interest rate

The interest rate on the unpaid balance of a loan under this section shall be at least 4 percent.

(3) Repayment period

A deferred payment loan secured by a second mortgage shall be repayable over the 15-year period beginning at the end of the deferral period.

(e) Security

A deferred payment loan assisted with amount 1 provided under a grant under this section shall be secured by a lien on the property involved, which lien shall be subordinate to the first mortgage on the property.

(Pub. L. 101–625, title II, §258, Nov. 28, 1990, 104 Stat. 4123.)

1 So in original. Probably should be "amounts".

About This Section

42 U.S.C. § 12808 is part of Title 42 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 42 U.S.C. § 12808. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 12808

What does United States Code § 12808 cover?

Section 12808 ("Second mortgage assistance for first-time homebuyers") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 12808?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 12808" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 12808 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.