When structuring real estate transactions to meet Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA, VA, and community products, agents should keep in mind the following allowable seller contributions for closing costs and prepaids:
Conventional Loans
Primary & Second homes
90% to 100% loan-to-value: 3%
75% to 90% LTV: 6%
Up to 75% LTV: 9%
Investment properties
2% maximum, regardless of LTV
FHA Loans
6% plus 3% for down payment assistance through a third party
VA Loans
4% regardless of LTV
First-time homebuyer community programs
3% to 6%
Seller contributions are based on the lesser of the sale price or the appraised value of the property. Comparing similar active listings and sold homes in the area is critical.

Pat,
This is a wonderful post for all REAL ESTATE AGENTS and LOAN OFFICERS alike. It puts everything right at your fingertips. It is really preventive measures from having to have contracts re-executed as well as appraisals re-ordered and loans re-structured.
Thank you.
FHA seems to be the way to go these days; flexible underwriting and greater contribution allowances give FHA the edge.
Thanks Melissa. It seems nowadays that when sellers help buyers, their homes sell much faster. And ,we agents, need to know what we can and cannot do.
For sure Stephen. It seems that about half of our trasactions end up being FHA with Down Payment Assistance. Thanks for your comment.
Is there a minimum or required seller contribution on VA?
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Here is a link to the VA guidelines. Hope this helps!!
http://www.warms.vba.va.gov/pam26_7.html