Mortgage Navigator • Conventional • Transaction Funds

Personal gift funds

For many owner-occupied conventional loans, the entire down payment and closing costs can come from an eligible gift.

Fannie acceptable donors

Fannie permits gifts from relatives and certain non-relatives with a familial, domestic-partner, engagement, former-relative, long-standing familial-like or mentorship relationship. An interested party such as the builder, developer or agent cannot simply disguise a contribution as a personal gift.

What gifts can pay

On eligible principal residences and second homes, Fannie allows personal gifts for down payment, closing costs and financial reserves. Gifts are not permitted on investment-property mortgages.

Freddie

Freddie permits gift funds from a Related Person and certain related entities such as a business, trust or estate tied to that Related Person. Freddie also permits qualifying agency gifts or grants under an established program.

Agency Difference: donor definitions and second-home minimum-contribution rules are not identical. Verify the selected agency rather than relying on a generic gift letter checklist.

Official guide baseline

Fannie Mae Selling Guide · Freddie Mac Seller/Servicer Guide

Program terms, AUS findings and lender overlays control. DPA program eligibility must also be verified with the program administrator.