The Save for Success Act (HR 7393) amends the tax code to allow distributions from 529 college savings plans to be used for first-time homebuyers' housing expenses, such as purchasing a principal residence, closing costs, and mortgage payments. It directly affects individuals using 529 plans who qualify as first-time homebuyers - defined as those with no ownership of a principal residence in the past three years. The key provision expands the list of qualified expenses under 529 plans beyond education costs to include home purchases, while maintaining the "first-time homebuyer" definition from existing tax law. This change takes effect for distributions made after December 31, 2026.
The NEST Act creates a new tax-advantaged savings account specifically for first-time homebuyers, allowing them to deduct contributions from their taxable income. Contributions would be limited to 20% of a state's median home price, with tax-free distributions available for qualified home ownership expenses like down payments and closing costs. Employer contributions to these accounts would be excluded from both income tax and employment taxes. The bill includes safeguards such as a 20% additional tax on funds withdrawn for non-homebuying purposes and rules preventing misuse of the accounts. It would take effect for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025.
This bill increases the limit for penalty-free withdrawals from retirement accounts for first-time homebuyers. It amends the tax code to raise the maximum amount from $10,000 to $50,000 per individual for qualified first-time homebuyer distributions. This change directly affects first-time homebuyers who need to access retirement savings to purchase a home without incurring early withdrawal penalties. The provision applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024.
HR 7244, the First-Time Home Buyers Match Act, establishes a 5-year pilot program to help low-to-moderate-income first-time homebuyers save for a home purchase. Eligible buyers (earning ≤120% of local median income, with ≤$75,000 in liquid assets) can receive annual matching funds equal to 50% of their savings - up to $5,000 per year - into a qualifying savings account. Funds must be used for down payments, closing costs, or specific home repairs, and function as a second mortgage repaid over 36 months. The program limits account balances to 10% of local median home values and requires HUD to report on participation, outcomes, and demographics.
The MORE Opportunities for Homeownership Act (HR 7647) amends the Federal Home Loan Bank Act to expand eligibility for community financial institutions. Specifically, it adds the Federal Credit Union Act to the list of qualifying acts alongside the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, allowing credit unions to access Federal Home Loan Bank programs. This change directly affects credit unions by enabling them to secure funding for mortgage lending through these programs. The key mechanism is updating the legal definition of eligible institutions, aiming to increase homeownership opportunities in underserved communities.
HR 4385, the Helping More Families Save Act, establishes a 10-year pilot program allowing families receiving Section 8 or 9 housing assistance to save money toward financial stability. Under the program, eligible families (with income under 80% of area median income) have rent increases tied to their earned income placed into interest-bearing escrow accounts managed by participating housing agencies. Families can withdraw these savings after 5 years (or earlier for self-sufficiency goals approved by the agency), without affecting their eligibility for other benefits. The program requires agencies to notify families of enrollment options and prohibits denial of housing assistance for opting out, with a final evaluation report due 8 years after implementation.
HR 7596, the Improving Housing Access Act, requires the Comptroller General to study barriers to housing for elderly and disabled people within one year of the bill's enactment. The study will specifically examine potential improvements to two federal housing programs: supportive housing for the elderly (under Section 202 of the 1959 Housing Act) and supportive housing for people with disabilities (under Section 811 of the Cranston-Gonzalez Act). It focuses on identifying ways to improve access, including options for providing financial support to these programs. The bill does not create new benefits but mandates a review to inform future policy decisions.
HR 2928, the Mortgage Relief for Disaster Survivors Act, provides temporary payment relief for homeowners and renters with federally backed mortgages in areas affected by federally declared disasters. Borrowers with damaged or destroyed properties can request an 180-day pause on mortgage payments (extendable by another 180 days) from their loan servicer by submitting written requests and proof of property damage. During this relief period, no fees, penalties, or additional interest accrue beyond what would have been due under the original loan terms. This applies to loans backed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or similar programs, including both single-family and multifamily residential properties.
This bill modifies disaster recovery and mitigation programs to help homeowners with "heir property" access aid. It requires HUD to create a standardized affidavit form and accept alternative documents (like school or benefit letters) for proving ownership, instead of traditional deeds. The affidavit cannot require notarization and must be available in multiple languages at application. It directly affects residents in Presidentially declared disaster areas who own property inherited through intestacy (without a will) as tenants in common.
This bill expands eligibility for VA home loans to certain reserve component members and National Guard personnel who previously did not qualify as veterans. It creates a new category for individuals with at least 14 days of qualifying service (including inactive duty training, annual training, or full-time National Guard duty) who complete entry-level training. These members gain access to guaranteed home loans but must pay an additional 1% loan fee. The VA must notify qualifying members after they finish training, and the changes apply retroactively to service since September 11, 2001.