For many Native American families, owning a home represents more than financial stability—it’s about building generational wealth and creating a secure foundation for the future. Yet, one of the biggest challenges is often the upfront costs of purchasing: saving for down payments and paying closing fees.

The Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program—administered by HUD—was created to remove those barriers and provide help with buying a home specifically for Native American and Alaska Native families. If you’ve been searching homes for sale near me in Oklahoma or north Texas, especially in the Texoma region, this guide explains how Section 184 works, its benefits, and why partnering with a top Texoma realtor like Brian & Jonelle of B&J Co. can help you unlock the door to homeownership.

👉 Learn more about Section 184 on HUD’s website

What Is the Section 184 Loan Program?

Congress created the Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program in 1992 to increase access to mortgage financing for Native Americans. HUD guarantees the loans, which encourages lenders to make them more widely available.

Who Qualifies?

●     Enrolled members of one of the 574 federally recognized tribes.

●     Federally recognized tribes and their housing authorities.

●     Alaska Native families and village members.

●     Eligible borrowers can purchase homes both on and off tribal lands.

The program applies only to primary residences (not second homes or investment properties).

Key Benefits of Section 184

Section 184 loans were designed with Native American families in mind, offering features that make homeownership more attainable than conventional loans.

1. Low Down Payments

○     1.25% on loans under $50,000.

○     2.25% on loans above $50,000.

1. No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
    Unlike FHA or conventional loans, Section 184 does not require monthly PMI, lowering overall costs.

2. Competitive Interest Rates
    Rates are based on market conditions, not borrower credit score, making them more accessible for those with limited credit history.

3. Flexible Uses
    Section 184 can be used to:

○     Buy a new or existing home.

○     Build a home on-site or on tribal trust land.

○     Renovate or rehabilitate a property.

○     Refinance an existing mortgage into a Section 184 loan.

Property & Loan Requirements

●     Homes must be single-family residences (1–4 units) occupied by the borrower.

●     Only fixed-rate loans are allowed (no adjustable-rate mortgages).

●     Properties on tribal trust land may require additional leasehold arrangements and tribal approvals.

●     Borrowers must work with a HUD-approved Section 184 lender familiar with tribal requirements and regional processes.

How Section 184 Reduces Upfront Costs

Loan Type	Down Payment	Monthly PMI	Out-of-Pocket at Start
Conventional (5%)	$7,500	Required	$7,500 + closing costs
FHA (3.5%)	$5,250	Required	$5,250 + PMI + costs
Section 184 (2.25%)	$3,375	None	$3,375 + reduced costs

Consider a $150,000 home:By eliminating PMI and requiring smaller down payments, Section 184 makes homeownership more achievable for families searching for homes for sale near me.

Closing Cost Assistance Opportunities

While Section 184 significantly reduces upfront requirements, buyers must still account for closing costs, which can add 2–5% of the home’s purchase price. This is where additional strategies can help:

●     Seller Contributions: A savvy realtor near me can negotiate for the seller to cover part of your closing costs.

●     State Programs: In Oklahoma, the OHFA Down Payment Assistance Program can sometimes be layered with Section 184 to cover closing costs.

Together, these tools can reduce the buyer’s cash requirement to nearly zero.

Why Work with a Top Texoma Realtor?

Navigating the details of Section 184 takes expertise. Brian & Jonelle of B&J Co., your trusted top Texoma realtor team, offer:

●     Experience working with Section 184-approved lenders.

●     Knowledge of properties in southeastern Oklahoma and north Texas that align with program requirements.

●     Guidance on negotiating seller concessions to minimize cash at closing.

●     Step-by-step support through what can be a complex but rewarding process.

Final Thoughts

For Native American families, the Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program is more than a mortgage—it’s a pathway to stable housing and long-term financial security. With lower down payments, no PMI, and flexible property uses, it stands out as one of the strongest forms of help with buying a home.

If you’ve been searching homes for sale near me in the Texoma region, consider exploring Section 184. And with guidance from Brian & Jonelle of B&J Co., you’ll have a realtor near me who can connect you with the right lenders, programs, and strategies to make your dream of homeownership a reality.

👉See details directly on HUD’s Section 184 Program page