SOUTH BEND — A big piece of the federal mortgage loan program is ending in October, and it could affect home buyers who need help the most.

The mortgage crisis has many would-be home buyers taking advantage of the Federal Home Administration loans, which require a down payment of only 3 percent.

Beginning in October, sellers will not be able to help with that down payment.

"There's been a push to get all the loans closed," said mortgage broker John Dunbar. He is taking a wait-and-see attitude.

The changes mean someone buying a $90,000 home has to come up with $2,700 down.

"I think many of the consumers probably can go to family members to obtain gift funds. They just haven't done that,” Dunbar added.

Joseph Zielinski, a foreclosure attorney, believes the new lending rules are just one small piece of solving the mortgage mess.

"It doesn't do anything to address or necessarily help a lot of the individuals out there that can't make their mortgage," he said.

Another change is coming for home buyers who qualify for FHA loans. In January, the requirement for a down payment on those loans goes up to 3.5 percent.