Gift of equity?

[Ali NA]

I have been reading conflicting information about receiving gift of equity funds from sellers. It used to be that you had to be a relative to receive a GOE from the seller. However, as of 2004, you no longer have to be a relative, is this correct? From what I have found, if you are getting more than 20% the buyer has to contribute 5%, if its 20% or less, they do not. Is there anyone that can clarify this? I found someone online that had posted a section of the "mortgage regulations" where it stated you no longer have to be a family member. However, many mortgage lenders do not seem to be familiar with this sort of scenario.
Can anyone help?