ZEROThe VA and the USDA both offer a zero down loan program for individuals and/or properties that meet their criteria. Sometimes, loans require little or no cash out of pocket. Some HUD properties are available with as little as $100 down.
3%Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac conventional loans are available with down payments as low as 3% on single-family homes, including eligible condos, co-ops, and some manufactured homes. Fixed-rate mortgages with up to 30-year terms and ARMs are available.
3.5%The Federal Housing Administration (or FHA) loan program can allow as little as 3.5% down, and it is more lenient than most other programs on minimum credit scores and other factors.
Are you surprised at how low you may be able to go? While many believe a 20% down payment is required, you can see now that it’s far from the only option.
Whether you’ve saved a little or a lot, reach out today, and we’ll work on finding a loan that works for you.
Here’s a new addition for your home buying toolbox: a quick way to estimate a total monthly housing payment and the income needed to qualify.
Just bookmark this payment and qualification calculator link and make a quick visit while you’re looking at homes. I hope you’ll feel more comfortable knowing what you’ll likely pay each month and whether the loan may work for your particular situation.
Give it a try now!
A good credit score is important for more reasons than just obtaining new credit. These days, it can factor into everything from landing a new job to getting the best deal on your insurance policies. It's more important than ever to avoid late payments on your mortgage!
A 100 point drop for one late mortgage payment? It’s true. A single 30-day-late mortgage payment can cause your score to drop by as much as a hundred points. Credit scoring algorithms vary based on many factors, and in some instances, the damage may be even greater and last for years.
The costs accumulate. At the time, a single missed payment will cost you only a late fee, but the expense really adds up on your next loan or missed opportunity. Low credit scores typically mean a higher rate and cost. Higher rates can mean hundreds or thousands of dollars of extra expense over the life of a loan.
Missed payments are usually unplanned. Usually, events beyond our control lead to late payments, such as an accident, illness, job loss or family issue. At other times, carelessness or a hectic life may result in a forgotten payment.
What can you do?
Little other than time will decrease the negative impact of a late payment, so prevention is the one sure remedy. If you don't already have a good system in place to assure timely payments and are not sure what's best, reach out anytime. We'll be happy to help set up a plan that's right for you.
We may not be comparing real apples and oranges, but we’re coming pretty close in the home financing industry.
And if you’re at all interested in using your home’s equity to access cash, then this comparison is for you.
There are two common ways to get cash from your home—a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) or a cash out refinance.In the current environment, many people want to keep the great interest rate they already have on their home loan, so they automatically choose a HELOC over a refinance. But wait—there’s a big difference that can make the benefits hard to compare at a glance. HELOCs have adjustable interest rates, whereas most home loans are fixed.
Try it out. And if you’re interested in exploring your options more, please let me know. I’ll be happy to help.
Your “payoff amount” is always higher than your remaining principal balance. Your balance is the amount of remaining principal owed. Your payoff amount is the balance plus prorated interest from the last payment received until the loan is actually paid off.
The funding date is usually different from the closing date. The government mandates a three-day rescission period for refinances of primary residences. Loan payoffs will not occur until the fourth business day post closing. This will affect the payoff amount, the final payment date and the release of any cash.
Do you actually get to skip a payment? It seems that way because your first regular payment is usually not due until the second month after closing. The reality is that while you do get a break on paying principal for the closing month, between the old and new loans, you are still paying a full month's interest.
Don't count on your existing escrow funds for closing. If you have an escrow account for taxes and/or insurance, these funds will be held there until the current loan is paid off. Accordingly, unless funds for taxes due and/or a new escrow account are covered by the new loan, be prepared to advance this money at closing. It will typically take several weeks before your current escrow account funds are returned to you, so it pays to plan ahead.
As always, we're here to help you with your transaction and to answer your questions. We want you to be comfortable with the process and understand it fully.
Never hesitate to reach out.
Getting the keys to your first home is an exciting goal. Use our quick game to discover four keys of preparation that may assure a smooth transaction.
The more you learn about the home buying process before you get started, the better you may feel about taking this step. Please reach out to me anytime you have questions. I'll be happy to help.
If you make a rent payment now, chances are you can afford a monthly mortgage payment. Most of my clients are surprised at how far their rent payment can go when they purchase a home.This Rent to Mortgage calculator will help you see how much home you may be able to purchase for a payment that’s comparable to what you’re paying now.
If you want, you can drill down a bit further to see how your down payment can affect your possible purchase price and the income you might need to qualify for the loan.Remember—when you put your money toward a home payment rather than a rent payment, you’re building equity and earning advantages for yourself instead of your landlord.
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