Monday, November 16, 2015

Which loan program is right for me?


In our area, the most common mortgage loan programs are FHA, Rural Housing, VA, and Conventional loans.  Interest rates with these programs are similar to each other, but their main differences are the down payment, debt-to-income ratio, who is eligible, and the home’s condition requirements. 




FHA Loan – Federal Housing Administration

o   Requires 3.5% of the purchase price as a down payment
o   Lower credit scores could qualify for a FHA loan – which makes qualifying much easier
o   Allows for a higher debt-to-income ratio
o   The borrower can apply for a 15 or 30 year mortgage loan
o   Can usually close the loan in 30 days
o   The condition of the home you’re are purchasing has to be in near perfect condition – no peeling paint, cracked windows, safety hazards, etc


USDA Rural Housing Loan – US Department of Agriculture

o   100% financing available – NO down payment - Not limited to First Time Home Buyers
o   Requires a minimum of a 640 credit score
o   Lower debt-to-income ratio
o   Available for 30 year mortgage and limited to rural areas
o   Can usually close the loan in 45 days
o   Home’s condition needs to be move in ready, but doesn’t require it to be in perfect condition


VA Loan – US Department of Veteran Affairs

o   100% financing – limited to US Veterans
o   Low monthly payments – Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is NOT required
o   No down payment required
o   Closing costs are also lower because of Non-Allowable Settlement Charges.  These are charges that our Veteran is not allowed to pay and the Seller is required to handle the cost.
o   The Veteran can apply for a 15 or 30 year mortgage loan
o   Due to VA’s underwriting procedures, it can take longer than 45 days to close the loan
o   The home must also be in near perfect condition – especially no safety hazards, if a staircase has more than 3 steps a handrail is required, etc.


Conventional Loan

o   Requires 5% of the purchase price as a down payment
o   Requires a higher credit score
o   Low debt-to-income ratio
o   Borrower can apply for a 10-30 year mortgage
o   Can usually close the loan in less than 30 days
o   Most lenient on condition – The home could have outdated plumbing and electrical, be considered a “fixer-upper” or an investment property.

photo credit www.phmc.com

Looking to buy or sell a home in East Tennessee?  I'd love to work with you!
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*Disclaimer* Each loan program has a “standard” debt to income ratio guideline but keep in mind that each borrower is different and some may be able to go higher.  Each lender could have different credit score requirements.

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