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First-time homebuyers have to tackle a lot of challenges. Securing a real estate agent to find the dream house, a bank to finance the property, relocating, and settling in—it can be quite stressful. Did you know the USDA rural development loans can allow you to finance 100% of the property price? Read on to learn more about USDA loans and why they can be the best choice for your first home purchase.

What is a USDA Loan?

A USDA loan is an affordable mortgage option that makes home ownership feasible for low-income individuals who reside in designated rural regions. It is a part of the USDA Rural Development Guaranteed Housing Loan Program, which comes under the U.S Department of Agriculture. Qualified buyers can buy a house with zero down payment.

Types of USDA Loans

The three home loan programs under the USDA are:

• Direct Loans: With interest rates as low as 1%, these loans are offered to eligible low-income borrowers.
• Loan Guarantees: These loans have low interest rates and low down payments—as little as 0%—and are issued by participating lenders.
• Home Improvement Loans: Homeowners who meet the requirements can use the loan to make repairs or upgrades to their homes.

What Are the Eligibility Criteria for a USDA Loan?

The USDA loan has specific qualifications for both the homebuyer and the property. In order to be eligible for the USDA loan, you must fulfill these specific requirements.

• You must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
• You should have a track record of steady income.
• A credit score of at least 640 is required.
• The house must be located in a USDA-designated rural region.

Why Are USDA Loans a Good Option for First-Time Homebuyers?

The USDA loan offers many benefits to first-time homeowners. These advantages include:

• Zero Down Payment: One of the main benefits for first-time homeowners who utilize a USDA loan is the ability to obtain financing with zero down payment. The USDA loan is one of the few mortgages in the United States that does not mandate a down payment.
• Simple Qualifying Criteria: The USDA insures a portion of every loan against default, enabling lenders to offer flexible eligibility conditions as well as reasonable rates and terms.
• Low Mortgage Insurance: The upfront guarantee premium is only 1% of the loan amount, and the yearly guarantee premium is just 0.35%.

Who Should Apply for a USDA Loan?

If you meet the following criteria, you should get a USDA loan:

• Your family’s income is equal to or less than the USDA’s median income guidelines in your area.
• You’re happy to limit your house search to rural areas with USDA approval.
• You don’t have enough cash for a down payment.
• You want to buy a prefabricated house to install on a remote lot.
• You wish to convert your existing USDA loan into a new USDA loan.

If you’re looking for a mortgage or searching for other loan options, we can help you find the right financing for your new home. Reach out to us today!

Buying a house is one of the most expensive investments you can make, so it is very important to determine how much you can spend on the home-buying process. You should start by evaluating how much money you have flowing in—your investments, monthly earnings, and any other sources of income—versus how much money you are using to meet obligations like school loans, credit card bills, and auto payments. Read on to learn how you can calculate your mortgage payment using our mortgage loan calculator.

What is a Mortgage Loan Calculator?

Whether you’re buying a new home or refinancing your existing one, a mortgage loan calculator can assist you in better understanding your financing options. A mortgage calculator will do the math for you, including fees, interest, mortgage insurance, and property tax. The results will show you your estimated monthly payment and assist you in determining if you can afford the house you desire.

How Do You Calculate Your Mortgage Payment?

A mortgage payment typically includes the following costs:

Principal

This is the money you obtained from the lender to purchase your home. A percentage of each monthly payment is applied to the principal balance of your loan, lowering your total debt.

Interest

Interest payments are made straight to the lender and do not reduce your principal amount. Your mortgage rate dictates how much you pay the lender to fund your loan.

Property Taxes

Property taxes are paid once or twice a year, but they can be incorporated into your monthly payments via an escrow account. If your local tax rate or assessed property value grows, the amount you pay in property taxes may rise over time.

Homeowners’ Insurance

It protects you financially in the event of an accident or disaster in your house. Your monthly mortgage payment will typically include a percentage of your biannual or yearly insurance premium, which is deposited into an escrow account and paid by your creditor when it is due.

Private Mortgage Insurance

If your down payment is much less than 20% of the purchase price, you will most probably be required to pay mortgage insurance, which is applied to your monthly payment.

How to Use Our Mortgage Calculator?

Calculating your monthly mortgage payment is made easier with the help of our mortgage calculator. Here’s how it works:

• Input the loan amount: Subtract your down payment from the property’s purchase price to arrive at this number.
• Select a loan term: Homebuyers frequently choose 30-year fixed-rate mortgages because they stretch out lower monthly payments over a longer time frame.
• Compute your interest rate: Analyze mortgage rates to have a better understanding of the current rate scenario. This includes the type of loan you have as well as the payback period, loan size, loan-to-value ratio, and your credit.
• Check your mortgage summary: To view your projected mortgage calculations, click on the “Monthly Breakdown” or “Amortization Schedule” option.
• Consider other expenditures: Once you’ve determined your projected payment, you can consider additional fees involved with home ownership, such as yearly insurance, taxes, and PMI (Private Mortgage Insurance). If your down payment is less than 20%, you will usually be required to pay PMI.
• Play with the numbers: If you want to keep your mortgage payment below a specific number, you can adjust the loan conditions.

VA home loans offer great benefits for veterans, military members, and qualifying surviving spouses. They typically provide better mortgage and refinance terms than those which are  generally available. They are granted by banks and other VA-certified mortgage lenders, with a portion of the loan insured by the Department of Veterans Affairs. This federal backing provides lenders with additional assurance, allowing them to offer better terms like zero down payments, lower loan rates, and more lenient screening requirements. If you are planning to apply for a VA loan, read on to learn about the VA loan requirements to see if you qualify.

VA Loan Requirements

These are some basic requirements for VA home loan applications:

Military Service Records

A VA loan is not available to everyone who has served in the military. Your service record determines whether or not you are eligible for a VA home loan. If you have spent a minimum of 181 days of active military service during peacetime, 90 days of combat duty during wartime, or six years in the National Guard or Reserves, you may be eligible.

Credit Score

You don’t need a minimum credit score to be eligible for a VA loan. However, VA mortgage lenders can impose their own minimum FICO credit score requirements (FICO is the number used to determine one’s credit worth)  which are often in the low- to mid-600s.

Debt-to-Income Ratio

Another important prerequisite for VA loans is the DTI (Debt-to-Income)  ratio. Again, the actual DTI for loan approval will depend on your personal situation and the lender, but in general, the highest allowed DTI for a VA loan is 45%.

Primary Residence

If you wish to utilize a VA loan to buy a house, it must be your primary residence. This implies that you and your family must plan to stay in the house once you buy it. VA loans are not available for vacation homes or investment properties. Furthermore, the VA has set Minimum Property Requirements (MPRs) that your chosen property must fulfill in order for your application to be accepted.

Down Payment

In most cases, VA loans do not require a minimum down payment. However, if the acquisition price of the house exceeds its appraised value, you may be obligated to pay at least some of the difference. One advantage of making a down payment is that it will most likely minimize the VA funding fee.

Steady Income

To be qualified for a VA loan, your income must be steady and reliable. You must submit your latest pay stubs, your last two years’ tax returns, and details regarding additional sources of income such as child support, alimony, self-employment income, rental income, and so on.

Why Should You Get a VA Loan?

• Better terms
• Lower mortgage rates
• Lower or zero down payments
• A great refinance program that assists buyers in lowering their payments or receiving cash back on their equity
• A higher debt-to-income ratio
• More flexibility in the case of foreclosure or bankruptcy
• No penalties for paying off your loan early

If you’re interested in purchasing a house with a VA loan, our team can help. Contact us today!

FHA loans are a lifesaver for first-time homeowners who don’t have a lot of money saved up. These mortgages are acquired through licensed lenders, like banks, but are guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration. This government support lowers the lender’s risk, allowing FHA loans to have more flexible borrowing conditions as well as smaller down payments and closing fees than traditional loans. Read on to learn in detail about FHA loan requirements.

FHA Loan Requirements

FHA loan requirements are often more lenient than those of other types of mortgages. If you have a low credit score, little savings, or a heavy debt burden, this option can provide you with a greater chance of qualifying for a house loan. These are some of the important requirements to qualify for an FHA loan:

Credit Score

The minimum credit score for an FHA mortgage is 580, with a 3.5% down payment. If you can increase your down payment to 10%, you can qualify with a credit score as low as 500. Furthermore, each mortgage lender has the freedom to choose which loans to provide and what credit ratings they are ready to accept.

Despite FHA guidelines, FHA-approved lenders can apply their own standards, a process known as “overlaying,” based on the level of risk they are prepared to take on. As a result, different lenders may have different FHA credit score criteria.

Down Payment

As aforementioned, you’ll need to put down at least 3.5% as a down payment. If your FICO score is between 500 and 579, this minimum rises to 10%. If you’re strapped for cash and this amount appears excessive, you might not be entirely out of options.

FHA loans permit borrowers to use funds from sources other than their personal savings, like a gift from a close friend or relative, to make down payments.

DTI Ratio

When researching the FHA loan qualification process, you’ll come across the term “DTI,” which stands for debt-to-income ratio. The maximum DTI ratio is normally 43%, however, with an FHA loan, your lender could make exemptions up to 45%, 50%, or even 57%. This indicates that your total monthly loan payment, including the mortgage, should not exceed 43%.

Loan Limits

FHA mortgages have loan restrictions that define how much you can borrow based on the type of house you’re buying and where you’re buying it. For this year, the FHA loan limit for a one-family home in the majority of counties is $472,030, but it may go as high as $1,089,300 in higher-cost locations.

Mortgage Insurance

You will be obligated to pay FHA mortgage insurance premiums (MIP) if your down payment is much less than 20%. MIPs are penalties paid to the lender in the event of a loan default. In most circumstances, FHA borrowers pay an advance premium of 1.75% of the loan amount at closing and an annual premium of 0.45% to 1.05% for the life of the loan.

FHA loans aren’t ideal for everyone, but they can be beneficial to first-time homeowners. Contact our team today to figure out the best mortgage plan for you!

Getting pre-approval for a mortgage is simple, uncomplicated, and one of the most crucial steps you can do when planning to purchase a house. A mortgage pre-approval proves to the seller that you are a serious buyer. Pre-approvals do not imply final approval; they just give you the freedom to look around for the perfect house. If you’re serious about purchasing a home, read on to learn how to get a mortgage pre-approval in six steps.

How to Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage?

It’s ideal to be prepared for the mortgage pre-approval process, which might include a lot of  paperwork, such as gathering documents and responding to questions from your lender. Let’s go over each step of the process:

Verify Your Credit Score

Before you start applying to lenders, you should have an overview of your credit status and how likely you are to secure pre-approval. A 620 credit score is usually required to qualify for a conventional mortgage. To qualify for an FHA loan, you must have a credit score of at least 580. If you have a poor credit score or recent unfavorable occurrences on your credit record, like foreclosure or missed payments, you may have difficulty securing a mortgage.

Compute the Debt-to-Income Ratio

Your debt-to-income ratio is another important factor when applying for a mortgage. To estimate your DTI, add all of your minimum monthly loan payments and divide the total by your monthly income. The maximum DTI you can have and still be eligible for a mortgage is usually 50%. However, based on your lender, the type of loan you’re applying for, and the rest of your financial status, you may be expected to have a smaller ratio.

Decide on a Down Payment

The lender will ask you how much you have accumulated for your down payment as part of your application. If you’re getting money from a close relative to assist with your down payment, you’ll probably need them to send you a letter stating that the payments are a gift. While FHA borrowers must put down a minimum of 3.5%, conventional mortgage applicants can put down as little as 3%. Some mortgages, like USDA and VA loans, require no down payment at all.

Find a Mortgage Company 

Most mortgage websites provide free mortgage pre-approvals with no commitment to proceed. After getting pre-approved, many homebuyers seek their mortgage from a separate mortgage firm. The most important aspect of securing a pre-approval is that you get one. You cannot purchase a property without a pre-approval.

Gather Financial Documents

The lender may request supporting documentation as part of your pre-approval, like:

• Bank statements 
• W-2 statements
• Pay stubs and evidence of deposits
• Federal income tax returns
• Student loan statements

Your lender will inform you exactly what paperwork is required, but having everything prepared ahead of time will make the process go more smoothly.

Fill Out an Application

You can start your pre-approval paperwork when you are ready. Many lenders let you complete this online, but you could also get started in person or over the phone if the lender operates physical branches.

Getting pre-approved before you start searching for a house benefits everyone. Contact us today to get the dice rolling!

Buying a home is often the largest investment that a person makes, and the majority of people seek a mortgage to fund the purchase. The type of loan you obtain determines your terms, interest rate, qualifying criteria, and, ultimately, the type of property you can buy. Conventional loans and FHA (Federal Housing Administration) loans are the two most sought-after options for first-time homeowners, each with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Here are the main differences between the two financing options: FHA vs. conventional loans.

FHA Vs. Conventional Loan

FHA loans and conventional loans have different standards that borrowers must satisfy in order to qualify. Here are some major differences between the two:

Credit Scores

Your credit score dictates the type of home loan you are qualified for. If your FICO score is between 500 and 620, the FHA loan is your best option. However, if your credit score is higher than 620, you should choose a conventional loan with a 3% down payment. This is because your mortgage rate and PMI (Purchasing Managers’ Index) charges decrease as your credit score improves.

Down Payments

FHA loans are perfect for first-time homeowners who cannot afford a large down payment. Buyers who use FHA loans can put down payments as low as 3.5%. Conventional loans once required a 20% down payment. Some lenders, however, now offer conventional loans with as little as a 3% down payment.

Loan Limits

You can only borrow a certain amount of money with both conventional and FHA loans. For this year, the FHA loan limit for a one-family house is $472,030, while the conventional loan limit is $726,200.

Debt-to-Income Ratio

Although some borrowers do approve those with a DTI ratio higher than 50%, you’re more likely to be approved for an FHA loan if it’s 50% or less. For conventional mortgages, lending companies require borrowers to have DTIs of 36% or less, while some lenders accept DTIs up to 50%, but not above.

Interest Rates

Conventional loans often have fixed or flexible interest rates, with the option to refinance later if you meet certain requirements. A higher credit score means a lower interest rate. FHA loans, on the other hand, often offer attractive rates to borrowers due to the lesser risk to the lender.

Mortgage Insurance

Mortgage insurance is mandatory for all FHA loans and is valid for the entire term of the loan. After paying 20% of your loan, you could decide to refinance into a conventional loan to avoid MIPs (Mortgage Insurance Premium). However, conventional loans require mortgage insurance only when the down payment is less than 20%.

Property Standards

Property evaluations for FHA loans are quite similar to those for conventional loans. Appraisers evaluate a house’s worth, structural soundness, and safety. FHA appraisers must ensure that it complies with the FHA Minimum Property Standards. The Home Valuation Code of Conduct governs appraisal standards for conventional loans, safeguarding appraisers from lender and realtor interference.

Property Types

For FHA loans, the borrower must use the property as their main residence, so they cannot invest in or flip homes. But you can utilize conventional loans to purchase different property types, like investment properties, private homes, and vacation homes.

If you need help choosing the best financing for your dream home, contact us today!

Purchasing your first house? An FHA loan might be the best choice to finance your new home. They are a fantastic option for first-time home owners or those with limited savings or credit issues. You can find it easier to get a FHA loan than a conventional loan because of its lenient qualification requirements. If you’re still contemplating your loan options, keep reading to discover more about FHA loan limits and whether they’re a good fit for you.

What is a FHA loan?

It is a mortgage that is guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which permits minimal borrower qualifications compared to the standard loans. They are extremely popular among first-time homeowners as the down payment is as little as 3.5%, whereas some mortgage loans demand 20%–30%.

FHA Loan Limits

FHA loans have restrictions on how much you can borrow to purchase a home. They are based on a portion of the conforming loan limits that the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) sets each year. FHA loans are dependent on your location, the type of property you’re buying, and the prices of local properties. There are varying limits for one-unit, two-unit, three-unit, and four-unit homes. Every year, new FHA loan limits are imposed, taking effect on January 1. The FHA loan limits for this year range from $472,030 to $1,089,300.

What Factors Influence FHA Loan Limits?

FHA loan limits in your location are influenced by three factors:

• The county in which you live: The FHA determines limits based on counties and Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs), hence the maximum FHA loan amount might vary significantly from state to state.
• The number of units on your house: The FHA allows you to borrow more money to purchase a multifamily house than a one family home.
• The median property prices for the last four quarters: The FHA examines the median costs in each state to determine if a county is regarded as low-cost or high-cost.

What is the Maximum FHA Loan Amount You Can Qualify For?

An FHA-approved lender will analyze your loan application to determine whether you fulfill the minimum mortgage criteria for an FHA loan, which is more flexible than traditional loans. The following are the basic qualifying conditions for an FHA loan:

• Credit score and down payment: You need to pay a down payment of 3.5% for a credit score of 580. But some lenders may accept credit scores as low as 500 with a down payment of 10%.
• Income and job history: An FHA loan typically requires at least two-year solid employment and income history.
• DTI ratio: Your debt-to-income ratio is calculated by dividing your monthly debt by your pre-tax income. Typically, lenders will approve a maximum of 43%; however, exceptions may be made. 
• Occupancy: FHA-financed homes must be your principal residences.
• Home evaluation: FHA appraisers determine the worth of your home as well as whether it fulfills FHA appraisal rules for safety and habitability.

Purchasing your first house can be a challenging experience. Get in touch with us right away if you want help with it!

Buying a house is a big decision, but building a home raises the stakes much higher. From choosing the best contracting company to fulfilling building codes to working out the mortgage payments, constructing a home can rapidly become a demanding undertaking. A construction loan can help you manage the financial aspects of your new residence. Read on to find out how a construction loan can help you on your home ownership journey!

What is a Construction Loan?

It is a short-term, high-interest loan that offers the funds necessary to construct a house and are normally provided for one year. During this period, the house must be constructed and an occupancy certificate should be issued.

How Does a Construction Loan Work?

Construction loans assist future homeowners to borrow money to buy construction materials and pay for labor. You can also use this money to buy the land on which you’ll be building. If the land is already yours, you might be allowed to utilize it as loan collateral. Construction loans are often given for a term of 12 to 18 months since they are meant to fund the building process. Nevertheless, after the building is completed, some loans automatically turn into permanent mortgages.

Unlike conventional mortgages, construction loans are not backed by a completed house. Furthermore, the application and approval formalities for a construction loan are more complicated as compared to a mortgage. Your lender will most likely want to review your architectural plans and analyze your financial status before authorizing funding.

If you are accepted for a construction loan, you will not get all of the cash at once. Instead, the lender will pay your builder in a series of draws, or installments, as they finish different phases of construction. Draws are planned according to the construction timeline, and your lender will most likely send an inspector to verify the progress of the building before each payment.

In most situations, you will only be obligated to repay interest on the funds as they are drawn, rather than the total loan amount. Depending on the lender, you may be able to turn your construction loan into a mortgage when the work is finished. If this is not a possibility, you could be able to repay your construction loan with a mortgage, often known as an end loan.

Types of Construction Loans

Just like ordinary mortgage loans, construction loans are varied. These are some of the types of construction loans:

• Construction-only loans
• Construction-to-permanent loans
• Stand-alone loans
• Renovation loans
• End loans
• Owner-builder loans

How to Get Approved for a Construction Loan?

The approval process for this loan is often more stringent than for a mortgage or any other loan because the construction loan will not be backed by or collateralized by a house. To get qualified for a construction loan, you will require:

• A minimum credit score of 680 
• Sufficient income to repay the loan
• A low debt-to-income ratio
• A 20% down payment
• Project and construction budget approval
• General contractor or builder approval

Still not sure if a construction loan is the best option for constructing your dream home? We’d be happy to help with all your questions. Contact us today!

Are you shopping for your first home? The first thing you have to do is secure a mortgage that can help you buy your dream home. If you have insufficient funds available or terrible credit, it may be difficult to obtain a traditional loan. If this describes your circumstances, you may be eligible for an FHA home loan. These government-insured mortgages assist first-time homeowners with poor credit or little savings in purchasing a new house. Read on to learn in detail about the FHA home loan approval process!

How Do You Apply for an FHA Home Loan?

With only a few differences, the application process for an FHA home loan is quite similar to other types of housing loans. To apply for this loan, you must complete the following six simple steps:

• Check out some FHA-certified lenders: Different lenders provide different FHA loan types. Compare the costs and rates of at least three lenders, including mortgage lenders, mortgage brokers, and your credit union or local bank.
• Fill out an FHA loan form: While filling out the application, you’ll need some basic information about your income, monthly bills, and down payment funds.
• Permit the lender to validate your credit scores: The lender acquires a credit report to confirm you satisfy the FHA’s basic credit score criteria.
• Offer two years of job and income history: Gather pay stubs for the last month as well as W-2s, or federal tax returns, from the last two years, in addition to employer contact details.
• Establish the source of your down payment: If you’re purchasing a property, lenders will normally evaluate two months’ worth of bank records or a letter detailing where the closing cost funds and down payment are coming from.
• Explain any delinquent federal debt: If you have recently finished paying off delinquent student loans or any other government debt, submit a letter of explanation and supporting documentation to the lender to clear your CAIVRS (Credit Alert Interactive Voice Response System) report.

How to Get Approved for a FHA Home Loan?

Compared to other loan programs, it is quite easy to get approved for an FHA home loan. You must fulfill the below lending criteria:

• A credit score between 500 and 580.
• Be a permanent resident of the United States Of America.
• Have a verifiable two-year job history.
• Have proof of income in the form of pay stubs, bank statements, and federal tax returns.
• Utilize the mortgage to pay for your primary home.
• Ensure that the property has been valued by an FHA-certified appraiser and that it complies with HUD (Housing and Urban Development)  guidelines.
• The front-end debt ratio must not be more than 31% of total monthly income.
• The back-end debt ratio must not be more than 43% of total monthly income.
• Hold back for three years after foreclosure or one to two years after bankruptcy before applying for a loan.

Some lenders have additional requirements that borrowers must fulfill in order to be approved for an FHA loan. You can ask your lenders about this special information.

Are you looking to finance your dream home? Let us find the right mortgage plan for you. Contact us today!