NicholeThere are many options when it comes to mortgages and each one has different criteria that need to be met in order to qualify for it. However, there are also some mortgages out there which require little-to-no money down from the buyer, and those are the focus of this article. If you’re looking to buy a home but have limited cash on hand, knowing how to find these low-down payment mortgages can help you realize your dream of homeownership sooner than you think!
What is a low down payment mortgage?
Low down payment mortgages are a type of loan for buying a home, where the buyer puts down less than 20% of the home’s purchase price. They’re also called 90% mortgages because buyers typically only need 10% or even less in cash to make the purchase. The low down rate means you can qualify with a lower credit score, which is important if you have no credit history or bad credit. Keep in mind that your interest rates will be higher and your monthly mortgage insurance premiums might be higher, too.
What are the different types of low down payment mortgage?
Not all homeowners are qualified for a low down-payment mortgage. However, for those who are, here are the different types of mortgages you may want to consider. Government loan programs. While these programs have strict requirements and guidelines, they also have more lenient terms with lower down payments than traditional bank loans. HomeReady by Fannie Mae and Home Possible by Freddie Mac are just two examples of these types of loan programs. Private lending companies. These companies offer an alternative financing option if you’ve been turned down for other conventional mortgages and still can’t qualify for anything through government programs.
HomeReady and Home Possible loans offer a down payment as low as 3 percent, but all of your income must be verified for three years prior to applying. For HomeReady, you must make under $100,000, and for Home Possible you must make under $80,000. You may not have any bankruptcies or foreclosures on your credit history in that time period either. Another major requirement is that your home value cannot exceed $272,900 in most parts of Texas or $294,650 if you live in Austin or San Antonio. There are other smaller differences between these programs based on where you live. If you meet these qualifications and have excellent credit scores (720 or higher), then these programs may be right for you!
What are the rates of these loans?
The rates of low-down payment mortgages are variable based on the size of the down payment. Usually, those with larger down payments have a lower interest rate and vice versa. However, you’ll find the most competitive rates in a low-down payment mortgage if you put 20% or more towards it upfront.
If you’re able to put down 20% or more on your home, your lender will be able to offer you a low interest rate. This is because they won’t have as high of an insurance payout in case you default on your loan. In fact, if you put down at least 20%, lenders are willing to lower rates significantly because there’s a smaller chance that you’ll miss payments.
One thing many borrowers overlook when looking for loans is ensuring that their down payment meets the minimum requirements set by their lender.
How can I find out more about these loans?
If you’re wondering how you can find out more about these loans, there are a number of ways. The first thing you should do is take a look at the section on low down payment mortgages in your lender’s About Us page. These pages generally provide specific information about the types of loans they offer, including low down payment mortgages. You can also search for low-down cost mortgage, or a similar phrase, and see what comes up.
As an alternative, you can always reach out to lenders directly. It’s often a good idea for homeowners and real estate agents who are looking for low down payment mortgages to get in touch with several different lenders. You should also ask friends, family members and co-workers if they have any recommendations for low down payment mortgage lenders.
Your final option is to use a website that compiles reviews from borrowers about their experiences with low down payment mortgage loans.
Will I need private mortgage insurance (PMI)?
Yes, you will likely need PMI. Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loans require an upfront mortgage insurance premium as well as monthly insurance premiums. The good news is that both the upfront and monthly premiums are lower than they would be with a conventional loan. PMI is only required on fixed-rate mortgages, so if you choose an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM), you should be able to avoid PMI altogether.
But there are some situations where PMI is unavoidable. Homeowners who put down less than 20% on their homes are required to get PMI with an FHA loan. And if you put down less than 10%, you’ll also need PMI with a conventional loan, which is more common.
Angela M.
Nichole
