Fha loans are a great option for first-time home buyers!
- By Victoria Belle-Miller
- Published 04/20/2010
- Finances
- Unrated
Fha loans are a great option for first-time home buyers!
For a first-time home buyer, the process of buying his or her first home can be complicated and expensive, but it doesn't have to be! FHA loans have flexible requirements and actually save first-time home buyers large sums of money both upfront and in the long run. These loans offer multiple benefits and are not difficult to qualify for!
Benefits of this Type of Financing
While many home loans can require large down payments, this type of loan has a low down payment requirement. The down payment is usually about 3.5% of the purchase price. Applicants who are just starting out may not have a large sum of money to pay up front, so this loan would be very beneficial to them. New homeowners can use the money they save to pay for the many other expenses associated with buying a new home.
These loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which makes lenders more likely to offer low interest rates. Interest rates fluctuate daily, but these loans often have lower interest rates when compared to other types of home loans. With a lower interest rate, homeowners save money on their monthly mortgage payments and over time. This leaves more money in their pockets every month for all of their other expenses.
Loan Requirements
This type of financing does have certain requirements for borrowers. An appraisal will be done to determine the home's value and to ensure that the home is hazard-free and structurally sound. At closing, the borrower must pay an upfront mortgage insurance premium to cover the costs of the loan in case of default. This mortgage insurance premium is usually equal to about 1.75% of the total loan amount. Also, the borrower will have to escrow his or her property taxes and homeowner's insurance into an account to keep payments up to date.
The FHA does not have strict credit and income requirements. The borrower needs to have gone at least twelve months without any delinquent rent payments and should have a credit score of at least 620. In some cases, a borrower with a credit score lower than 620 can still qualify for a loan, but may have to make a higher down payment. Borrowers must also be financing a home that is considered to be their primary residence, which means they will live there at least six months out of the year.
Now is the Time to Take Action!
Current FHA guidelines are scheduled to change this spring. First, the down payment requirement will be higher for borrowers with credit scores lower than 580. Secondly, the required mortgage insurance premium will increase to 2.25%, which will increase home buyers' upfront costs. Third, the amount of seller concessions permitted will soon be capped at 3%. These changes are meant to improve the viability of the FHA loan program.
First-time home buyers who apply for a loan and have a purchase contract by April 30, 2010 can also take advantage of the first-time homebuyer tax credit, which can provide up to $8000 in tax credits. This is yet another way for them to save money with their FHA loans. This incentive ends soon, so borrowers who want to use the tax credit should act now!
First-time home buyers who want to enjoy the benefits of an FHA loan, and save money by avoiding the upcoming changes, should contact an FHA loan specialist for more information about how to apply.
Benefits of this Type of Financing
While many home loans can require large down payments, this type of loan has a low down payment requirement. The down payment is usually about 3.5% of the purchase price. Applicants who are just starting out may not have a large sum of money to pay up front, so this loan would be very beneficial to them. New homeowners can use the money they save to pay for the many other expenses associated with buying a new home.
These loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which makes lenders more likely to offer low interest rates. Interest rates fluctuate daily, but these loans often have lower interest rates when compared to other types of home loans. With a lower interest rate, homeowners save money on their monthly mortgage payments and over time. This leaves more money in their pockets every month for all of their other expenses.
Loan Requirements
This type of financing does have certain requirements for borrowers. An appraisal will be done to determine the home's value and to ensure that the home is hazard-free and structurally sound. At closing, the borrower must pay an upfront mortgage insurance premium to cover the costs of the loan in case of default. This mortgage insurance premium is usually equal to about 1.75% of the total loan amount. Also, the borrower will have to escrow his or her property taxes and homeowner's insurance into an account to keep payments up to date.
The FHA does not have strict credit and income requirements. The borrower needs to have gone at least twelve months without any delinquent rent payments and should have a credit score of at least 620. In some cases, a borrower with a credit score lower than 620 can still qualify for a loan, but may have to make a higher down payment. Borrowers must also be financing a home that is considered to be their primary residence, which means they will live there at least six months out of the year.
Now is the Time to Take Action!
Current FHA guidelines are scheduled to change this spring. First, the down payment requirement will be higher for borrowers with credit scores lower than 580. Secondly, the required mortgage insurance premium will increase to 2.25%, which will increase home buyers' upfront costs. Third, the amount of seller concessions permitted will soon be capped at 3%. These changes are meant to improve the viability of the FHA loan program.
First-time home buyers who apply for a loan and have a purchase contract by April 30, 2010 can also take advantage of the first-time homebuyer tax credit, which can provide up to $8000 in tax credits. This is yet another way for them to save money with their FHA loans. This incentive ends soon, so borrowers who want to use the tax credit should act now!
First-time home buyers who want to enjoy the benefits of an FHA loan, and save money by avoiding the upcoming changes, should contact an FHA loan specialist for more information about how to apply.
Victoria Belle-Miller
Victoria Belle-Miller is the newest member of the FHAMortgageBank.com writing staff. Her background in journalistic writing and ability to evaluate the issues that Americans face in daily life make her a strong addition to the FHA loans team and a valuable source of sound mortgage advice.
View all articles by Victoria Belle-Miller