Conventional Home Loan

The monthly mortgage payment mainly pays off principal and interest. Most lenders also include local real estate taxes, homeowner's insurance, and mortgage insurance (if applicable). Be sure to inquire what is specifically included so you can plan for excluded expenses accordingly.

There are mortgage options now available that only require a down payment of 5% or less of the purchase price of the home. Some mortgages do not require a down payment at all. But the larger the down payment, the less you have to borrow and the more equity you will have in your home. Mortgages with less than a 20% down payment generally require a mortgage insurance policy to secure the loan. When considering the size of your down payment, consider that you will also need money for closing costs, moving expenses, and potentially repairs and decorating.

Yes. Lenders now offer several affordable mortgage options, which can help first-time homebuyers overcome obstacles that may have made purchasing a home difficult in the past. Lenders may now be able to help borrowers who do not have a lot of money saved for the down payment and closing costs, have no or a poor credit history, have quite a bit of long-term debt, or who have experienced income irregularities.

Now an agency within HUD, the Federal Housing Administration was established in 1934 to advance opportunities for Americans to own homes. By providing private lenders with mortgage insurance, the FHA gives them the security they need to lend to first-time buyers who might not be able to qualify for conventional loans.  With the FHA, you do not need perfect credit or a high-paying job to qualify for a home loan. There is no minimum income requirement; however, you must prove steady income for at least three years and demonstrate that you have consistently paid your bills on time. The FHA makes loans more accessible by requiring smaller down payments than conventional loans. In fact, an FHA down payment could be as little as a few months rent – a minimum of 3.5% of the purchase price. However, gift funds can be used for your down payment and closing costs.  Anyone who meets the credit requirements, who can afford the mortgage payments and closing costs, and who plans to use the mortgaged property as a primary residence can apply. The FHA does have loan limits which vary throughout the country. View the FHA loan limits for the city where you want to purchase.

Your personal situation will determine the best kind of loan for you. By asking yourself a few questions, you can help narrow your search among the many options available and discover which loan suits you best. - Do I expect my finances to change over the next few years? - Am I planning to live in this home for a long period of time? - Am I comfortable with the idea of a changing mortgage payment amount? - Do I wish to be free of mortgage debt as my children approach college age or as I prepare for retirement? Your lender can help you use your answers to questions such as these to decide which loan best fits your needs.