Down payment requirements can be very intimidating, and trying to save for a 20% down payment can seem impossible. Luckily, the secret is out – you don’t actually need to have 20% for a down payment. Because, really, who has an extra 20 or 40 grand lying around?
Here are your options:
Go for an FHA loan – FHA loans, or Federal Housing Administration loans, are not actually funded through the FHA, they are simply ensured by the FHA. The FHA insurance covers the lender in the event that a borrower should default, and because of that, these loans are considered less risky for lenders. The FHA loan comes with a low interest rate and as little as a 3.5% down payment.
Check out a USDA loan – USDA loans are issued through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and are great for borrowers who are unable to save for a down payment because they require NO money down. Yes, that’s right. These loans offer 100% financing. What’s the catch? Well, there is none really. Though borrowers must meet location and income requirements, the location requirements expand much further than the countryside. In fact, some suburbs that surround cities fall within the limits.
Try a contingency – This is only applicable to those who are already home owners. Essentially, a contingency is a clause in your contract that states that a percentage of the equity in your current home, will go toward the down payment of your new home, contingent upon your first home’s sale.
Are you a veteran? The VA loan allows veterans and qualifying spouses to get a 0% down mortgage.
Even if you can’t come up with a down payment, you do have options, and you can still purchase a home. If you’re interested in purchasing your first home, check out our First Time Home Buyer’s Study Guide to learn about the process.
Questions? Call a mortgage banker at 1 (888) 914-2276.