Mortgage and Refinance Archives

USDA Loan Down Payment | Here’s What You Need to Know

June 13, 2023 / in Mortgage and Refinance / Bob Filipczak

The USDA loan down payment and the USDA loan program, if it fits your situation, is a remarkable opportunity to save a lot of money when purchasing your new home. The initiative comes from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), which may seem strange. However, the loan program is designed to promote homeownership in rural areas of the country. Consequently it’s an opportunity that many potential homebuyers may not be aware of.

Typical Down Payment on a House

June 8, 2023 / in Mortgage and Refinance / Bob Filipczak

A typical down payment on a house in the United States used to be a straightforward 20 percent. However, due to the soaring home prices today, a 20% down payment has become unattainable for many, especially first-time home buyers. Lenders have adapted to this shift and now offer more flexibility, with some government programs even featuring no down payment options for eligible individuals. Instead of feeling discouraged, consider the evolving world of down payments and explore alternative solutions.

No Down Payment Mortgage | Buying a House with No Money Down

June 6, 2023 / in Mortgage and Refinance / Bob Filipczak

A no down payment mortgage is like the holy grail for first-time home buyers, and any home buyer for that matter. Everyone wants to find it, but finding one involves some luck, some preparation and some research. The requirements and eligibility are tightly regulated, but if you are willing to look at down payments that are almost zero, the options open up a bit more. Let’s look at both zero down payment mortgages and “almost zero” low down payment opportunities.

Conventional Loan Down Payment | Here’s What You Need to Know

June 1, 2023 / in Mortgage and Refinance / Bob Filipczak

The conventional loan down payment has undergone a very unconventional transformation in the last couple of decades. Home prices went nuts, interest rates spiked and the traditional 20 percent down payment – which was the default throughout the mortgage industry – has been downsized. Now the answer to “how much of a down payment do I need for a conventional loan?” is: it depends.

VA Loan | In Depth Guide for Veterans, Active Duty and Reserves

May 31, 2023June 1, 2023 / in Military / Bob Filipczak

This is everything we know about the VA loan, which is a process, a system, a benefit and a way to get a mortgage if you are a veteran or an active duty service member in a branch of the armed forces. The one thing that the VA loan is not , is a loan. That’s one of its confusing elements, and there are others. The reason veterans and active duty members are drawn to the VA loan is because it provides a list of benefits that, when you line them up, is almost unbelievable. No other program from the federal government comes close to the VA loan guarantee in terms of benefits, costs savings and scope. It’s easy to think it’s just a way to get a cheaper mortgage, but it’s a lot more than that, and here’s what you need to know.

FHA Loan Down Payment | Here’s What You Need to Know

May 31, 2023 / in Mortgage and Refinance / Bob Filipczak

An FHA loan down payment can put homeownership in your reach, even if you don’t have a great credit score. As you know, coming up with a down payment is one of the most significant hurdles to overcome, especially if you are a first-time homebuyer. How does the FHA system work, who is eligible and how do you apply? Let’s take a look at all of it.

Average Down Payment on a House in the U.S.

May 24, 2023 / in Buying a House / Bob Filipczak

The average down payment on a house in the United States used to be a straight-up 20 percent. But that doesn’t really work for a lot of people anymore. With the price of homes today, a 20 percent down payment puts buying a home out of reach, especially for first-time home buyers. Lenders have become more flexible and there are even some programs that feature no down payments if you qualify. Before you throw up your hands and think you’ll never be able to afford to buy a home, let’s take a look at the changing landscape of down payments.

Using VA Loan for Investment Property

May 11, 2023 / in Military / Bob Filipczak

If you are interested in using a VA loan for investment property, you’ve come to the right place. Most aspects of the VA loan process are pretty straightforward and clear. This topic, however, is a very twisty path full of exceptions, timing, loopholes, strict rules and flexible policy. There aren’t any easy answers, but if you want to use your VA loan benefit for an investment property (or properties), it is possible. Just promise to hang on for the ride.

Using a VA Loan for Second Home | Save with Homes for Heroes

May 11, 2023 / in Buying a House / Bob Filipczak

If you want to use a VA loan for second home, there are a few factors you will need to consider. To be honest, there are more than a few factors. On the plus side, it is possible to get a second home with a VA loan guarantee. On the minus side, it’s not as straightforward as you might hope. That’s because the VA loan program is designed primarily for one thing: to help active military service members and veterans afford a home. And it’s very, very good at that – one of the best government programs for housing. If you want it to do two things, such as purchasing multiple houses, it is less clear. That’s Ok if you don’t mind doing a little homework (pun intended).

Teacher Home Loans | Ways to Save Money on Your Next Home

April 17, 2023 / in Mortgage and Refinance / Bob Filipczak

Teacher home loans come in all shapes and sizes, and many can save you money up front or over the long term. There are at least four federal government programs that help teachers find and buy a home, and many other private ones. You give a lot to your community, and it makes sense for us to give back by making it easier for you to find, afford and move into a new home. What you can save with the teacher home loans and programs outlined in this post is only the beginning. Homes for Heroes offers teachers more savings on top of it!

Category: Mortgage and Refinance