Fixed-Rate Mortgage
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Requirements:
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Credit Score: Typically 620 or higher.
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Down Payment: Typically 5-20% of the home’s purchase price.
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Debt-to-Income (DTI): Usually must be below 43%.
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Income: Stable income history is required.
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Benefits:
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Stability: Interest rate remains the same throughout the loan term (e.g., 15, 20, 30 years).
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Predictable Payments: Monthly payments are predictable, which helps with long-term financial planning.
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No Prepayment Penalties: You can pay off the loan early without incurring penalties
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Adjustable-Rate Mortgage (ARM)
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Requirements:
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Credit Score: Typically 620 or higher.
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Down Payment: Typically 5-20% of the home’s purchase price.
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DTI: Usually must be below 43%.
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Benefits:
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Lower Initial Payments: The interest rate is often lower during the initial fixed period (e.g., 5 years), which means lower payments in the early years.
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Potential Savings: If interest rates remain low, you may benefit from a lower rate after the initial fixed period.
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Flexibility: Can be ideal for buyers who plan to sell or refinance before the rate adjusts.
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Jumbo Loan
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Requirements:
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Credit Score: Typically 700 or higher.
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Down Payment: Often requires a larger down payment, generally 10-20%.
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DTI: Higher than conventional loans, but typically below 43%.
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Loan Amount: Exceeds the conforming loan limits set by the FHFA (varies by location).
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Benefits:
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For High-Value Properties: Ideal for purchasing luxury homes or homes that exceed conventional loan limits.
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Flexible Loan Terms: Often offers terms similar to conventional loans, but with higher limits.
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Lower Interest Rates: In some cases, jumbo loans may offer competitive interest rates compared to other types.
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Conforming Loan
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Requirements:
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Credit Score: Typically 620 or higher.
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Down Payment: Typically 5-20%.
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DTI: Usually below 43%.
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Loan Amount: Must fall within the conforming loan limits set by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac (varies by county).
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Benefits:
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Easier Qualification: Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac guidelines can make it easier for borrowers to qualify compared to non-conforming loans.
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Lower Interest Rates: Typically, interest rates are lower for conforming loans because they meet the criteria for purchase by government-sponsored entities (GSEs).
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FHA Loan
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Requirements:
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Credit Score: 580 or higher for a 3.5% down payment (500-579 for 10% down).
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Down Payment: As low as 3.5% for borrowers with a credit score of 580 or higher.
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DTI: Typically below 43%.
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Primary Residence: Must be for a primary residence.
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Benefits:
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Low Down Payment: Allows for a lower down payment compared to conventional loans.
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More Lenient Credit Requirements: Easier qualification for borrowers with lower credit scores.
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Government Insured: Provides more security for lenders, making it easier for borrowers to get approved.
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VA Loan
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Requirements:
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Eligibility: Available to veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible surviving spouses.
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Certificate of Eligibility (COE): Required to verify service status.
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Down Payment: Often no down payment required.
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DTI: Typically below 41% (but can be higher in some cases).
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Benefits:
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No Down Payment: VA loans typically do not require a down payment.
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No Mortgage Insurance: Unlike conventional loans, VA loans do not require private mortgage insurance (PMI).
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Lower Interest Rates: VA loans often have lower interest rates compared to conventional loans.
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Flexible Qualification: More lenient credit score and income requirements.
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USDA Loan
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Requirements:
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Location: Property must be in a USDA-approved rural area.
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Income: Household income must not exceed 115% of the area’s median income.
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Credit Score: Typically requires a credit score of at least 640.
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Down Payment: No down payment required.
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Benefits:
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No Down Payment: USDA loans are available with no down payment for eligible buyers.
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Lower Interest Rates: Competitive interest rates, often lower than conventional loan rates.
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Lower Mortgage Insurance: Mortgage insurance costs are lower than conventional loans.
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HomeReady/Home Possible Loans
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Requirements:
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Income: Typically for low- to moderate-income borrowers.
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Down Payment: As low as 3%.
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Credit Score: Minimum of 620 (depending on the program).
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Benefits:
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Low Down Payment: Allows for a down payment as low as 3%.
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Flexible Income Limits: Income limits are based on the area median income (AMI), allowing for broader eligibility.
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Reduced Mortgage Insurance: Lower mortgage insurance costs than traditional loans.
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Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Home Possible Loans
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Requirements:
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Income: Low- to moderate-income borrowers.
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Down Payment: As low as 3%.
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Credit Score: Typically requires a minimum of 620.
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Benefits:
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Affordable: Lower down payments and reduced mortgage insurance costs.
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Designed for First-Time Buyers: Specifically aimed at first-time buyers with limited income.
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FHA 203(k) Loan
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Requirements:
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Credit Score: Typically requires a credit score of 580 or higher.
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Down Payment: As low as 3.5% (depending on credit score).
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Property Type: Property must be at least a year old.
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Benefits:
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Renovation Financing: Combines home purchase and renovation costs into one loan.
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Flexible for Home Improvements: Can be used for a variety of home improvements and repairs.
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HomeStyle Renovation Loan
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Requirements:
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Credit Score: Typically requires a credit score of 620 or higher.
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Down Payment: At least 5% (varies based on credit score).
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Property Type: Single-family or 2-4 unit homes.
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Benefits:
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Purchase and Renovation in One Loan: Allows financing for home purchase and renovation.
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Flexible Renovations: Covers a wide variety of improvements, from basic updates to major structural changes.
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Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM)
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Requirements:
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Age: Homeowner must be 62 years or older.
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Home Equity: Must have significant equity in the home.
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Primary Residence: Property must be the borrower’s primary residence.
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Benefits:
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No Monthly Payments: Borrowers do not make monthly payments; loan is repaid when the homeowner sells the home, moves out, or passes away.
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Access to Home Equity: Converts home equity into cash to help cover living expenses in retirement.
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Hard Money Loans
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Requirements:
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Property Type: Typically for investment properties or fix-and-flip projects.
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Down Payment: Often requires 20-30% down.
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Credit Score: More lenient; often depends on the property value.
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Benefits:
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Fast Funding: Often provides quick access to funding, making it ideal for time-sensitive projects.
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Less Stringent Qualification: Based more on property value than creditworthiness.
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Commercial Real Estate Loans
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Requirements:
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Property Type: For purchasing or refinancing income-producing properties (e.g., apartments, office buildings).
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Down Payment: Typically requires 20-30%.
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Credit Score: Minimum of 650-700.
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Benefits:
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Large Loan Amounts: Designed for significant property investments.
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Longer Terms: Often offers terms of 10-30 years.
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Non-QM (Non-Qualified Mortgage) Loans
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Requirements:
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Income: For borrowers with non-traditional income sources (e.g., self-employed).
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Credit Score: Varies; often requires a minimum of 620.
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Down Payment: Typically 10-20%.
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Benefits:
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Flexible Qualification: Suitable for individuals with non-traditional financial situations.
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Varied Terms: Lenders offer flexible terms tailored to the borrower’s unique circumstances.
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