Government loan programs

FHA loans

An FHA loan is insured by the Federal Housing Administration, a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The FHA does not loan money to borrowers, rather, it provides lenders protection through mortgage insurance (MIP) in case the borrower defaults on his or her loan obligations. Available to all buyers, FHA loan programs are designed to help creditworthy low-income and moderate-income families who do not meet requirements for conventional loans.

FHA loan programs are particularly beneficial to those buyers with less available cash. The rates on FHA loans are generally market rates, while down payment requirements are lower than for conventional loans.

Some of the other benefits of FHA financing:

• Only a 3.5 percent down payment is required.
• Closing costs can be financed.
• Lower monthly mortgage insurance premiums and, under certain conditions, automatic cancellation of the premium.
• More flexible underwriting criteria than conventional loans
• FHA limits the amount lenders can charge for some closing cost fees.
• Loans are assumable to qualified buyers.

VA guaranteed loans are made by lenders and guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to eligible veterans for the purchase of a home. The guaranty means the lender is protected against loss if you fail to repay the loan. In most cases, no down payment is required on a VA guaranteed loan and the borrower usually receives a lower interest rate than is ordinarily available with other loans.

Other benefits of a VA loan include:

• Negotiable interest rates.
• Closing costs are comparable and sometimes lower - than other financing types.
• No private mortgage insurance requirement.
• Right to prepay loan without penalties
• The Mortgage can be taken over (or assumed) by the buyer when a home is sold.

 Although mortgage insurance is not required, the VA charges a funding fee to issue a guarantee to a lender against borrower default on a mortgage. The fee may be paid in cash by the buyer or seller, or it may be financed in the loan amount.

DREAM MAKERS government grants are now available to military personnel, incuding active duty, reserve national guard and veterans.  For more information on this new program go to www.pentagonfoundation.com/dreammakers

These funds can be used to cover up to 75% of your closing costs.

USDA government insured loans are perhaps the best loan program available as they will usually allow 100% financing and allow you to roll all your closing costs into the loan up to the appraised value of the property. There is a 3.5% funding fee which is financed into the loan and no monthly mortgage insurance. These are available in most areas that are not densely populated cities.