Tips For Getting A Low Downpayment |
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Most people dream of the day when they can finally buy their own
home. Homeownership remains one of the highest goals for many
people because it includes many benefits. When you're home, you
enjoy a sense of security and belonging that simply cannot be
found with renting. For many people, buying a home represents
personal and financial success.Â
There's also a lot of personal satisfaction in living in a home
that you own. Real estate is still considered a valued
investment which can have many financial advantages and tax
benefits. The amount of interest you pay on a home loan and the
real estate taxes you pay on your home are among the few major
federal tax deductions. Owning a home is the primary way most
people build wealth.Â
Despite the many benefits of owning a home, there are still
countless people for whom this goal remains slightly out of
reach. For more and more families, saving the money for a down
payment is the biggest obstacle to homeownership. Many people
mistakenly believe that you have to come up with a down payment
equal to 20 percent of the price of a home.Â
Traditionally, lenders have required that home buyers be able to
make a down payment of at least 20% of a home's purchase price
to get a home loan or mortgage. However, mortgage lenders will
grant home loans to qualifying home buyers with a down payment
of as little as 3 to 5 percent of the purchase price, if the
mortgage is insured.Â
In fact, home loans with down payments of less than 20% are
increasingly popular. They are called "low down payment
mortgages." HUD homes are usually available with low down
payments and attractive financing. This is good news for the
millions of home buyers who are finding it difficult to save a
large down payment, especially for their first house.Â
There are few ways to make a low down payment possible. Simply
put, mortgage insurance protects the mortgage lender against
financial loss if a homeowner stops making mortgage payments.
Lenders usually require insurance on low down payment loans for
protection in the event that the homeowner fails to make his or
her payments.Â
When a homeowner does not make mortgage payments, a default
occurs and the home goes into foreclosure. Both the homeowner
and the mortgage insurer lose in a foreclosure. The homeowner
loses the house and all of the money put into it. The mortgage
insurer will then have to pay the lender's claim on the
defaulted loan.Â
For this reason, it is crucial that the family buying the home
can really afford it -- not only when they buy, but throughout
the time period of the loan. Although the cost of the mortgage
insurance is paid by the home buyer, or borrower, the mortgage
insurer works directly with the lender. Mortgage insurance is
available to commercial banks, mortgage bankers, and savings &
loans, and all of which offer mortgage loans to home buyers.Â
The minimum effective down payment required by FHA is less than
3 percent. For single-family homes, there is a limit on the loan
amount that varies according to geographic area. Anyone can
apply for FHA insurance despite common myths. However, there are
sales prices limits, so check with your lender. The VA program
is limited to qualified, eligible veterans and reservists. The
USDA Rural Housing Service insures loans for the construction
and purchase of homes in rural communities. This program is very
specialized, so contact your lender for the details.Â
With the wide variety of loans available, home buyers have the
freedom to choose the type of loan that best suits their needs.
Early on in the home-buying process, it is a good idea to meet
with several lenders to compare the types of mortgages they
offer and shop for the best price and terms. Best of all,
working with a mortgage insurer can be very easy -- whether your
loan is insured by the FHA or a private mortgage insurer --
because your lender handles all of the arrangements. By making
lending money to home buyers safer, mortgage insurance helps
more families get into homes of their own.Â
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