Hiding in Plain Sight: 5 Secrets That Make Buying a Home More Affordable
There are opportunities all over the place to make the path to homeownership easier. Other people are taking advantage of these real estate opportunities, so why not you? Here are 5 secrets that are hiding in plain sight.
Tip: For the best results, consult the expertise of a Marketplace Homes real estate agent.
1. Low to Zero Down Payment Loans
Future homeowners can apply for a home loan through the Federal Housing Administration, which offers lower down payment requirements, reduced interest rates, and fee limitations.
Among these programs, Fannie Mae HomeReady® and Freddie Mac Home Possible® Mortgages are designed to help lenders confidently serve today’s credit-worthy low-income borrowers, offering as low as 3% down payment options. These programs are ideal for first-time or repeat homebuyers with limited cash for a down payment who need to purchase or refinance a home.
- For veterans: If you served in the military, you may qualify for a VA loan from the Department of Veterans Affairs, which allows you to put 0% down. Your lender can give you more information about how to qualify for this federally-backed loan during the home buying process.
- For non-veterans: You can pay 0% down through a Rural Development (RD) loan through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). These loans require the borrowers to be under a specific income limit. Also, the desired house must be within a specific square footage and price point.
2. The HUD Good Neighbor Next Door Program
If you are a teacher, police officer, firefighter, or EMT, you may be eligible for the Good Neighbor Next Door Program, which can allow qualified individuals to get a house up to 50% off.
Even if you’re not in one of those four professions, you can still apply for HUD grants, down payment assistance, or other programs that Next Door Programs® offer.
Beyond the grants, applicants may also be eligible for down payment assistance of up to $10,681.00. This program doesn’t have an income limit but has a minimum credit score requirement of 580.
In light of elevated home prices and interest rates, saving on the cost of your home purchase though these programs can greatly reduce your future monthly payments and total loan amount. Definitely check them out if you are a potential buyer who may qualify.
3. State-Level Closing Cost and Down Payment Assistance Programs
Every state has unique programs that can help homebuyers access funds to pay for closing costs and down payments. There are typically certain conditions that apply, such as income level, your credit report, restrictions to certain housing markets, a specific price range, and a background check, and other factors.
However, qualifying can help take care of a lot of the hidden costs of homebuying. Some programs more lucrative than others, but it’s always worth a look. Many people miss this because they don’t think they are available.
With a simple search engine inquiry about down payment assistance and grant programs in your state, you can find local organizations and charities that support homeownership assistance. Even a $1,000 grant can make a difference in saving for a down payment and mortgage loan.
If you would like to learn more about assistance programs in your area, contact a trusted mortgage lender or realtor and ask them about what programs have helped people in your area afford a new home.
4. Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC)
Not to be confused with the mortgage interest deduction, the MCC is a tax credit that you can claim as a first-time home buyer and earn within your state’s median income. You MUST talk to your lender to qualify and get the certificate. If you do get it, you can use it for 30 years as long as you don’t refinance your house.
This non-refundable tax credit allows you to claim up to $2,000 in tax credits, which can go toward any tax owed. It isn’t a refundable credit, so you can’t get a refund with it, but if you owe money on taxes, it can help push you out of owing and make other refundable credits count toward money back. This can add up and make your mortgage payments more manageable — a must in today’s real estate market!
5. Rolling Closing Costs into Your Loan
Closing costs are a big deal, but you can roll them into your loan in some cases. Check with your lender to see if it’s possible. This option does involve higher interest rates and PMI to offset risk, which should be considered before committing to it. Use this option if you have exhausted all other options for closing cost assistance. Though it’s not the best choice, it will still get your foot in the door of getting a home.
Little-Known Homebuying Secrets
Most people don’t know that there are programs and funding specifically designed to help people with low to moderate incomes buy a home. For more information, speak with a mortgage broker or contact your state to discover American homebuyer assistance programs that can help you move onwards into a dream home! Now that you have this knowledge, you can take advantage of all these money-saving options when purchasing a home!
Alicia Persson is a Content Strategist SEO writer at Marketplace Homes, utilizing previous years of experience on real estate teams that specialized in investments and property management. Before she joined Marketplace Homes, she was also a freelance writer for 7 years, leading to a specialization in real estate and home living content for boutique digital marketing agencies. During her writing years, she learned the basics of SEO and gained experience writing for many different clients, making her versatile at creating diverse content.
She is a proud University of Virginia master’s graduate and enjoyed her undergraduate years at the University of Mary Washington. When Alicia is not writing, she plays keytar and sings in a local 90’s rock cover band, or she spends time with her amazing family.