First Time Home Buyer
Loans


What is a First-Time Homebuyer Loan?

A person’s first home purchase is a big deal. It takes time, energy, and money. To help with the money hurdle, some people use first-time homebuyer loans. These programs vary depending but the general idea is this: first time home buyer loans give financial assistance to qualified borrowers.

First-time homebuyer loans have attractive benefits that can make purchasing a home less costly, less restrictive, and less risky for new homeowners. This type of loan is offered by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and by many states throughout the country.


*The following is only general information and will not apply to every person’s situation. To learn how a homeownership for first-time buyers could work specifically for you, call Equity Source Mortgage at 763-657-2000.

Benefits of Homeownership for First-Time Buyers

Owning a home is a great joy and comes with many benefits. Homeownership invites owners to invest in their purchase and in the surrounding community. A house provides a safe place for a family to grow and take pride in. Not only does homeownership promote pride and responsibility, it also has a number of practical benefits for homeowners like:

  • Tax Benefits. Interest from the mortgage and real estate property taxes can be deducted on tax returns.
  • Control. Homeowners are free from the restrictions of rental properties, and can personalize their home any way they choose.
  • Build Equity. Homeowner assets grow from the principle off of the mortgage payments.
  • Build Credit. Homeowners build their credit every time a mortgage payment is made.

What is a First-Time Homebuyer Loan?

The FHA defines a first-time homebuyer as someone who has never purchased a home, or who has not owned a home in three years. First-time homebuyer loans are popular because they offer benefits that other types of loans do not like: reduced interest, small down payments, deferred payments, and limited fees.

In most cases, FHA requires the homebuyer to have a credit score of at least 580 or above, along with a down payment of 3.5% of the loan amount in order to secure a first-time homebuyer loan, but many lenders require a credit score of 620 or higher to approve an FHA loan. In addition to credit score requirements, first-time homebuyers must provide documentation to prove that their debt-to-income ratio (generally a max of 41% to 43% of monthly gross income) meets lender approval.


Advantages of First-Time Homebuyer Loans

Fewer restrictions make this type of loan perfect for first-time homebuyers. Many homebuyers pursue first-time homebuyer loans for the following reasons:

  • Low interest rates
  • Smaller down payments than with conventional loans
  • Their credit score is too low to qualify for other types of loans

Considerations

First-Time Homebuyer loans may have higher mortgage insurance requirements than other types of loans which must be paid throughout the entire life of the mortgage, unless a large down payment is made.

If first-time homebuyers want to live in an affluent area, FHA loans may not be enough to secure expensive homes. Loan ceilings differ based on the median income of the area. Interested parties should check with their real estate agent or lender to confirm loan caps.

Another limitation for first-time homebuyer loans is the requirement that the desired home is the primary place of residence. This means if a person wants to purchase a home with the intent to use it as a rental property, they most likely will not qualify for the loan.


Equity Source Mortgage

Navigating mortgage and loan rates is complicated! Why not let our team do the hard work for you? Equity Source Mortgage is a trusted mortgage broker in Minnesota. We believe that people deserve a home to call their own. At Equity Source Mortgage, our number one goal is to match you with the best loan for you. Contact us or call us at 763-657-2000 to begin exploring your home ownership journey – YOUR Dream Is Calling!