FHA Loan
FHA Loan is insured by the Federal Housing Administration. Since FHA Loans are insured by the government, a down payment of only 3.5% is required. FHA loans are a popular loan option for first time home buyers who have not have the savings for a 20% down payment. Requirements
FHA loans require a down payment of at least 3.5% to qualify. While FHA does not have private mortgage insurance, government mortgage is required on all loans. Most lenders require that the borrower have a credit score of at least 620 and the amount of their mortgage payment not exceed 31% of their gross monthly income. The loan amount must be less than the FHA County Loan Limit. FHA loans can only be used to purchase a primary residence.
Benefits
FHA loans are a great option for first time home buyer or those how have had credit challenges in the past. Typically lower or middle income borrowers who have not saved the 20% down payment required by a conventional loan benefit from FHA Loan’s low down payment of 3.5% to qualify.
Cost
FHA Loans have the same closing cost as all other loan types. FHA Loans have the additional cost of Up Front Mortgage Insurance Premiums (UFMIP) and monthly mortgage insurance. The Up Front Mortgage Insurance Premium can be rolled into the final loan if needed. A FHA Loan allows the sellers to contribute up to 6% of the purchase price towards the borrowers closing cost.
Facts
- A FHA Loan are a used most often by first time home buyers who have not saved enough for the 20% down payment required by Conventional Loans.
- FHA Loans requires a down payment of 3.5%.
- FHA Home Loans allows the borrower to use a maximum of 31% of their gross income to qualify.
- A FHA Home Loan requires Up Front Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP) and monthly mortgage insurance.
- With a FHA Loan the sellers of a property can contribute up to six percent of purchase price towards the buyers closing cost.
Conventional Loans
Conventional loans are the most common of all loans. These loans are typically sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Conventional loans do not come with a government guarantee and require a down payment. For down payments that are less than 20% of the purchase price, mortgage insurance is required. Conventional loans can be used to purchase a primary residence, second home, or investment property.
Requirements
All Conventional Loans require a down payment. Almost all conventional loans require a down payment of 5%. If the down payment is less than 20% then the borrower is required to pay mortgage insurance. The mortgage insurance is usually paid monthly and insures the lender is made whole in the event of a default by the borrower. Conventional loans require a minimum credit score of 620 with a 20% down payment or a credit score of 680 with less than 20% down.
Benefits
Conventional loans are a good fit for borrowers who are well quailed and have enough savings to put 20% down. Conventional loans are the only loan type that allows borrowers to purchase a second home or investment property.
Cost
A Conventional loan has the same closing cost as any other loan. If a homebuyer does not have at least 20% to put down on the purchase, mortgage insurance will be required.
Facts
- Conventional loans are a good option for homebuyers with excellent credit, a small amount or no debt, and enough saving for a 20% down payment.
- Without a 20% down payment, private mortgage insurance is required for all conventional loans.
- A credit score of 620 is required for a Conventional Loan with 20% down payment.
- A credit score of 680 is required for a Conventional Loan with less than 20% down payment.
- Conventional loans can be used to purchase a second home or investment property.
Our goal at Security America Mortgage is to match the best product to the needs of our clients. In addition to offering VA Home Loans, we offer FHA Home Loans. Contact us today to discuss your loan options and determine which loan is best for you!