Options for First-Time Homebuyer Assistance

Concerns about job loss, uneasiness about the economy and looming personal or medical expenses have forced some potential homebuyers to put their dreams of homeownership on the fence. While assistance is limited, you do have a few options. Here they are:

1. Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Loans. According to the New York Times, the FHA is underwriting loans at quadruple the rate of three years ago. In fact, says FHA Commissioner David H. Stevens, FHA loans comprise almost 50 percent of the entire home-loan market. Before the housing downturn, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), FHA loans comprised just 3 percent of the market.

   Why the popularity? Simple, says HUD spokesperson Lemar Wooley, in a time of tighter loan restrictions, “FHA’s basic downpayment requirement of 3.5 percent is lower than the minimum required on conventional loans. In addition, with certain restrictions, it permits the use of gifts to make the downpayment and the credit rating requirements are more flexible. It also allows borrowers to carry more debt than conventional loans.”

   However, cautions Hayden, FHA loans require an upfront mortgage insurance premium, which is 2.5 percent, although that cost can be financed. In addition, homebuyers must have a credit score of 620 or higher.

2. Fannie Mae HomePath. If you’re open to buying a foreclosure, this program can give you the boost you need. Special financing is available on Fannie Mae-owned foreclosure properties (find them at www.homepath.com). “There’s a low, 3 percent downpayment requirement, no need for an appraisal because Fannie Mae owns the property and no mortgage insurance requirement,” says Hayden. In addition, the program is open to both homebuyers and investors.

   The downpayment can be funded by a gift; a grant; or a loan from a nonprofit organization, state or local government, or from an employer. “The good thing about this program is that, generally speaking, the houses are in decent shape, which is always a concern when purchasing a foreclosure. The homes won’t be perfect, but for foreclosed properties, they’re in better shape than most,” he says.

3. State or municipality grants/programs. Many states offer housing assistance programs for first-time or low-income homebuyers. Many times the funding is available for homes in an area that local government is trying to revitalize. Programs can include down-payment assistance, loan guaranties, interest subsidies; tax credits and closing cost help in the form of low-cost loans or direct payments. Many require credit scores in the 520-and-above range and proof that the borrower has income sufficient to repay the mortgage. In many states, borrowers are required to attend homeownership and financial management classes.

   Find out if your state has a homebuyer assistance program by going to: http://www.hud.gov/buying/localbuying.cfm.

Regardless of whether or not you find assistance, Hayden recommends that when you start looking for a home, you “get your loan application in early and provide the lender with everything he or she asks for -- no matter how ridiculous it may sound.” Doing so will give you the best chance for getting loan approval and will put you on the fast track to getting the home of your dreams.

Tracey C. Velt is an Orlando-based freelance writer.