01/08/2019
There are three primary government-backed mortgage loans and all three carry some degree of a guarantee to the lender. The VA loan is a zero down program but unless you’re a veteran, active duty or other qualified status, your government-backed options include the FHA and USDA loan programs. So, if you’re looking for a loan that requires very little cash to close, both of these options should be in your portfolio. But which should you choose?
The USDA loan is reserved for those wanting to finance a property in a rural or semi-rural area. The USDA keeps a list of approved areas where the USDA loan can be used. All it takes is a quick phone call to your loan officer and by providing the property address of a home you’re considering, you’ll be told whether or not the USDA loan can be used based upon the location of the property. If it is, then you’ll also need to verify your income is at approximately 115% of the median income for the area. If both criteria are met, this is a solid choice. The USDA loan requires no money down and with very competitive 30 year fixed rates. The loan guarantee is financed with a one-time guarantee fee rolled into the loan amount and an annual fee paid in monthly installments along with the mortgage payment.
The FHA loan isn’t restricted by geography nor by income and is the third of the three guaranteed programs. There are loan limits set on a county-by-county basis and you can get these limits from your loan officer. The FHA loan also comes with two separate guarantee fees, the upfront mortgage insurance premium that is rolled into the loan amount and a annual premium paid in monthly installments, just like the USDA loan. You’ll also need a down payment of at least 3.5% of the sales price of the home. There are more loan choices with the FHA program than there are with the USDA loan. That said, how do you know which to choose?
If you meet the USDA requirements, you really can’t beat the zero down feature this loan has. Your loan will be a 30 year fixed and the rate is competitive with other loan programs. But again, it has to be in an approved area and your income must meet certain limits. If either of these guidelines can’t be met, your next best choice is the FHA mortgage.
Please call or email me if you have any questions regarding these awesome programs.
Best Regards,
Danny Nassar
Residential Mortgage Loan Originator
NMLS 220172
Mid America Mortgage, Inc. NMLS 150009
301 Denali Pass Dr Suite 3
Cedar Park, TX 78613
· cell 512-743-5512 · office 512-342-1038 · fax 512-287-4373