Looking to buy your first home in Phoenix? There are three loan types and one down payment assistance program that may be ideal for you, depending on your situation:
1. Conventional loan is a mortgage available to buyers with as little as 3% (of property sales price) down payment. This will require mortgage insurance (in the form of a monthly premium built-in to the mortgage payment) unless the down payment is 20% or more of the sales price. Generally, mortgage insurance can later be removed by the lender once the equity in the home exceeds 22%. Borrowers will need to have a FICO credit score of at least 640 and typically the higher the credit score, the lower the insurance premium will be.
2. FHA loan is a mortgage available to buyers with as little as 3.5% (of property sales price) down payment. Mortgage insurance will also be required (in the form of a monthly premium built-in to the mortgage payment) but allows for borrowers to have a FICO as low as 580. For borrowers with a 500-579 FICO credit score, they must put down 10% of the sales price. Mortgage insurance remains for the life of the loan, so the only way to avoid paying it is to refinance out of an FHA loan into a conventional loan when possible for the borrower.
3. VA loan is a mortgage available to military (active or retired) buyers with as little as 0% (of property sales price) down payment. There is no mortgage insurance required however there is a VA funding fee of about 2.5% that is added to the loan balance at time of origination. Typically a borrower will need a FICO credit score of at least 640 to qualify, along with their military certificate of eligibility from the VA.
Arizona also offers a down payment assistance program to help first time home buyers in Phoenix. The main benefits of the Home Plus loan program are down payment assistance, closing cost assistance and reduced mortgage insurance premiums. To be eligible, buyer must occupy home as their primary residence, the home price cannot exceed the program limit, buyer must meet income and credit score requirements, and finally the buyer must also complete an educational course about borrowing and home ownership. Borrowers who qualify for Home Plus can get up to 5% of the purchase price in the form of down payment assistance. This gift is by way of a no-interest (silent) second mortgage that is 100% forgiven as long you do not sell or refinance your home for 3 years.
Questions about these loan types or down payment assistance program? I can put you in touch with a variety of reputable local Phoenix lenders to handle all your inquiries.
