The offer has been accepted, and the home inspection has been completed. Now it’s time to apply for a loan and secure your mortgage commitment.
Get the Right Mortgage for Your Situation
When it comes to home financing, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. There are a variety of loan programs available to meet your specific financial situation, and you should talk to your lender about which one is right for you.
What Type of Loan Is Right for You?
LOAN PRODUCTS: FIXED RATE VS. ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGES (ARMS)
Fixed-Rate: A fixed-rate loan maintains a fixed interest rate throughout the life of the loan, meaning the rate will not change 10, 20, or 30 years from now. A fixed-rate loan may be the better choice if you want stable payments and plan to live in your home long-term.
ARM: With adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), the interest rate will fluctuate over time. ARMs can either go up or down; this means your monthly mortgage payment will also fluctuate — up or down. An ARM may be a good option if you only plan to live in your home for a few years.
LOAN TYPES: CONVENTIONAL VS. GOVERNMENT-SPONSORED
Conventional Loans: With a conventional loan, the lender assumes the risk for lending you money. As a result, conventional loans have more stringent credit requirements and higher down payment requirements.
Conforming loans are those that adhere to loan limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA).
Jumbo loans are those that exceed the conforming loan limits. Interest rates are usually higher on jumbo loans because they represent greater risk to the lender. There may also be stricter credit standards and underwriting requirements.
Government-Sponsored Loans: With a government-sponsored loan, the government backs the loan, or assumes the risk for lending you money. These loans typically have lower credit and down payment requirements to make it easier for you to obtain a mortgage.
FHA: FHA: Purchase a home with as little as 3.5% down (dependent on credit score.)
VA: Provides 100% financing to eligible veterans, active duty members, reservists, National Guard members, and surviving spouses.
USDA: Requires no money down for eligible homes in rural areas.
