Who is Eligible for a First Time Buyer Loan?
First time home buyer programs are designed to help borrowers who may not have enough money to pay the full cost of the down payment or the closing costs on a mortgage. These programs make obtaining a mortgage more cost effective. There are even programs specifically for residents of each state. First time home buyer programs are available to those who have not owned a home for the past three years.
A large amount of first time home buyer programs are FHA. Be prepared to spend a few hours in class so you can get a certificate stating your eligable.
Some First Time Buyers Programs require as little as 3% down.
Many other first time home buyer programs require that you either take a course or do a self study program with a workbook to learn about the responsibilities and financial obligations involved with owning a home. Even if these programs are not required by your lender or broker if is a good idea to do them anyway. Talk to your broker they can get you the information about when the classes are or provide you with a work book. Many of these courses and workbooks are provided through a PMI Company
A first time home buyer is considered somebody who has not owned a home in the last three years.
First time home buyers may also have other advantages such as discounted transfer tax. Check your local and state regulations to see what benefits you may qualify for, make sure your mortgage professional is aware that you are a first time home buyer.
Some of the advantages define a first time home buyer as a borrower who has not owned a home in the past three years, others require that the borrower has never had any interest in any property.
Some local First Time Home Buyer programs offer down payment assistance. To be eligible, applicants' household incomes must not exceed an amount set by the program administrators. These income limits are usually calculated by multiplying the Area Median Income with a percentage (e. g. 110% of the AMI). The program administrator may place a lien on the home to prevent the homeowner selling the property for profit shortly after settlement. Such liens usually dissipate after 5 to 10 years.
You may find that there are some mortgage loan programs, usually ones that the lender has a higher perception of risk, that are not available to first time home buyers.
Generally the programs will have a step by step guide to get you thru the process of home ownership.
