Closing Costs

Home buyers today may be concerned about finding the perfect home to purchase, but they are also often concerned with the process of applying for a mortgage. The loan application process itself may seem daunting, but many are concerned about finding a great deal on their mortgage. This may include getting a great interest rate and finding a program with low closing costs. The Fannie Mae HomePath program and closing cost assistance program is a beneficial option for many, and you may benefit from learning more about it.

What Is This Program?

The Fannie Mae loan program has been around for many years, and it is designed to provide borrowers with a lower interest rate than some of the other programs available. It also has easier underwriting guidelines than some of the other options.

However, the HomePath program started in 2009 in response to the rising number of foreclosures at that time. This program gives buyers a great opportunity to find homes that were financed through Fannie Mae and that were foreclosed on. The goal was to help Fannie Mae sell some of the homes they had foreclosed on more quickly by providing buyers with easier underwriting requirements and closing cost assistance than they otherwise would have access to.

What to Expect From This Program

If you are not familiar with this program, you may consider exploring it in more detail. The program’s website has many listings for foreclosed properties, and this makes it easy for you to find a great deal on a property in your area.

You should be aware that there are essentially two programs under the HomePath umbrella. One is designed to resemble a traditional mortgage program with closing cost assistance and easier underwriting requirements. The other is designed for properties in need of renovations, and with this program, you may be able to borrower more than the current value or sales price of the house.

While you may want to find the perfect home and get it at a great price, you also want to set up affordable financing. When a traditional buying and mortgage experience is not right for you, the HomePath program offered by Fannie Mae is a great option to consider. You can spend time exploring the foreclosed properties on the website today, and you can also work with your trusted mortgage broker to learn more about the HomePath financing options that are available to you.

As a first-time home buyer, you may actively be seeking out information about your upcoming purchase. Buying a home is a huge financial move to make, and it can impact your financial situation and even your lifestyle for many years to come. While it is important to learn more about what to look for in a home, it is also important to learn about mistakes home buyers have made. When you learn more about mortgage mistakes that others have made, you can take steps to prevent making those same mistakes yourself.

Committing To A Large Mortgage Payment

Many first-time home buyers contact a mortgage professional to determine what the largest loan amount and monthly payment they qualify for is. However, just because you qualify for a loan amount and monthly payment from a lending perspective does not mean that it is affordable for your budget. After all, you may have a more expensive lifestyle, childcare expenses and other expenses that are not factored into the lending equation.

Not Reviewing All Home Expenses

When you own a home, you will be required to pay for expenses that are not in place when you rent a home. For example, you will have to pay for lawn care, home maintenance tools and supplies, repair bills, homeowners’ association dues and more. It is important to allow room in your budget for all of the expenses related to home ownership to ensure that your new home is affordable for you.

Failing To Inquire About Closing Costs

Your mortgage representative is required to disclose all loan charges and fees to you early on in the loan process, but some first-time home buyers do not take the time to thoroughly review or understand these fees. Many are unfortunately surprised by the amount of money they must come to the closing table with at the end of the loan process, and this can be avoided by simply asking questions and reviewing the preliminary loan statement up-front.

Each of these home mortgage mistakes can be costly to a first-time home buyer, but they also are all entirely avoidable. As you begin your loan process and proceed through it to closing, keep these mistakes in mind. Be sure to ask your loan consultant for more information if you have any questions. You can begin the loan process today by contacting a loan consultant directly.