A survey by Harvard Business School found that 78% of baby boomers and millennials want to buy a home. The catch? Most ‘think’ they can’t afford one.
In many cases, this may be true. But the research also discovered many can. It found many had an income, credit rating, and time on the job good enough to qualify for the many first-time home buyer programs and grants I’ll mention in this article.
1. Federal Housing Administration Loan (F.H.A).
If you have a credit score of at least 580 you could qualify for a mortgage for as low as 3.5 percent of the price of the home.
F.H.A. loans have helped more first-time homeowners than any other type of loan.
2. United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (H.U.D).
H.U.D. offers many first-time owner grants and low-interest loans, depending on the state, city or area you live in. It’s best to check their website.
Note: For those who now live in public or government housing you may qualify to purchase the home, condo or apartment you now live in through the HUD Public Housing Homeownership Program.
3. V. A (Veterans Administration) Loans.
If you’re an active duty service person or veteran you may qualify for a no down payment low interest rate loan. The VA loan is the lowest-cost mortgage on the market because you’re not required to pay for mortgage insurance. For more information Click Here!
4. The Good Neighbor Next Door Program.
This program for first-time home buyers offers homes for up to 50% off the retail price. To qualify you must be a teacher, police officer, firefighter, or EMT. A $100 down payment is all that’s required.
You must commit to live in the home for at least 36 months.
5. Energy Efficient (or Green) Mortgage.
The energy-efficient mortgage was created to help first-time homeowners add energy-efficient improvements to their homes. These loans are insured through VA and FHA programs.
This mortgage lets you build an energy-efficient home without requiring you to make a larger down payment. For more information Click Here!
6. HomeReady HomePath Mortgage.
- Another popular program for first-time home buyers. To qualify, you must take a short buyer education course. After you complete the course you’ll receive 3% toward closing cost for a mortgage loan. The down payment, 3%, is lower than the lowest FHA loan.
7. HUD Dollar Home Program.
After 180 days on the market, certain unsold HUD Properties are offered exclusively to local governmental entities for $1 for 10 Days. Local cities or counties then offer these properties to residents to revitalize communities or neighborhoods. For more information Click Here!
8. USDA Home Loan Program.
This program focuses on homes in mostly rural areas, if you like or can tolerate country living this loan may be for you. This program guarantees 90% of the loan, which means there may be no down payment required and the loan is fixed. Sweet! For more information Click Here!
These are the top 7 programs available for first-time home buyers. As always, like ocean waves government programs come and go. But as of this writing these programs is helping thousands of first-time home buyers who thought they couldn’t afford a home realize their dream. Check them out … you could be next!
First-Time Home Buyer Love and Other Freebies
1. No Penalties.
A first-time homebuyer can take out up to $10,000 in contributions from the Roth IRA to pay for the home without penalties. Check with your tax advisor for the latest rules.
2. Real Estate agent. This person can be your greatest fountain of information when looking for your first home. They know your local housing market and the advantages and disadvantages of specific homes. They can help you pick the right home to fit your personal and financial needs and much more. The best part? They’re free if you’re a buyer.
3. Pre-Approvals. Another amazing freebie is pre-approvals. They help save you time and energy. How? They let you know what price range you can afford, helping you and your agent know which houses you should be looking at.
4. First-time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit (HBTC): The HBTC is a non-refundable tax credit for first-time home buyers and is worth $750. The first-time home buyers’ tax credit must be claimed on an income tax form no later than one year after the home is purchased.
5. The RRSP Home Buyer’s Plan (HBP)
This program was designed to let you withdraw funds from your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) before retirement for the purpose of a first home purchase. The advantage of the HBP is that the withdrawal is completely TAX-FREE.
The RRSP Home Buyer’s Plan allows you to withdraw up to a maximum of $25,000. Be sure to consult your tax consultant for more details.
