The Loan Guide: 6 Ways To Afford A House

When it comes to getting a house, the biggest obstacle for many people is that they don’t have enough money saved up. Of course, the best way to save money is by cutting costs in other areas, but if you really want a house and you don’t have the funds necessary to get one all at once, there are some other strategies you can try. Read on to find out how you can afford your dream home.

1. Hard Money Loan

A hard money loan is typically a short-term loan used to finance the purchase of a property. Hard money loans are usually interest-only loans, with terms ranging from 6 months to 3 years.

Hard money loans are often used by investors to purchase properties that need to be repaired or renovated. The loan is secured by the value of the property, not by the borrower’s creditworthiness. Hard money loans are typically more expensive than traditional bank loans, but they can be a good option for borrowers who don’t qualify for a conventional mortgage.

If you’re thinking about taking out a hard money loan, do research on trustworthy companies like this website. Be sure to shop around and compare rates from multiple lenders.

2. Veterans Home Loan

If you’re a veteran, you may be eligible for a VA loan. VA loans are available to active-duty military personnel and veterans. They’re backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, so they offer some advantages over other types of loans. For example, you can get a VA loan with no down payment and no private mortgage insurance (PMI).

Other benefits of VA loans include:

• Competitive interest rates
• No prepayment penalties
• Flexible credit requirements
• Ability to finance closing costs

To qualify for a VA loan, you’ll need a Certificate of Eligibility (COE) from the Department of Veterans Affairs. You can get a COE through your lender or online through the eBenefits portal. Once you have your COE, you can apply for a VA loan.

3. USDA Mortgage

If you’re a farmer or rancher, you may be eligible for a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) direct or guaranteed loan. USDA loans can help you purchase or improve a home in a rural area.

Direct loans are made by the USDA to low- and very-low-income applicants who are unable to qualify for conventional financing. No down payment is required, and the interest rate may be as low as 1%. Loan terms are 33 to 38 years, depending on your income level.

Guaranteed loans are made by commercial lenders, such as banks, but they’re backed by the USDA. These loans are available to moderate-income applicants with good credit history and adequate repayment ability. Down payments may be required, and terms are usually 30 years.

4. FHA Mortgage

FHA Mortgages are government-backed loans that allow borrowers to purchase a home with as little as 3.5% down. These loans are available to all types of borrowers, including first-time buyers, repeat buyers, and even those with less-than-perfect credit. Because they are backed by the government, FHA Mortgages offer several benefits over other types of loans, including:

• lower down payment requirements
• lower interest rates
• more flexible credit guidelines

If you’re thinking about purchasing a home, an FHA Mortgage may be the perfect loan for you. Contact your local mortgage lender today to learn more about this type of loan and see if you qualify. 

5. Conventional Mortgage 

If you have good credit and can afford a down payment of 5%, you may be able to qualify for a conventional mortgage. This type of loan typically requires private mortgage insurance (PMI), which can add to your monthly payments.

With a conventional mortgage, you may be able to choose a fixed-rate or adjustable-rate loan. You’ll also need to decide how long you want the term of your loan to be. The most common terms are 15 years and 30 years, but you may be able to find other options.

To get started, you’ll need to contact a lender and submit an application. Be sure to have all of your financial documentation in order, including tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and more. Once approved, you’ll sign a contract and make a down payment on your new home.

6. Using Lender Credits

If you’re looking for ways to afford a house, one option is to use lender credits. Lender credits are basically funds that the lender provides to the borrower to help with closing costs or other expenses.

There are a few things to keep in mind when using lender credits:

1. Make sure you understand how the funds can be used. Some lenders will only allow the funds to be used for specific purposes, such as closing costs or prepaid interest.

2. Be aware of any fees associated with the lender credit. Some lenders may charge origination points or other fees in addition to the credit itself.

3. Make sure the credit doesn’t cause you to take on too much debt. Remember that your monthly mortgage payment will increase if you use a lender credit, so make sure you can still comfortably afford your payments after taking on the additional debt. 

4. Shop around to compare lender credits. Some lenders may offer more favorable terms than others, so it pays to compare your options before deciding on a lender.

Down Payments And Closing Costs

An important step in affording a house is saving for a down payment. The larger the down payment, the less you will need to finance, and the lower your monthly payments will be. Closing costs are the fees associated with finalizing a mortgage loan and can vary significantly from one lender to another. Be sure to compare these costs when shopping for a mortgage loan.

There’s no doubt that buying a house is a huge financial undertaking. But with the right planning and preparation, it is possible to afford a home without breaking the bank. We hope our loan guide has given you some useful tips and tricks on how to do just that. Now it’s time for you to take action and start looking for the perfect home for you and your family. Good luck!