understanding first-time homebuyer programs
What is a first-time homebuyer program?
A homebuyer’s first-time program could aid you with one of the most difficult obstacles to becoming a homeowner, for example, not having enough funds to pay for your down payment or closing costs. The programs can help you in any of the below scenarios:
You can take a lesser down amount
You can get a grant or no-interest second mortgage to pay for part or the entire amount of your down payment or closing expenses
We can offer you a lower interest rate
We’ll charge you less mortgage insurance
Provide you with a financial incentive to stay in a less desirable location
It is okay to borrow in the event that you have a large ratio of debt to income (DTI) proportion
The types of programs for first-time buyers
There are numerous types of homebuyer first programs, just as there are many different types of first-time homebuyers alike. Therefore, there’s a great possibility that, at the very least, one of these options will assist you.
Credit with low down payment
It’s not always necessary to put a 20 percent down payment when purchasing a home. There are a few additional options out there, which is often a relief, as a lot of homeowners don’t have that amount of money. It’s the reason Fannie Mae, as well as Freddie Mac, have several low-down installment mortgages that allow you to put in as little as a percent. A majority of lenders participating offer the below Fannie as well as Freddie loans:
Fannie Mae HomeReady: You could be eligible to get the HomeReady mortgage in the event that you’re a homebuyer with a lower income who has an average credit score of at the minimum of 680. These loans offer competitive rate of interest, and permit you to receive your down payment through any outside source like gift, grant or the state aid program.
Freddie Mac Home Possible: Home Possible loans are offered to buyers with extremely low or low incomes, but not over 80 percent of median income of the region in which you are looking to purchase. One unique feature of these loans is that sweat equity is eligible to count towards the down cost. However, if you’re not skilled or physically fit, it is also possible to accept aid, gift and grant to make a down payment.
Freddie Mac HomeOne: Contrary to HomeReady or the Home Possible credit, HomeOne loans have no limit on income for the area or geographic region. Additionally, it’s not necessary to require a savings account. You can get it through a grant, gift or a homebuyer assistance program.
A key caveat to this type of loan: If the down payment you’re willing or able to present is less than 20%, then you’ll be required to pay for PMI or private mortgage insurance (PMI) until you have accumulated 20% of equity. A few first-time homebuyer loans require that you complete the free or low-cost educational course for homebuyers.
Loans that are backed by the government
If you take out a loan from the government it is the government that provides a promise to the lender to make repayments on a part of your loan in the event of a default. This guarantee means that the lenders are willing to lend loans to people who consider risky.
These are the top three loans backed by the government, which could be beneficial to anyone who is a first-time homebuyer.
FHA loan: Sponsored through FHA. Federal Housing Administration (FHA) This type of mortgage is more flexible in terms of credit and down payment specifications. The loan can be as low as 3.5 percent down for a credit score of 580. FHA loans are based on upfront and annual loan insurance.
VA Loan: Military veterans, servicemen survivors and veterans may be qualified for this loan that is provided through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). It is not possible to put any amount of money down for the VA loan or loan, and you don’t need mortgage insurance. You will, however need to be responsible for the VA fees for funding. It is possible to finance the fee by utilizing your mortgage if you like.
USDA loans: If you’d like to reside in an area that is rural or suburb that is outlying or outlying suburbs, a loan backed through USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) could be the best option for the person. It’s not necessary to make a down payment with the majority of USDA loan however, your earnings isn’t allowed to exceed a particular amount. Limits are based on the type of loan as well as the place you’re purchasing.
Optional Assistance with Down Payment
Numerous states have programs that assist homebuyers who are first-time buyers with their down payment as well as closing expenses. They can be located through online searches for “first-time homeowner” as well as “down help with payment” along with the state name. Also, you can check out the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s local Homebuying Programs website.
Help with down payment assistance through the state
Down payments assistance Programs typically provide an amount you don’t need to repay, or a second mortgage at a very low rate of interest. This mortgage could also be one that is a “soft second”, in which case your mortgage payments will be delayed. It allows you to purchase the home you want without having to make the down payment. Also, the monthly mortgage payments will be only based upon the first mortgage.
Certain states’ down aid payment programs will forgive the second loan when you own your house for a specified amount of time. Some require that you make payments, however only if you refinance, sell your home, or you reach the expiration date of the loan’s term, and fully eliminate your house.
Localities or cities may offer first-time homebuyer assistance. Chicago as well as Houston are just two examples of cities that have their own program implemented. If you’re in the public sector, there is a chance to gain the opportunity to participate in additional programs like Nurse Next Door, Teacher Next Door and Firefighter Next Door.
Other options for First-Time Homebuyer Assistance
This may sound too good to be true, however certain employers would aid their employees to purchase an apartment. This is known as employer-assisted housing (EAH) which may be offered as grants, a match program, or even a loan which is gradually repaid when you’ve earned the hours you work.
Private and public sector employers might offer these types of options. It is more likely that you will find EAH in a larger company who wants to assist their employees who live close to work in the event that their workplace is located in a more expensive or economically marginalized area.
There are times when you don’t need to have a job with employers to avail of the housing assistance programs offered by Amazon. For instance, Amazon’s Housing Equity Fund is creating affordable housing that is available to those with incomes ranging from 30% to 80 per cent of the local median income of certain areas where it is operating.
For more information, contact About Real Estate NY to help you find your dream home.
Tips for Selling Your New York City Home
Tips for Selling Your New York City Home
Are you thinking of putting your home on the real estate market?
Selling your New York City home is a big decision—one that requires careful planning and expert guidance.
While it may seem intimidating at first, it doesn’t have to be. With the right strategy and resources, selling your home becomes a straightforward and easy process.
Tip #1 Decide When to Sell
There's never really a bad time to sell in New York City; it's one of the hottest real estate markets in the world. That said, less motivated buyers might avoid the dark winter months and scorching summer months.
Spring is the period when most homes get listed, but it's also when sellers have the most competition.
It’s best not to worry about timing the market but to plan to sell when it works best for your personal circumstances.
Tip #2 Plan Ahead & Prepare Your Home
Don't expect to list your home right away. A strong selling price comes from the right amount of preparation.
Get started on the right foot by:
Hire a NYC real estate attorney and consult with a CPA.
Consider minor updates. These should be strategic improvements that add value and attract buyers. Consult with your team to decide if necessary.
Declutter and de-personalize your space.
Tip #3 Connect with a Real Estate Agent
The New York City market is always shifting, and you want to make sure you have the right representation and guidance through your sale. Experienced agents know how to establish a competitive pricing strategy, market a property, and negotiate the best contract terms.
You want someone by your side who’ll maximize your profits, help you sell at the desired price (no leaving money on the table), and do it all in record time. After all, who wants to wait forever for a buyer?
Tip #4 Understand Closing Costs
While many sellers focus on the sale price of their property, it’s crucial not to overlook an essential aspect that directly impacts your bottom line: closing costs.
These often underestimated expenses play a significant role in determining your net proceeds (the actual amount of money you’ll pocket from the sale).
Closing costs in New York generally range from 8% to 10% of the total sales price.
What exactly makes up these closing costs? It’s a combination of:
Transfer taxes
Attorney fees (required by law in New York)
Real estate commissions (typically around 6%)
Escrow fees
Home inspection fees
Appraisal fees
Any necessary repairs
Seller concessions
Title Insurance
Tip #5 Stage Your Home For Success
New York City homes are often small, so you want to make sure you are maximizing space and presentation. Staging allows you to do just that.
When you’re staging your home, the key is to make it as marketable as possible. Staging helps your property stand out in online searches and when people come to see it in person. Less is more when it comes to staging, so keep things simple and neutral to appeal to a wide range of potential buyers.
While staging comes at a cost, according to the National Association of Realtors, it can add 5-14% to a home's sale price and help it sell faster. 81 percent of buyer's agents reported that staging helps buyers visualize themselves in a home and leads to higher sale prices.
Selling your home is not just about finding a buyer; it’s about maximizing its value and ensuring a smooth transaction. An expert real estate agent will get you through the process from start to finish, ensuring you get the best deal possible.
Don't settle for anything less than the best when it comes to choosing your NYC real estate partner. Choose About Real Estate NY for a successful home-selling experience.