Mortgage Financing

 

100% Mortgage Financing

Down payments can be difficult to come up with. Sometimes, the only way one can live the dream of homeownership is through 100% mortgage financing. This article will provide you with the ins and outs of no down payment loans.

Many lenders are now offering 100% mortgage financing at near-market rates. This makes it possible for borrowers with no down payment, and possibly less than perfect credit, to obtain a mortgage loan.

How 100% Mortgage Financing Works

Nowadays, 100% mortgage financing is available to the average borrower. Though your credit can't be terrible, it can be far from perfect. When obtaining 100% mortgage financing you have two basic options available to you:

 Private Mortgage Insurance. To protect themselves in the case of default, most lenders require borrowers participating in a 100% mortgage financing program to carry private mortgage insurance (PMI). This insurance varies in cost depending on the size of the mortgage loan, and must be carried until enough equity has built in the home or until you have proven that you can make payments in a timely manner.

  80/20 Loans. If you want to avoid private mortgage insurance, but still qualify for 100% mortgage financing, an 80/20 loan is a good option. This mortgage loan allows you to take out two loans. The first covers 80% of the home's purchase price, and the second acts as a 20% down payment.

 100% Mortgage Financing Risks

 There are some risks associated with 100% mortgage financing. For example, when you don't put a down payment on a mortgage purchase, you typically have little to no equity. If housing values in the area decrease, you could end up owing more for your home than it is worth. As with any loan, you should consider the risks before making a final decision.

 

100% Financing or No Down Payment & Bad Credit Mortgage Loans

Sub-prime lenders now offer financing packages with zero down. Interest rates are higher on these types of loans, but they make purchasing a house easier. And unlike a conventional loan, there is no private mortgage insurance required. There are two types of zero-down mortgage packages, each with their own requirements.

Types Of Zero-Down Loans

 100% financing, as it names implies, offers complete financing of your property. The other option, 80/20, finances your mortgage with two loans. Both loans may be carried by your lender, but sometimes the seller or a second lender is required to carry the 20% mortgage.

100% financing is easier to deal with, but not all lenders will offer this type of home loan. 80/20 financing is more common, but takes some negotiation if the seller is involved.

Qualifications For Zero-Down

Each lender has their own criteria for determining who will qualify for a zero-down loan. Most sub-prime lenders require any bankruptcies or foreclosures to have been at least twelve months ago. A conventional loan requires these to be discharged two to four years ago.

 While a credit score of 600 or higher is best, large cash reserves can also qualify you. Six to twelve month’s worth of cash reserves in the form of savings, money market, or other liquid assets are considered ideal.

If you choose 80/20 financing with the seller carrying the second mortgage, you can qualify with sub-prime lenders with a score of 560.

Zero-Down Sub-prime Lenders

You can find zero-down sub-prime mortgages with both conventional and niche sub-prime lenders. Make sure that you request quotes from as many mortgage lenders has possible to be sure you find the lowest rate and best terms.

You will also want to decide what type of mortgage you want. An ARM is easier to qualify for and has lower rates. A fixed rate mortgage offers the security of a constant interest rate over the life of your loan.

Typically an ARM will be a better deal if you plan to refinance within a couple of years. After you have improved your credit history, you can refinance for a conventional mortgage with low interest rates.

 

Refinance Your Home Loan and Lower Your Monthly Payments

There was a time, a few years ago when it seemed that we would never see an end to the real estate bubble. Now, though it seems that the bubble has burst and people are having a difficult time for several reasons. One of the main reasons that people are struggling now is that they were talked into taking a mortgage that was at a very low interest, or perhaps an interest only loan, but after a set period of time it ballooned and people have seen their home mortgage payments rise as a result. It might also be that you have some other debts that you would like to roll over into your mortgage payment, and now that you have some equity built up in your home you feel that the time is right.

 

It doesn't matter why you want to refinance your home loan, now is a good time to do it. Interest rates are holding at a fairly low level and they are threatening to rise again. Many people are refinancing their homes in order to lower their monthly payments at this time, even when the housing market has slowed down. It is what is known as a refi market. There are some things that you should be aware of, however when you go to refinance your home loan. Make sure that you get a copy of what is called a good faith estimate. This paper will give you a breakdown on all the charges that the mortgage loan officer is planning on charging you, and it is required by law that they provide you with a copy. Also, try to stay away from interest only loans unless you are moving within a couple of years.

By doing your homework and a little rate shopping you will find that you can, in most cases, successfully lower your monthly bills by refinancing your mortgage.

Tim spends his time finding unique ways for people to profit from the Internet and is following a life long dream of being an author.

Mortgage Financing