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HomePath Mortgage vs FHA Loan- Which is best for you?

Reblogger
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Elite Properties; Serving Cypress, Spring, Tomball, NW Houston 0260862

Most buyers who I work with and who ask this question, just automatically assume that the HomePath Mortgage must be the best route for anyone and everyone.  David's simplified explanation should help buyers to weigh the difference between the two.

Original content by David Krichmar NMLS #293883

 

Often I am asked which is a better loan for a homebuyer, A HomePath Mortgage or a FHA Loan?  It is actually not a clean cut answer for everyone.  So I wanted to take the time to go over the benefits of each.  And what you need to think about when making a decision between a HomePath or FHA mortgage.  Keep in mind this is only in regards to buying a Fannie Mae Foreclosure. 

HomePath Mortgage

The HomePath Mortgage Program is a GREAT program if you are looking to only purchase a  Fannie Mae foreclosure.  The benefits are:

  • No mortgage insurance- this allows you to buy more home and/or have a lower mortgage payment.  To offset the lack of mortgage insurance the interest rate will be much higher than FHA loans
  • No Appraisal- this saves the buyer the cost of an appraisal($400+).  More importantly it allows the buyer to buy a home that may need some minor work/repairs.  Fannie Mae wants to sell these homes and by not requiring an appraisal it allows the home to get financed without having to fix any issues
  • Down Payment is as little 3%
  • Seller contribution is allowed to go up to 6%, or 9% with a 25% down payment
  • Real Estate Investors qualify for just a 15% DOWN PAYMENT, this is great since investment property loans now require a 20-25% down payment. 

Please keep in mind you must qualify for a conventional loan to qualify for a HomePath mortgage and have a minimum fico of 660 for the lower down payment options and min 620 score for 20%+ down payment.  Most MLS listings mention if the home qualifies for the HomePath program, but if you would like to check to see if a property qualifies you can go to www.homepath.com

FHA Loan

The mortgage rate on a FHA loans are generally lower than market rates, while down payment requirements are lower than for conventional loans.

Some of the other benefits of FHA financing:

  • Only a 3.5% down payment is required.
  • Closing costs can be paid by the seller. Up to 6%
  • More flexible underwriting criteria than HomePath loans, such as allowing lower credit scores,  allows high debt to income ratios, etc

Conclusion

Only compare these two options if you plan on buying a Fannie Mae Foreclosure.  The HomePath loan is great if the home needs repairs or work, since there is no appraisal needed.  And without an appraisal the lender will not know or be concerned with the condition of the home. While a FHA loan would obviously require some repairs to be done, if they are major, etc.  And now let’s compare them directly to each other.  If you are buying a home of $250k and are putting a down payment of 5%, a HomePath Mortgage would give you a lower payment by $70.  This example is using an interest rate of 3.75%(30 year) on a FHA loan and 4.875%(30 year) on a HomePath loan. 

Everyone’s needs and financial goals are different, so before making a decision for yourself contact a knowledgeable mortgage professional.   And ask that Lender for mortgage estimates for both loans.  And if you live in Texas, contact Dave Your Mortgage Guy.  This is just another great example of it being in your best interest to know all your mortgage options!!

 

 

 

 

David Krichmar 

Mortgage Banker/Broker

AmericaHomeKey, Inc

Blogger For Realtor Magazine, Houston Agent Magazine

Approved MCE Instructor

Office:832-689-6012

David.Krichmar@gmail.com

www.DaveYourMortgageGuy.com

For More Mortgage Info and Social Media Tips For Realtors Follow me at  Dave's Blog

DaveYourMortgageGuy.com is Voted the #1 Mortgage Company in Houston, Texas.  2011

If you are looking for a FHA, VA, USDA, Homepath, Conventional, Jumbo, Construction, FHA 203k mortgage in Fort Bend County, Sugar Land, Houston, Katy, Harris County, Brazoria County, Pearland, The Woodlands, Kingwood, Tomball, Spring, Conroe, Montgomery County or anywhere in Texas I am your GUY!  

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Comments (5)

Gene Riemenschneider
Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA
Turning Houses into Homes

I like Homepath for Investors.  It was my understanding that you could go 10% down on the Homepath for Investors.

Jan 06, 2012 02:34 PM
Patrick White
Home Driven Realty, Inc - Baldwin, NY
Driven to bring New Yorkers home

Good evening Joyce

 

Thanks for the post and re-blogs. Have a great day

Jan 06, 2012 02:36 PM
David Spencer
Keller Williams Northland - Kansas City, MO
Show Me real estate in Kansas City

Very good explanation of the differences.

Jan 06, 2012 02:36 PM
David Krichmar
www.DaveYourMortgageGuy.com - Legend Lending - Sugar Land, TX
DaveYourMortgageGuy.com

Thank You Joyce, for reblogging this info!

Jan 08, 2012 04:49 AM
Joyce Godwin, Realtor, CRS
RE/MAX Elite Properties; Serving Cypress, Spring, Tomball, NW Houston - Houston, TX
RE/MAX Elite Properties

Hi Gene, IThe HomePath financing seems to work for many buyers.

Patrick, You, too.

David, I thought so too.  I get the question a lot.

Dave, You're welcome - thanks for providing the info!

Jan 09, 2012 02:00 AM