Todays' crazy real estate market makes it almost impossible for many people, particularly young couples, to buy a home. California's double digit inflation in housing prices from 2001 to 2005 saw, what used to be, almost affordable prices climb rapidly out of reach. Even with the cooling off period we've seen in many markets this past year, prices still are beyond many new homebuyer's pocketbook.
Along comes the First Time Homebuyer's Programs. Many cities throughout southern California have special programs for people on low (or not so low actually!) inicomes. These programs can provide assistance with down payments, closing costs, and special low interest mortgage rates which can make the possibility of home ownership a reality.
California also has a great First Time Homebuyer's program (CALHFA). If you haven't owned a home in the last 3 years, you may be qualified! This program will pay up to $12000 on your down payment and up to 3% of your closing costs (on a simple interest loan which doesn't have to be repaid until you sell your home!!) and an interest rate as low as 5.625% on a fixed 30 year loan. It's a wonderful program which just might make the difference between having to rent or actually owning your own home. For more information, call us at 805-298-2180 or go to http://www.calhfa.ca.gov/index.html .
I'm caught in a bit of a quandry over my CalHFA loan approval process.
It seems that while the programs sound great, you must make under a certain amount to qualify. For the initial First loan, income limits are around $60k per year plus or minus. But for the additional Downpayment assistance programs, Like HOP, CHDAP, or even HiCAP, you can't make more than $44k !
So here we have a Catch 22 where "if you make too much, you won't qualify, but if you do qualify, you're priced out of California. At least in my area ..
Is there some way around this so that I can qualify for a $399k home? It seems that to qualify for a $399k loan would require too much income to qualify for any downpayment assistance programs, and maybe the whole loan altogether! Can't figure out any trade secrets or loopholes to help me through this process..
Thanks for any help!
Kyle Spicer