Are There Any 0 Down Programs Still Available?

By
Mortgage and Lending with Treadstone Funding

I get this question a lot from realtors and new clients.  The answer is absolutely yes there are a couple of programs still available.

Why is this important to me if I am a realtor?  It is very important for all realtors to know what programs are available because it can help you sell a property you have listed, buy a home for a buyer, and be able to sound intelligent when speaking to all your clients.  The mortgage industry is changing almost daily and being informed on what the latest changes are is very important for you as a realtor to keep up with.  If you don't have a mortgage "go to" person who sends you updates and works closely with you and helps your clients, you are missing the boat. 

It is essential for you to have atleast one lender you work closely with to provide you information, changes, and support so you can win and close more business.  It is a good idea to have a back up lender who can get some tough deals done and if you have a very large business three lenders may be a good option.  I will discuss this in more detail in a future blog.  Use 0 down programs to attract, and win more business for your clients and yourself. 

The 0 down programs still available are:

1. VA program- It is great to provide our wonderful veterans a help by offering 0 down programs to purchase a home.  The VA program is great, more paperwork, but great for all sides.  There are factors for qualifying for this type of loan.

2. Rural Development - This program allows borrowers to purchase real estate for 0 down in the outer areas of metropolitan communities.  It is a wonderful program and as helped a lot of lower to middle income borrowers get into their dream house.  There are factors for qualifying for this type of loan.

My most successful agent partners come to me to look up if their listings are rural development eligible so they can put up a 0 down sign in the yard.  This has created calls to them and allowed them to turn them into clients and helps them sell that listing quickly because it can be bought with 0 down if the borrower qualifies. 

Use a good lender, have them keep you informed, and use this information to win and close more business.  Work together with your lender and let them help you promote yourself and your properties and you will reap the rewards.

 

 

Comments (9)

Rich Cederberg
eXp Realty - Albuquerque, NM
eXp Realty Agent Albuquerque

These are two great loan programs. I especially like VA. I think veterans have earned everything we can do for them!

Jul 28, 2009 06:43 PM
Lenn Harley
Lenn Harley, Homefinders.com, MD & VA Homes and Real Estate - Leesburg, VA
Real Estate Broker - Virginia & Maryland

I like these two but they are so limited in the percentage of prospective buyers elegible. 

VA is my favorite. 

Apparently, no one in the government has realized the value of the VA loan guarantee.  Otherwise, they'd have thrown a few monkey wrenches in it, as they have the FHA insured loan.

The rural loans are limited in my area because of density. 

Jul 28, 2009 10:03 PM
Fernando Herboso - Associate Broker MD, & VA
Maxus Realty Group of Samson Properties - Clarksburg, MD
301-246-0001 Serving Maryland, DC and Northern VA

I wish this list can be  expanded to more segments of the public. . .

Jul 28, 2009 10:27 PM
Eilean Foster
Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Shore - Egg Harbor City, NJ
Real Estate Agent

Brian, when I first became a realtor; my broker told me that all mortgage questions go to the mortgage specialist, so I didn't concern myself with learning all those *goodies*!  But since changing brokers, becoming more informed is now my mantra!

You are correct, sounding intelligent is the BIGGIE! Having that information to share to a perspective buyer not only gets me complimented as I have given that person more information than any other agent they have spoken with; it makes that "prospect" my client!

I cherish my lenders who keep me up to date with the latest information on all the programs that are available for buyers!  Even the programs that are being advertised but have no PMI backing!  The newest one in my area is the "HomePath"; which I just found out about yesterday!  It is "out there", but does not have anyone willing to give the insurance to back it up!

Good Lenders who are willing to educate realtors are worth their weight in gold!

 

Jul 28, 2009 10:49 PM
Gita Bantwal
RE/MAX Centre Realtors - Warwick, PA
REALTOR,ABR,CRS,SRES,GRI - Bucks County & Philadel

I wish there were more programs like these. Thanks for the reminder.

Jul 28, 2009 11:11 PM
Chip Jefferson
Gibbs Realty and Auction Company - Columbia, SC

I use the USDA quite extensively. I even have homes in my city limits that qualify for this and I take full advantage of it.

Jul 28, 2009 11:43 PM
Evelyn Johnston
Friends & Neighbors Real Estate - Elkhart, IN
The People You Know, Like and Trust!

Actually I was aware of both of these programs but have never had an instance that I could use them.  I may have a VA coming up.

Jul 29, 2009 12:09 AM
Eilean Foster
Keller Williams Realty Atlantic Shore - Egg Harbor City, NJ
Real Estate Agent

I just found out about "NACA" yesterday; which is supposed to be a program directed towards those wanting to buy; that have less than perfect credit scores!  It is partnered with Bank of America!

I'm still reading the fine print, but so far it has a membership fee, hours of time vested by the buyers towards other buyers homes, and the buyer has to attend a class of home ownership!

I also have my BA Mortgage Specialist delving into this to be SURE that BA is affiliated and to what extent!  I sure hope it is a responsible program!

https://www.naca.com/index_main.jsp

 

Jul 30, 2009 09:24 PM
Brian Griffis
Realty Choice - Springfield, MO

Rural development seems like a pretty good program around here.  The question should not be are there any 0 down programs, but rather should there be any considering what has happened in the last few years. 

Sep 01, 2009 03:18 AM