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51 Brilliant Real Estate Tips for Buyers to Edge Past the Competition

HomeLight

Mortgage insurance is extremely common for first-time buyers, and it’s often the fastest way to achieve homeownership and start building equity today, rather than waiting until you’ve saved up 20% — an unrealistic feat for many buyers. and 1% of your loan amount, annually. Sweeten the pot with earnest money.

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Your Top 11 Questions About Down Payments, Answered (Including: What’s an Average Down Payment?)

HomeLight

FHA loans. A Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan is a government-backed mortgage loan. Lenders are protected with these loans because the FHA will spring into action if the borrower stops making payments on the loan. USDA loans. The minimum down payment is 3.5%.

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When Is a House Down Payment Due and How Much Do I Need?

HomeLight

“So, someone could literally buy a $700,000 house with no money down with a VA loan,” says May. A Federal Housing Administration loan is backed by the federal government. Unless you’re putting 20% down on a mortgage loan, mortgage insurance is required to protect the lender if the buyer defaults on their loan.

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How to Buy a House in the Bay Area: 14 Steps to Close the Sale

HomeLight

He explains that owning a house is the most constructive and easiest way to build wealth, and even if you pay more now, you are still building equity, and will likely enjoy significant tax benefits. These government-backed loans can be a great option for borrowers who meet the requirements, however, they do require mortgage insurance.

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Beaches, Mountains, Sunshine? Yes, Please. Here’s How to Buy a California Home

HomeLight

GSFA OpenDoors® Down Payment Assistance Program – Down payment and/or closing cost assistance up to 7% of mortgage loan amount. Forgivable Equity Builder Loan – Gives first-time homebuyers immediate equity of up to 10% of the purchase price of the home in the form of a loan. Low DTI, preferably 36%.

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Here’s How Owner Financing (aka Seller Financing) Works for Real Estate Deals

HomeLight

Finally, since you’re the one lending the money, you’ll only be getting paid in small installments over a period of time, just like a regular lender. In other words, you won’t be able to access your full equity in the home you sell to help you buy another one. Step 4: Collect the earnest money (and save it).

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23 Hidden Costs of Buying a Home

HomeLight

When you buy a home, you might be expecting certain costs, such as the down payment and earnest money deposit — but there could also be hidden costs that first-time homebuyers especially may not anticipate. Mortgage insurance is also always required on FHA loans. Now, your home has a number of empty rooms!

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