First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Montana For 2018
The federal government and the state of Montana run several programs for first-time home buyers in Big Sky Country. Depending on your exact needs and circumstances, there are multiple types of loans that you have access to. Some loans require a cheap down payment and low credit score minimums. Some loans target specific demographics such as veterans and school teachers. In addition, a financial advisor can help you find the best Montana first-time homebuyer programs for you. An advisor is a professional who can examine your individual situation and goals to help you make informed financial decisions. Finding an advisor doesn’t have to be a challenge. SmartAsset’s free financial advisor matching tool quickly links you to advisors in your area.
Federal First-Time Homebuyer Programs FHA Loans Pros – No down payment required
– Finance up to 100% of home value Cons – Larger down payment necessary if credit score is below 580 Eligibility – As little as a 3.5% down payment
– Credit score must be 500 or above Best For – Those who don’t have a great credit history
Lenders throughout Montana offer FHA Loans as part of their mortgage portfolio. The Federal Housing Administration backs these loans and they offer low down payments. In fact, you can expect a down payment of just 3.5% when you get one of these loans. For reference, a conventional mortgage typically calls for a 20% down payment.
The 3.5% down payment only applies to applicants who have a FICO® credit score of 580 or higher. If your score is below that threshold, the FHA will require you to make a 10% down payment. Even that down payment still beat most mortgages in Montana.
VA Loans Pros – Cover up to 100% your home’s value
– Usually come with lower closing costs than conventional loans
– No private mortgage insurance Cons – The application process can be drawn out
– Must pay a VA funding fee Eligibility – Current or former military member, a member’s spouse or another eligible beneficiary
– Credit score of 620 or higher Best For – Veterans with little monthly income and savings for a comfortable down payment
Veterans, current members of the U.S. military, their spouses and other eligible beneficiaries can apply for VA loans. The Department of Veterans Affairs backs these low-interest mortgages. These options may suit eligible first-time homebuyers who lack the capital for a normal down payment, but have the monthly income to take on a mortgage. So as long as your new home’s value falls within the standards of a VA loan, the loan could cover as much as 100% of the price.
As great as this sounds, VA loans do come with a VA funding fee that can range anywhere from 1.25% to 2.4%. Even if you think about this as a substitute down payment, it’s still less than the vast majority of other options. You also need a minimum FICO® credit score of about 620 for approval.
Any mortgage will come with closing costs, but the VA lowers these beneath what most other options charge. Also, because the VA backs these loans, buyers won’t have to get private mortgage insurance to cover themselves in case of a default.
USDA Loans Pros – Available to veterans with little monthly income or without enough savings for a comfortable down payment Cons – If you qualify for a conventional mortgage, you can’t get one Eligibility – Cannot make more than 115% of the adjusted U.S. median income
– Must purchase a home within an eligible rural area Best For – Low- or mid-income Americans looking to live in a rural or suburban area
In an effort to get more Americans to buy homes in the countryside and in certain suburban areas, the federal government created USDA loans. The United States Department of Agriculture backs these mortgages and they apply to single-family homes that are within certain approved areas.
Similarly to VA loan, USDA loans do not come with minimum down payment requirements. This means you it finance up to 100% of your new home’s value. Should your FICO® credit score land too low, your down payment may be pushed to 10% of your home’s value, though.
The only factor that could hold you back from getting approved for a USDA loan is having too high of an income. So if your monthly income is above 115% of the U.S. median income, you will have to go with a conventional mortgage or other loan.
Good Neighbor Next Door Program Pros – Get a flat 50% discount on the value of your new home
– After three years, you can sell the home and keep all equity Cons – Not available to most people and in most areas
– You have to live in the home for at least three years after purchase Eligibility – Must be a police officer, firefighter, emergency medical technician or a pre-K to 12th grade teacher Best For – Teachers or emergency personnel with little in savings
The Good Neighbor Next Door Program helps K-12 teachers and emergency personnel buy homes in areas around the U.S where these individuals are found less often. The federal government has identified various places as “revitalization areas.” So if you’re a police officer, firefighter, emergency medical technician or teacher, you can use this program to get a house in one of these areas for 50% off.
While this program is beneficial, you don’t physically obtain a mortgage through it. Instead your discount applies through the program and you can pay cash or get a conventional, FHA or VA mortgage to cover the balance. You will, however, be required by law to leave this home as your primary residence for at least three years. After that, you can sell the home and keep the profits.
Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac Pros – Very low down payment stipulations
– Little to no credit needed for approval
– Many loan styles available Cons – Could come with higher interest rates Eligibility – In some cases, no income requirements in underserved areas Best For – Anyone who is looking for a low down payment loan option, but doesn’t qualify for any of the above options
The federal government created Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae to help build stability in the mortgage market, and each offers a loan program geared towards first-time homebuyers.
Fannie Mae’s HomeReady® mortgage requires a lower down payment than an FHA loan at 3%. On a $250,000 home, that would be a $7,500 down payment. However, you will need to have an income at or below the U.S. median to qualify. You will also need a credit score of at least 620. While you will be required to pay for private mortgage insurance, you can cancel it once you’ve accrued 20% equity in your home.
The Home Possible: 95% LTV and Home Possible Advantage: 97% LTV mortgages from Freddie Mac are very similar to Fannie Mae’s offering. There are just with some minor differences to note. The Home Possible loan is available in 15- to 30-year fixed-rate terms, and also as a 5/1, 5/5, 7/1 or 10/1 adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). But the Home Possible Advantage loan comes in just fixed-rate variations, with terms available from 15 to 30 years.
Native American Direct Loan (NADL) Pros – Minimal credit score requirements
– No down payment and no private mortgage insurance
– Cheap closing costs Cons – Limited group of eligible borrowers Eligibility – Home must be on allotted lands, Alaska Native corporations, Pacific Island territories or federally recognized trusts Best For – Native American veterans that lack money for a down payment
As an alternative to traditional VA loans, the Department of Veterans Affairs created the Native American Direct Loan (NADL) just for Native American veterans and their spouses. These mortgages feature a 0% down payment requirement and do not call for private mortgage insurance, as they’re backed by the VA. You’ll also receive lower closing costs than most mortgage alternatives. NADLs are extremely forgiving when it comes to credit score requirements for approval as well.
Unfortunately, you cannot use these loans to purchase, build or renovate just any home. The hom has to be situated on allotted lands, Alaska Native corporations, Pacific Island territories or federally recognized trusts.
Montana First-Time Homebuyer Programs
Montana Board of Housing
The Montana Board of Housing (MBOH) offers several benefits aimed at low-to-moderate income Montanans. These perks include down payment assistance programs, homebuyer educational material, loans and more. To qualify for these services, you generally must meet the following requirements.
You cannot have owned a home in the past three years (waived for eligible veterans or if property is in “target” area)
Meet income limits that vary by county and household size
You must have adequate credit history
In addition, the agency helps Montanans secure government-backed mortgages like FHA and VA loans. It also manages programs designed to help people with permanent disabilities. And if you don’t qualify, you may be eligible for a unique tax credit. Read on for more details.
Regular Bond Loan Program Pros – Easy access to government-backed loans Cons – Down payments may be higher for those with poor credit history Eligibility – Meet income limits that vary by type of loan and other factors
– Meet additional criteria set by specific lenders Best For – Low-to-moderate income Montanans
Through the Regular Bond Loan Program, Montana Housing purchases government-backed mortgages. These include FHA, VA, USDA and HUD loans. Eligible borrowers get a 30-year, fixed-rate loan service either by a local lender or directly through Montana Housing.
According to a Montana Housing document, current interest rates for loans through this program stand at 4.00%. Your down payment will depend on your credit score and other criteria.
However, Montana Housing covers 1% of the origination fee to the lender. To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:
Be a first-time homebuyer (Waived for people buying property in target areas and for eligible U.S. military veterans)
Earn below household income limits, which vary by location
Occupy residence for life of loan
Score Advantage Down Payment Assistance Program (DPA) Pros – Helps you cover down payments if you don’t have cash at hand Cons – Income limits
– Not a grant
– Geographic restrictions
– Credit score requirements Eligibility – Meet income requirements
– Have a minimum credit score of 620 Best For – Montanans who can make monthly payments on government-backed mortgages, but need some help covering down payments
Montana Housing designed the Score Advantage Assistance Program (DPA) to help with government-backed mortgages like FHA and VA loans. Eligible borrowers may qualify for loans valued between $1,500 and $6,500 to cover down payments and closing costs. The loan amount cannot exceed 5% of the home’s purchase price. It’s important to remember that this is not a grant. Think of it as a second mortgage with a term of 15 years. The interest rate depends on your credit score. Those with higher scores will get more favorable rates. The minimum credit score that you need in order to qualify is 620. You also need to meet income limits that vary by county.
To see if you’re eligible for a DPA loan, apply through a partnering lender.
Neighborworks Montana (NWMT) Statewide Down Payment Assistance Second Mortgage Program
Pros – Applies to first-time homebuyers in the state
– Different types of loans available Cons – Higher income could mean higher interest rate Eligibility – Meet income requirements
– Take NWMT-approved homebuyer education course Best For – Low-to-moderate income Montanans who need help covering down payments and closing costs
Neighborworks Montana (NWMT) provides down payment and closing cost assistance to homeowners throughout the state. This assistance comes in the form of loans issued by partnering lenders. You can either take out an amortizing loan or a 0% deferred loan.
With an amortizing loan, you make monthly payments with interest to NWMT in addition to the monthly payment on your original mortgage. On the other hand, a 0% deferred loan allows you to steer clear of payments to NWMT until you refinance your mortgage or sell your home.
The amortized loan amount can range from $1,500 to $10,000. Interest rates and term lengths depend on income. Borrowers making less than 50% of the area’s median income can expect a 30-year, fixed-rate loan with a 1.5% interest rate. Those making more than 81% of the area’s median income can get an interest rate of around 7.25% for a 15-year loan. However, the total purchase price can’t exceed $236,840.
To qualify for either type of loan, you must meet income limits, which vary by county and by other factors. You must also meet the following requirements:
Be a first-time homebuyer (unless you take out an amortizing mortgage)
Be primary resident of property for duration of loan
Complete NWMT-approved homebuyer education course
To apply, contact the NWMT directly.
MBOH Plus 0% Deferred Down Payment Assistance Program Pros – Applies to first-time homebuyers in the entire state
– Multiple types of loans available Cons – Higher income could mean a higher interest rate Eligibility – Meet income requirements
– Take NWMT-approved homebuyer education course Best For – Low-to-moderate income Montanans who need help covering down payments and closing costs
This program serves as a complement to the Montana Housing Regular Bond Program. To help you cover down payments and closing costs, this program places a second mortgage lien of up to $6,500 on your property. To qualify, contact a participating lender.
The loan amount can range from $1,500 to $6,500. It requires no monthly payments and generates no interest. However, you have to pay it in full upon transferring your property or refinancing your mortgage. To qualify, you must meet basic Montana Housing requirements, including income limits.
In addition, your credit score can’t sink below 620. And the back-end portion of your debt-to-income ratio can’t exceed 43%.
80% Combined Program Pros – Low-interest loan
– Low down payments
– No PMI required Cons – Interest rate could be high for those with poor credit history Eligibility – Meet Regular Bond program requirements Best For – Low-to-moderate income Montanans who need help covering down payments and closing costs
Montana Housing developed this program to eliminate the need for expensive private mortgage insurance (PMI), a common piece of the conventional mortgage puzzle. To make this possible, Montana Housing partners with non-profits. The result is that eligible borrowers can get a loan with a loan-to-value ratio of 80% or less, thereby eliminating the need for PMI. This first loan comes in the form of a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage. It would be valued at 80% of the property’s purchase price. Your second mortgage would be worth 20% of the purchase price.
To qualify for this program, you must meet Basic Bond program requirements. You also have to meet criteria set by the participating non-profit. The Neighborworks 20+ Community Second Program and the Human Resource Development Council currently fund the program’s second mortgages. The loans will be serviced either by a local lender or Montana Housing.
In addition, you’d need to take a homebuyer education course. You’d also need to make a cash investment worth 1% of the purchase price ($1,000 minimum).
Habitat for Humanity Loan Pros – Access to newly constructed homes Cons – Must meet certain credit requirements Eligibility – Meet Basic Bond requirements and credit score stipulations Best For – Low-to-moderate income Montanans
Montana Housing works with local Habitat for Humanity chapters to issue loans for families with qualifying credit histories. In addition, you have to meet Basic Bond requirements. You also have to stay within certain home value limits and household income limits that change by county.
To determine if you qualify, it’s best to contact Montana Housing directly.
The Mortgage Credit Certificate Program Pros – You can claim up to 20% of the mortgage interest that you pay on federal tax return Cons – Not a grant or mortgage Eligibility – Be a first-time homebuyer
– Meet income limits by county Best For – Montanans trying to lower their federal income tax bills
If you’re paying a mortgage but don’t qualify for a program through Montana Housing, you may be eligible for a tax credit through the Mortgage Credit Certificate Program (MCC). Eligible borrowers can claim a tax deduction worth up to 20% of annual interest paid on their mortgages. And if you file an amended withholding statement with your employer, you could end up with more take-home pay.
You can carry this credit (which is non-refundable) over three years. However, it can’t exceed $2,000 for any given tax year. Additionally, 80% of any remaining mortgage interest can qualify as an itemized deduction.
To qualify, you must meet specific criteria set by individual lenders that partner with Montana Housing.
Board of Investment (BOI) Residential Mortgages Pros – Several terms options
– No loan maximums Cons – Income limits Eligibility – Meet income limits, which vary by county Best For – Low-to-moderate income Montanans
The Montana Board of Investments manages several mortgage programs designed to meet its goal of “expanding locally owned enterprises.” Financing comes from the Coal Tax Trust Fund. Through this initiative, you can secure mortgages with terms ranging from 15 to 30 years. These loans carry no income limits and you don’t even have to be a first-time homebuyer to qualify. However, you must qualify under Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae rules.
Disabled Accessible Affordable Homeownership Program (DAAHP) Pros – Helps people with permanent disabilities
– Government-backed loans Cons – Interest rate can get high for larger loan amounts
– Strict income limits Eligibility – Homeowner must have a permanent disability
– Must qualify for Regular Bond program Best For – Low-to-moderate income Montanans with permanent disabilities
The Disabled Accessible Affordable Homeownership Program (DAAHP) aims to make home ownership a reality for those affected by permanent disabilities.
Eligible borrowers can get 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages on homes built to be architecturally accessible for those living with permanent disabilities. The program also fosters the construction and rehabilitation of homes for people who recently became disabled. Each loan is insured by either the FHA, VA or RD. Interest rates vary based on loan amount as indicated below.
$25,001 – $30,000: 5%
$20,001 – $25,000: 4.75%
$15,001 – $20,000: 3.75%
$0 – $15,000: 2.75%
To qualify, the homeowner or an immediate family member must have a permanent disability. In addition, your maximum gross annual income cannot exceed $30,000 after applying certain exclusions. You also have to meet basic Montana Housing rules such as income limits and first-time home ownership requirements unless the property is in a target area. The property also has to meet basic Montana Housing purchase price limits.
Tips for Finding the Right Home
As you look for mortgages, don’t forget that buying a house involves more costs than just your monthly mortgage payment. For example, there are down payments, closing costs and insurance. Luckily, our mortgage calculator factors in all the costs you need to consider.
No matter how much you like a house, make sure that you stay within your means. If you bite off more home than you can chew, you set yourself up for headaches and financial troubles down the road. So before you even start your search, remember you ask your how much house you can realistically afford.
The home buying process isn’t always easy to navigate. This is especially true for first-time homebuyers. That’s why it’s useful to have an expert who knows the process and can give you personalized advice throughout. A financial advisor is an expert who can do just that. Finding a financial advisr doesn’t have to be hard either. SmartAsset’s financial advisor matching tool will pair you with up to three local financial advisors.
Photo credit: ©iStock.com/HaizhanZheng, ©iStock.com/peeterv, ©iStock.com/urbancow
The post First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Montana For 2018 appeared first on SmartAsset Blog.
