USDA RURAL GOVERNMENT HOME LOANS FOR PURCHASING

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USDA Rural Housing Fixed

If you are looking to buy a home in a rural location, a USDA Loan can be ideal if you do not qualify for a conventional loan.

Live the country life with a low-down-payment – or, better yet, no down payment at all:

USDA home loans are typically for buyers in rural areas who might not qualify for other traditional loan products. Some buyers may not be familiar with this government-assisted program, but it’s a great one for those that qualify. A USDA loan generally has a low-down-payment – sometimes even zero down payment – and is easier to qualify for when it comes to certain types of purchases.

You don’t have to be a farmer or rancher to qualify for a USDA home loan. In fact, you don’t even have to live on a farm. Some suburban areas actually qualify for USDA loans, so contact LoanGIANT Home Loans today and see if your home is designated by the US Department of Agriculture for this special product.

And if you do want to be a farmer, that’s ok too.

Key Features and Benefits of USDA Home Loans: 

• Available for Purchase or Refinances*

• Available for eligible homebuyers

• Zero down payment (or very low-down-payment)

• Competitive fixed rates

• No cash reserves required

• Guarantee fee can be financed

• Closing costs can be paid by Seller

• You don’t have to be a farmer​

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*USDA Guaranteed Rural Housing loans subject to program stipulations and applicable state income and property limits. 

 

FHA 203(b) Fixed

If you are a first-time homebuyer an FHA Loan might be a good choice for its relaxed requirements and predictable payment schedule. 

The Fixed Rate FHA options. Fixed means your P&I Principle and Interest Portion of your Payment will never change for the life of your loan. FHA loans also have Mortgage Insurance set for the life of the loan that CAN NEVER be eliminated. Only Conventional loans have the self eliminating Mortgage Insurance feature usually at the 22% equity.

FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration. Generally, these are a good option if you have a lower credit score and limited employment history or are self employed. Interest rates for FHA loans are usually a small margin higher than conventional loan interest rates. 

 

FHA 203(b) ARM

The Adjustable Rate FHA ARM option. Adjustable Rate FHA ARM means your P&I Principle and Interest Portion of your Payment is guaranteed to change for the life of your loan. This is usually in an upward pattern every termed increase allowance. FHA loans also have Mortgage Insurance set for the life of the loan that CAN NEVER be eliminated. Only Conventional loans have the self eliminating Mortgage Insurance feature usually at the 22% equity.

FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration. Generally, these are a good option if you have a lower credit score and limited employment history or are self employed. Interest rates for FHA loans are usually a small margin higher than conventional loan interest rates. 

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FHA 203(h) High Balance Fixed

FHA 203(H) Mortgage Insurance for Disaster Victims

This is a specialty FHA loan program that provides up to 100% financing to help victims of disasters purchase new properties or rebuild after their homes have been substantially damaged.

In 2019 there were over 100 disaster declarations according to data from FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Causes included severe winter storms, hurricanes, tornados, flooding, wildfires, and mudslides, among others.

• For the purchase or reconstruction of owner-occupied single family homes.

• Up to 100 percent financing available.

• Seller paid closing costs permitted, up to 6 percent.

• Credit will be manually underwritten. Late payments may be ignored from the underwriting analysis if they take place after the date of the disaster and are found to have been caused by the displacement.

• Choose from Fully Amortizing Fixed Rate or 5/1 Hybrid ARM.

• 10 year, 15 year, 20 year, 25 year, and 30 year term options.

• Single Family Residence, Manufactured, FHA Approved Condos, PUDs.

• Primary Residence Only.

What are the benefits?

• Available to renters as well as homeowners.

• Renters who are displaced by a disaster may be eligible to purchase a new home with 100% financing through this program, and exempt from the 3.5% down payment requirement that comes with the standard FHA loan.

• Does not need to be used right away.

• In the days and weeks immediately following a disaster it may not be possible or prudent to focus on the next steps towards establishing long term housing or homeownership. Thankfully, eligibility for this program begins as soon as the US President declares the disaster, and remains for one year from that date of declaration.

• Can choose to rebuild or move on.

• Financing can be used to either rebuild a home that was destroyed, or to buy a new property.

What to do after a natural disaster:

When a natural disaster hits, your life may be quickly filled with uncertainty and chaos. After ensuring you and your family are safe, issues related to your home and income are typically of utmost concern, from how to handle repairs and insurance claims to temporary mortgage payment relief. Investor guidelines will determine your available assistance options. LoanGIANT is here to help.

Start here

• Ensure your safety and the safety of your family; be sure your residence is safe before returning to inspect any damage.

• Record the details of your damage, document with photos.

• Locate any important documents you may need for seeking assistance.

• Contact your homeowner’s insurance provider to understand your coverage, file a claim and meet with an adjuster.

• Contact FEMA at 800-621-3362 to determine if you qualify for assistance and obtain a FEMA case number. Be sure to have your social security number and contact information available.

• Contact LoanGIANT to report your insurance claim information and learn what hardship options may be available under your loan program.

  • Loss Draft (Insurance Claim Payment Processing) Department: 800-929-6110

  • Homeowner Insurance Department: 800-929-6110

  • Customer Service: 800-929-6110

 

CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE

Your insurance company should be one of your first calls. Before you call, be sure to read up on the process.
The Insurance Process

CONTACT AGENCIES

FEMA: 800-621-3362
American Red Cross: 866-438-4636
Salvation Army
Additional Resources

CONTACT LOANGIANT

During the FEMA relief period, if you were impacted by a natural disaster, LoanGIANT may be able to offer payment relief options.
Payment Relief Options

Until you confirm that you are eligible for payment relief under your investor's loan program during a FEMA declared relief period, it is important that you continue to make timely mortgage payments. If you cannot, payment assistance may be available. Payment assistance plans have a limited term. Any unpaid amounts will be due and payable at the end of the payment assistance period. Remember, your loan program guidelines are primarily set by the investor, not LoanGIANT. Certain limitations may apply based on those guidelines.

Agency resources:

FEMA

800-621-3362
FEMA.gov

Feed The Children

800-627-4556
FeedtheChildren.org

American Red Cross

866-438-4636
RedCross.org

Salvation Army

disaster.salvationarmyusa.org

National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD)

VOAD on Ready.gov

Visit DisasterAssistance.gov to apply and qualify for potential grants and assistance.

 

FHA 203(k) Renovation Fixed

If you are looking to buy a home that requires repairs or renovations an FHA 203k can help provide those additional funds before moving in.

 

A home loan with extra money for a fixer-upper? 

When searching for a home, sometimes you find one that feels almost right – the perfect size in a great location, with a recently renovated kitchen – but it really needs some exterior cosmetic work. Or you may find one whose walk-up appeal is impeccable – but it still has laminate flooring from the 1960s. 

 

Perhaps, you aren't searching for a new home, but after watching a home improvement show, you realize your kitchen could use some upgrades.

 

Fortunately, there’s a home loan for that: an FHA 203(k) Rehab Loan, which includes additional funds for repairs and renovations that are done before move-in.

At Caliber Home Loans, we offer two types of Rehab loans: Limited for minor remodeling and non-structural repairs, and Standard for the bigger jobs. There are benefits to both, and finding the right one for you is critical, so if you’d like to look into a Rehab loan, contact us today.

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Key Features and Benefits of FHA 203(k) Loans: 

• Credit scores from 620 are allowed.

• You are required to finance at least $5,000 of renovation/repair work.

• The total loan amount depends on several factors, including which Rehab loan is best for you! 

• Eligible properties include single-family homes, 2-4 unit properties, modular homes, and Planned Unit Development (PUD) properties.

• Fixed-rate, 30-year loans keep your monthly budgeting simple.

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FHA Streamline Refinance

If you currently have an FHA mortgage, an FHA Streamline Refinance offers several options.

Already have an FHA loan? Here are a few ways to lower your payments:

If you have an FHA loan and the interest rates have fallen since you made your purchase, you may be eligible to refinance at current interest rates and lower your monthly out-of-pocket expenses. Or if you have an Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM), you may want to consider converting it into a fixed-rate loan so that you can lock in a lower interest rate and reduce your monthly payments.

Here’s another option to consider: decreasing your loan’s term. If the interest rate has dropped since you got your loan, you may be able to pay the same amount each month but own your home sooner. This can save you a significant amount of money in interest payments. Visit our blog to learn more about refinancing options.

Contact a LoanGIANT Loan Consultant to discuss how much you can save by refinancing your FHA loan with LoanGIANT.

Key Features and Benefits of FHA Streamline Refinance: 

• Minimum 620 credit score requirement.

• A new property appraisal may not be required.

• You may qualify to finance energy-efficient improvements for your home.

• To qualify, you’re required to be current on your monthly loan payments

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VA FIXED

How do VA home loans work?

A VA home loan is a mortgage loan that’s issued by private lenders and partially back by the federal government. It helps U.S. veterans, active duty service members, and select widowed military spouses to buy a home.

VA home loans have been around since 1944, but they’ve become increasingly popular in recent years and now account for about 8%* of home purchases. This type of loan is often a good option because requirements are less restrictive to qualify for and require little to no down payment. 

VA home loans can be a great way into homeownership. They differ in some key ways from traditional home loans, so contact us to find out if a VA home loan is the best way for you to buy that dream home. 

Key Features and Benefits of VA Home Loans:

• Little or no-down-payment

• Minimum credit of 620 is required for fixed-rate financing.

• Borrowers with credit scores from 580 to 619 are subject to stricter guidelines.**

• Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) require a minimum 620 credit score.

• High-balance loans are allowed. If you're buying a home in a high-cost area, you may qualify for up to $2.5 million in loan funds.

• A variety of property types are allowed, including single-family residences, 2-4-unit properties, VA-approved condominiums, manufactured homes and properties in Planned Unit Developments (PUDs).

• Loans are for primary residences only and can’t be used for investment properties. ​

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LoanGIANT is proud to support veteran and military home buyers, you can find out more about our initiatives by visiting LoanGIANT Military Lending.

* Source: U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, New Residential Construction,   https://www.census.gov/construction/nrs/pdf/quarterly_sales.pdf
**Borrowers with credit scores from 580 to 619 may only qualify for purchase transactions of one-unit single-family residences. Gift funds and down payment assistance is not allowed. Other restrictions may apply. 

 

VA Streamline Refinance

A VA Streamline Refinance, or IRRRL, provides you with a faster way to lower or lock in your interest rate with limited costs.

 

The fast and easy way to refinance your VA mortgage:

A VA IRRRL is a streamlined process that allows you to eliminate a lot of red tape when refinancing your existing VA mortgage. As a current LoanGIANT customer with VA loan, we make the process easier for you and deliver a smoother, faster path to closing than your typical loan process.*

IRRRL stands for Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (pronounced “Earl”) and it’s an easy way to replace your current VA loan with one that has a lower interest rate. You can also use it to shorten your VA mortgage term or to switch from an ARM to a fixed-rate loan. And while most funding fees typically range from 2.14% to 3.3%, an IRRRL comes with a lower VA funding fee of just 0.5%.

 

Key Features and Benefits of VA Streamline Refinance:

• An easy way to lower your monthly payments if the interest rate has decreased since you got your original VA loan. 

• You can also use an IRRRL to change an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) to a fixed-rate loan, shorten your loan’s term or pay for energy-efficient home improvements. 

• No appraisal is required.

• No need to verify your income. 

• Your VA entitlement is re-used, so your amount is not affected. 

• The VA funding fee is lower than on original VA loans. 

• Less expensive overall and often has no out-of-pocket costs. 

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LoanGIANT is proud to support veteran and military home buyers, you can find out more about our initiatives by visiting LoanGIANT Military Lending.

*VA Streamline Refinance Eligibility and Property Requirements: Be current on your mortgage with no more than one 30-day late payment within the past year. Your new monthly payment for the IRRRL must also be lower than the previous loan’s monthly payment unless you refinance an ARM to a fixed-rate mortgage. You must not receive any cashback from the VA Streamline Refinance. You must have previously used your VA Loan eligibility on the property you intend to refinance and certify that you previously occupied the property. You may see this referred to as a VA to VA refinance.