IOWA FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERS
If you’re a Iowa first-time home buyer with a 20% down payment, you can most likely get a conventional loan with a low interest rate. And you never have to pay for private mortgage insurance (PMI).
Not every first-time buyers has saved enough for 20% down. The good news is that you don’t need that much. Borrowers can often get into a new home with as little as 3% or even 0% down using one of the low-down-payment mortgage programs listed below.
IOWA FIRST-TIME HOME BUYER LOAN OPTIONS
- Conventional 97: From Freddie Mac or Fannie Mae. 3% down payment and 620 minimum credit score. You can usually stop paying mortgage insurance after a few years, once you’ve built at least 20% equity in your home
- FHA loan: Backed by the Federal Housing Administration. 3.5% down and a 580 minimum credit score. But you’re typically on the hook for mortgage insurance premiums (MIP) until you refinance to a different type of mortgage, move, or pay off your loan- Find out more here
- VA loan: Only for eligible veterans and service members, reservists, and National Guard. Zero down payment is required. Minimum credit score varies by lender but often 620. No ongoing mortgage insurance after closing. These are arguably the best mortgages available, so apply if you’re eligible- Check Here
- USDA loan: For those on low-to-moderate incomes buying in designated rural development areas. Zero down payment required. Credit score requirements vary by lender but often 640. Low mortgage insurance rates
Note that government loan programs (including FHA, VA, and USDA home loans) require you to buy a primary residence. That means you can’t use these loans for a vacation home or investment property.
In addition, most programs let you use gifted money or down payment assistance (DPA) to cover your down payment and closing costs. Depending on your mortgage loan, you could potentially get into a new house with minimal cash out of pocket.
BUYING A HOME IN IOWA
Each major city also has at least one down payment assistance program. They’re all likely to have similar eligibility requirements, including that you’ve completed a homeowner education course; use an approved lender; and meet local income limits. Check with your Refined Lending loan officer for other loan terms and conditions.
Iowa FirstHome Program
The FirstHome program can either give you:
A down payment and closing costs assistance grant OR a 2nd Loan program loan, not both.
Please note: You cannot combine FirstHome down payment and closing costs options with Homes for Iowans down payment and closing costs options.
FirstHome Down Payment and Closing Costs Assistance Options
- GRANT
The down payment and closing costs assistance grant provides homebuyers with a $2,500 grant to assist with down payment and closing costs.
- LOAN
The 2nd Loan program offers a loan of up to 5% of the home’s sale price with no maximum and is repayable at time of sale, refinance or first mortgage is paid in full. No monthly payment required!
Homes for Iowans
The Homes for Iowans program offers the 2nd loan down payment and closing costs assistance option.
Please note: You cannot combine Homes for Iowans down payment and closing costs options with FirstHome down payment and closing costs options.
Homes for Iowans Down Payment and Closing Costs Assistance
- LOAN
The 2nd Loan program offers a loan of up to 5% of the home’s sale price with no maximum and is repayable at time of sale, refinance or first mortgage is paid in full. No monthly payments required!
All programs subject to change at anytime without notice. Not a commitment to lend. Client must qualify for program with Refined Lending and the assistance or grant program selected. * Sources TheMortgagereports.com | MNHousing.gov | NWhomepartners.org
