The Low Down: Comparing FHA to Fannie Mae Homepath Mortgages


EDITORS NOTE: Fannie Mae is no longer offering the FannieMae HomePath mortgage program. If you are considering buying a Fannie Mae HomePath property (foreclosure that is owned by Fannie Mae) in Washington state, I’m happy to help you. 

If you’re thinking about buying a home with minimum down payment requirements in the greater Seattle area, you may be considering a property that is owned by Fannie Mae and eligible for the Fannie Mae Homepath Mortgage or using an FHA insured loan which most properties qualify for.  When home buyers contact me about a Fannie Mae Homepath mortgage, they often ask how it compares to an FHA insured loan. Both are great programs and the benefits may vary depending on credit score, down payment and the type of property.

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Fannie Mae Homepath Buyer Incentive Extended Once Again

Fannie Mae is extending their buyer incentives of 3.5% towards closing cost on qualified Fannie Mae homes through October 31, 2011.  In addition, they're also offering real estate agents a selling bonus of $1,200.   

Here are some details for qualifying for the Fannie's Homepath Mortgage special (from the Homepath website):

  • Buyers and/or selling agents (the agent representing the buyer) must request the incentive upon submission of initial offer in order to be eligible.
  • The initial offer must be submitted on or after June 14, 2011 and close by October 31, 2011. If an initial offer was made prior to the effective date, the offer is not eligible for the incentive.
  • The sale must close on or before October 31, 2011. No exceptions will be made to this deadline.
  • Only buyers purchasing a HomePath property as their primary residence may receive up to 3.5% in closing cost assistance. Second homes and investment properties are excluded from the incentive.
  • Buyer must sign the Owner Occupant Certification Rider to the Real Estate Purchase Addendum.
  • If a buyer's total closing costs are under 3.5%, the difference will not be available as a credit to the buyer.

Don't forget, the Fannie Mae Homepath Mortgage does not require an appraisal and there is no private mortgage insurance for credit scores over 660.   Fannie Mae will lend up to the high balance conforming loan limit, which is currently $567,500 in the greater Seattle area (this loan limit is set to be reduced October 1, 2011).  For more information about Fannie Mae's Homepath Mortgage, click here.

Homepath We are pleased to offer the Fannie Mae Homepath Mortgage for homes located anywhere in Washington.  Here's an example of rates effective as of June 16, 2011 at 9:45 am for this home located in the Crown Hill neighborhood in Seattle offered at $408,000 based on a credit score of 740 or higher and utilizing the 3.5% credit towards closing cost closing in 30 days.  With the closing cost credit, home buyers can purchase qualified Homepath properties with just their down payment.

With a 3% down payment of $12,240, the 30 year fixed rate is currently 5.00% (apr 5.232). The principal and interest payment is $2,124.53 – remember there is NO private mortgage insurance!  

With a little extra down payment of $20,400 (5% down), the rate improves to 4.750% (apr 4.978) with a principal and interest payment of $2,021.91.

A down payment of 10% currently provides a rate of 4.625% (apr 4.584) with a principal and interest payment of $1,887.92.

Adjustable rate mortgages are available with this program too.

If you would like a rate quote or are interested in getting preapproved for a Fannie Mae Homepath mortgage, please contact me! 

How to Buy an Investment Property with a 10 Percent Down Payment with no PMI: Fannie Mae Homepath Mortgage

HomepathEDITORS NOTE: Fannie Mae is no longer offering the FannieMae HomePath mortgage program. If you are considering buying a Fannie Mae HomePath property (foreclosure that is owned by Fannie Mae) in Washington state, I’m happy to help you.

Seattle area investors are taking advantage of current lower home prices and are buying rental properties.  One of the issues with investment property is that it often requires a larger down payment and more stringent underwriting guidelines.  However, if you buy a qualified property that is owned by Fannie Mae, the Homepath guidelines will allow as little as 10% down for an investment property with NO private mortgage insurance and NO appraisal.

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Fannie Mae Homepath Mortgage Incentives are BACK!

NOTE:  This program has been extended through October 31, 2011.

Fannie Mae is trying to sweeten the pot for buyers to considering using a Fannie Mae Homepath Mortgage for purchasing a foreclosed home that is now owned by Fannie Mae by offering 3.5% in closing costs on eligible transactions that close by June 30, 2011.

Here are some details for qualifying for the Fannie's Homepath Mortgage special (from the Homepath website):

  • Buyers and/or selling agents (the agent representing the buyer) must request the incentive upon submission of initial offer in order to be eligible.
  • The initial offer must be submitted on or after April 11, 2011 and close by June 30, 2011. If an initial offer was made prior to the effective date, the offer is not eligible for the incentive.
  • The sale must close on or before June 30, 2011. No exceptions will be made to this deadline.
  • Only buyers purchasing a HomePath property as their primary residence may receive up to 3.5% in closing cost assistance. Second homes and investment properties are excluded from the incentive.
  • Buyer must sign the Owner Occupant Certification Rider to the Real Estate Purchase Addendum.
  • If a buyer's total closing costs are under 3.5%, the difference will not be available as a credit to the buyer.

Don't forget, the Fannie Mae Homepath Mortgage does not require an appraisal and there is no private mortgage insurance for credit scores over 660.   Fannie Mae will lend up to the high balance conforming loan limit, which is currently $567,500 in the greater Seattle area.   For more information, click here.

NOTE:  If you're considering a Fannie Mae HomePath Mortgage…I recommend checking out FHA rates which are currently lower, offers down payments as low as 3.5% and the mortgages are assumable.  It never hurts to compare your options!

If you have questions or would like a rate quote for a home located anywhere in Washington, please contact me!

Fannie Mae’s HomePath Program

EDITORS NOTE: Fannie Mae is no longer offering the FannieMae HomePath mortgage program. If you are considering buying a Fannie Mae HomePath property (foreclosure that is owned by Fannie Mae) in Washington state, I’m happy to help you.

Fannie Mae’s HomePath program is available to purchase qualified foreclosed homes (owned by Fannie Mae) with expanded conventional guidelines, competitive mortgage rates and often times, with special incentives.

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