Fannie Mae is offering first time home buyers up to 3% towards closing cost when they purchase a Fannie Mae HomePath property. On a $300,000 home, 3% would be up to $9,000 towards allowable closing cost! A Fannie Mae HomePath property is a home that Fannie Mae has foreclosed on and now owns.
Washington State Down Payment Assistance Programs and Grants
The FHA HAWK Program for Homebuyers
A few weeks ago, HUD announced a new program created for first time home buyers which rewards them with reduced mortgage insurance premiums after they participate in home buyer education and one-on-one housing counseling. HAWK or Homeowners Armed with Knowledge is a pilot program set be released in two phases on a limited basis.
First Time Home Buyers Guide Book
Check out the latest edition of Your First Home Mortgage Guide.
Although I wrote this book with first time home buyers in mind, a majority of the content is relevant to all home buyers.
What is a Mortgage Credit Certificate or MCC?
Mortgage Credit Certificate (or also referred to as MCC) is a federal tax credit available to first time home buyers who meet certain requirements. With the tax credit, eligible home buyers can adjust their their withholding to take advantage of the savings monthly instead of waiting until they file their taxes. The MCC remains available as long as the borrower owns and occupies the property.
Freddie Mac Home Possible Mortgage
Freddie Mac’s Home Possible Mortgage is a great mortgage program designed for first time home buyers. What’s so special about this program is that it allows a home buyer to qualify for dramatically reduced mortgage insurance premiums with a minimum down payment. The down payment may be gifted by a family member. No reserves are required for a single family dwelling.
Your First Home Mortgage Guide Book
My most recent guide book, Your First Home Mortgage, is filled with information that I hope first time home buyers will find useful. Please feel free to share this book with anyone you know who is considering buying their first home.
You can find a collection of my other guide books and slide shows by visiting the Mortgage Porter library.
Remember, if I can help you with your mortgage needs, including buying or refinancing a home located anywhere in Washington state, I’m happy to help you! Click here for a free rate quote.
PS: If you’re interested in attending one of my home buyer seminars sponsored by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission, click here.
More options for Washington home buyers
Yesterday I was “in class” at the Washington State Housing Finance Commission learning about programs they have to offer Washington home buyers, including down payment assistance programs.
In order to obtain the down payment assistance, you must use a WSHFC first mortgage product, which includes:
- Home Advantage
- House Key Opportunity (limited funds – state bond). UPDATE: As of June 26, 2013 – this program is not being offered by the Commission. Home Advantage is still available.
The first mortgages may be FHA, USDA, VA or conventional mortgages with private mortgage insurance.
The down payment assistance (DPA) is in the form of a second mortgage that have specific criteria home buyers must meet to qualify.
- Home Advantage DPA has an income limit of $97,000 and does not have a “needs assessment”.
- Commissioned Second Mortgage works with the House Key Opportunity and is available to home buyers with special needs.
Home buyers interested in either program must attend a 5 hour class in order to qualify for these programs. While at class yesterday, I also received training to be a “Commission trained instructor”.
Watch for more details to follow soon!
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