Government mortgage loan programs are initiatives sponsored by federal or state entities, designed to assist individuals and families in purchasing homes. These programs often feature competitive interest rates, lower down payment requirements, and other benefits to promote affordable homeownership.
There are many different types of Government Loan Programs. Here are the three most popular:
FHA loans
An FHA loan is insured by the Federal Housing Administration, a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The FHA does not loan money to borrowers, rather, it provides lenders protection through mortgage insurance (MIP) in case the borrower defaults on his or her loan obligations. Available to all buyers, FHA loan programs are designed to help creditworthy low-income and moderate-income families who do not meet requirements for conventional loans.
FHA loan programs are particularly beneficial to those buyers with less available cash. The rates on FHA loans are generally market rates, while down payment requirements are lower than for conventional loans.
Some of the other benefits of FHA financing:
- Only a lower down payment is required than a conventional loan.
- Some closing costs can be financed.
- Lower monthly mortgage insurance premiums and, under certain conditions, automatic cancellation of the premium.
- More flexible underwriting criteria than conventional loans
- FHA limits the amount lenders can charge for some closing cost fees (e.g. the origination fee can be no more than 1% of mortgage).
- Loans are assumable to qualified buyers.
For current FHA Requirements
VA Loans
VA guaranteed loans are made by lenders and guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to eligible veterans for the purchase of a home. The guaranty means the lender is protected against loss if you fail to repay the loan. In most cases, no down payment is required on a VA guaranteed loan and the borrower usually receives a lower interest rate than is ordinarily available with other loans.
Other benefits of a VA loan include:
- Negotiable interest rates.
- Closing costs are comparable and sometimes lower than other financing types.
- No private mortgage insurance requirement.
- Right to prepay loan without penalties
- The Mortgage can be taken over (or assumed) by the buyer when a home is sold.
- Counselling and assistance available to veteran borrowers having financial difficulty or facing default on their loan.
For the full list of requirements for VA loan financing
USDA or Rural Housing Loans
USDA loans are made on properties within a qualifying rural area. Applicants with very low to moderate incomes can qualify for these loans, but still able to afford the housing payments, including the principal, interest, and insurance that are part of the monthly payment amount.
Other benefits of a VA loan include:
- Negotiable interest rates.
- Closing costs are comparable and sometimes lower than other financing types.
- No private mortgage insurance requirement.
- Right to prepay loan without penalties
- The Mortgage can be taken over (or assumed) by the buyer when a home is sold.
- Counselling and assistance available to veteran borrowers having financial difficulty or facing default on their loan.
For more information on USDA loans,
For a full list of Government Home Loan Programs and their qualifications, please click here.
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