Hi everyone, I have a question concerning obtaining an FHA loan. I currently have a conventional loan but I was able to lock in a lower rate with an FHA loan. What are the benefits and disadvantages of choosing an FHA loan over a conventional loan? by stevelim191 from Aspen, Colorado. Jul 8th 2022
If you qualify for a conventional, you should NEVER, in my opinion, take on an FHA loan. With an FHA loan, you must pay a 1.75% fee called Up-front-Mortgage Insurance Premium AND you will have monthly mortgage insurance for the life of the loan (in most cases). With a conventional loan, there is no up-front Mortgage Insurance and the monthly mortgage insurance is cancellable at an 80% Loan-to-Value. On a $300,000 loan, the up-front fee is $5,250. Look at the total loan cost on an FHA and compare it to the costs on a conventional loan, and most importantly, NEVER consider the interest rate alone when deciding. You pay the bank in Dollars, not Rate. What is the difference between the payments when you compare them and how long will it take your to recover that up-front MIP fee? ~ Bert Carpenter, The LoansA2z Team of NEXA Mortgage ~ NMLS 40586 ~ Certified Mortgage Advisor and Certified by The National Association of Mortgage Professionals as a Certified Veterans Lending Specialist.NEXA is licensed in all states except MA and NY so give us a call. ~ www.ApplyYes.com 480-889-9000 - OR - 480-695-9300.
All mortgage loan options have pros and cons. When I pre-approve someone, we always suggest 'the best' loan they qualify for based on their situation. Generally speaking, a conventional loan is a better route for most people, while some people can only qualify for an FHA loan. The big differences pretty much come down to rate and mortgage insurance. FHA loans have lower interest rates compared to conventional loans. FHA loans always have monthly mortgage insurance, regardless of the down payment size. Conventional loans have mortgage insurance if you don't put down at least 20%. FHA mortgage insurance with a small down payment never goes away, while conventional mortgage insurance may go away once you are under 80% of the current value of the home. FHA loans have something known as up-front mortgage premium, which is a fee of 1.75% of the loan amount, added to your loan. This can really add up. If you qualify for both, consider the long-term and short-term answers. Any quality Loan Officer can show you how both loans stack up. I provide FHA home loans on properties in MN, WI, IA, ND, SD. Find more information at https://joemetzler.com/fha-loans-mn-wi-ia-nd-sd/ - Cambria Mortgage, NMLS 274132
Considering switching to an FHA loan? Here's the lowdown:Pros:Lower Down Payment: With FHA loans, you can often put down less upfront, making it easier to buy a home.Credit Flexibility: FHA loans are more forgiving with credit scores, so if yours isn't stellar, you might still qualify.Assumable Loans: If you sell your home, the buyer can take over your FHA loan, which could sweeten the deal.Fixed or Adjustable Rates: FHA loans offer both types, giving you options to fit your budget and plans.Cons:Mortgage Insurance: You'll have to pay both upfront and yearly mortgage insurance premiums, which can add to your costs.Loan Limits: FHA has caps on how much you can borrow, especially in pricey areas.Property Standards: Your home has to meet certain standards to qualify for an FHA loan, which could limit your options.Eligibility Rules: FHA loans come with some strings attached, like needing to use the home as your primary residence.Ultimately, it's about what works best for you. Need more info or want to chat about your options? Feel free to shoot me a message!
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