Government Mortgage Loans
Find the mortgage loan that best fits your individual needs with an FHA, VA, or USDA loan tailored to your needs.
If you’re a first-time homebuyer, don’t have perfect credit, or don’t have a large down payment, government loan types offer more favorable terms for buyers. With lower down payment requirements, lower credit score requirements, and a higher borrower debt-to-income ratio, what are you waiting for? Achieve your dream of homeownership today!
FHA Loans
The Federal Housing Administration insures a wide variety of mortgages. FHA loans help meet the needs of homebuyers with low to moderate incomes. Benefits of FHA Loans:
- Flexible terms: Available loan terms of 10, 15, 20, or 30 years
- Low, fixed rates: Ensures your payment will not increase over time
- Low down payment: As little as 3.5% of the purchase price
- Lower credit score requirement: 640 minimum
- Debt-to-income ratio: As high as 50%
- Mortgage insurance premium (MIP): Up-front MIP of 1.75% rolled into the loan; 0.85% is paid monthly
- Other features: Gifted funds usable toward closing costs
VA Loans
- Flexible terms: Available loan terms of 10, 15, 20, or 30 years
- Low, fixed rates: Ensures your payment will not increase over time.
- Low down payment: Zero down payment options are available.
- Lower credit score requirement: 640 minimum
- Debt-to-income ratio: As high as 50%
- Private mortgage insurance (PMI): No PMI is required. Non-exempt borrowers can include the VA funding fee in the mortgage loan amount.
- Other features: Gifted funds usable toward closing costs
USDA Loans
A USDA home loan offers a 0% down payment for eligible properties and home buyers. To qualify for this loan, you must purchase a home located in an eligible rural area, as defined by the USDA.
- Terms: 30-year
- Low, fixed rates: Ensures constant payment amount over time
- Low down payment: No down payment
- Lower credit score requirement: 640 minimum
- Debt-to-income ratio: As high as 41% to qualify
- Monthly mortgage insurance (MMI): Required
Today's Government Mortgage Rates
Type & Term | Rate1 | APR2 as low as | Points |
Lender Fee |
---|---|---|---|---|
FHA 30-year Fixed | 6.250% | 6.347% | 0% |
0.00% |
FHA 15-year Fixed | 6.125% | 6.285% | 0% | 0.00% |
VA 30-year Fixed | 7.125% | 7.227% | 0% |
0.00% |
VA 15-year Fixed | 6.750% | 6.913% | 0% | 0.00% |
USDA 30-year Fixed | 6.750% | 6.850% | 0% | 0.00% |
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a fixed-rate mortgage?
A fixed-rate mortgage is a home loan with a fixed interest rate that does not fluctuate with market rates. Most commonly, fixed-rate mortgages refer to a “30-year fixed” loan, where the interest rate and payment will remain the same for 30 years. But these are available in different term lengths.
What is an adjustable-rate mortgage?
An adjustable-rate mortgage is a type of mortgage in which the interest rate applied on the outstanding balance varies throughout the life of the loan. Typically, the initial interest rate is fixed for a period of time, after which it resets periodically, often every year.
What is the difference between the interest rate and the annual percentage rate?
The interest rate is the amount you will pay every year on your mortgage loan expressed at a percentage rate. The Annual Percentage Rate (APR) includes the interest plus any other charges related to your mortgage loan. The APR includes the interest rate plus any fees or points associated with your loan. The interest rate does not include any additional fees associated with your loan. For this reason, the APR is usually higher than the interest rate.
What is “Private Mortgage Insurance”?
Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is generally required when you have a conventional mortgage loan and your down payment is less than 20%. This insurance policy protects the lender if you stop making your mortgage payments and adds additional costs to the monthly mortgage payment. If you refinance and your home’s equity is less than 20%, PMI is generally required. PMI is not a permanent cost and may be removed when you have at least 20% equity in the property financed.
What is an FHA Loan?
A Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Loan is a government-backed mortgage insured by Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that has historically been for borrowers seeking minimal down payment or who fall below standard lending guidelines. Today, FHA loans have emerged as the primary source of financing for low down payments and/or lower credit score purchases and refinances and provide excellent financing for most homeowners. FHA loan guidelines have recently changed to reflect higher home values in areas where FHA loan limits were previously too low to help the average household.
What is a VA Loan?
A VA loan is a loan guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Administration for qualified veterans and active-duty military personnel and their spouses who are first- or second-time home buyers.
What is a USDA Loan?
A USDA loan is a loan guaranteed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). They offer $0 money down, lenient eligibility requirements, and competitive interest rates. They are particularly favorable to those living in rural or low-income areas. Homes must be located in eligible areas to qualify for a USDA loan.