Obtaining a conventional mortgage can be an excellent financing option if you are interested in purchasing a home because of their variety of loan options and lower costs. Many people are under the impression that a 20% down payment is required when applying for a conventional loan, however, you can qualify for a loan with a much lower amount; It is even possible to get a conventional loan with a 5% down payment. If you are searching for a home in the areas of Knoxville, Maryville, Lenoir City, Oak Ridge, or Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and are interested in learning more about buying a home with a 5% down payment, contact Foundation Mortgage. We can work closely with you to help you select the best mortgage and down payment options for your situation. Contact us today with any questions.
The Ins and Outs of a 5% Down Conventional Loan
If you plan to purchase a home with a 5% down payment, that means that you will need to finance 95% of the home’s value with a conventional loan. Conventional loans are insured by either private lenders or government-sponsored enterprises, and are not backed by a government agency like FHA or VA loans, which are considered non-conventional loans. Due to the fact that they are not insured by the government, conventional loans are riskier for lenders because in the event that a borrower cannot make payments on the loan, lenders are not guaranteed those funds. That is why qualifying for a conventional loan comes with stricter requirements. Even if a borrower has a lower credit score, however, they can still qualify for 5% down conventional loan.
The Benefits of a 5% Down Conventional Loan
There are many benefits to getting a 5% down conventional loan, including: the down payment itself can be a gift, you have the option of either a fixed rate or adjustable mortgage, and appraisal requirements for conventional loans are typically less restricting than non-conventional loans. It is important to note that if you make a down payment of less than 20%, private mortgage insurance, (PMI), will be required, however, you will no longer be required to pay for private mortgage insurance once 78% of the loan amount has been paid.
Qualifying for a 5% Down Conventional Loan
Typical requirements for a 5% down conventional loan include:
- Private mortgage insurance
- A credit score of 620 or higher
- A debt-to-income ratio, (DTI), of 50% or lower
- Conventional loans must be within the Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae limits, which is currently $548,250
Buy Your Dream Home With a 5% Down Conventional Loan
Choosing a suitable loan and trying to determine the amount you need to pay for a down payment can be a challenging undertaking. Fortunately, the loan specialists at Foundation Mortgage can help. If you are interested in purchasing a home in Knoxville, Maryville, Lenoir City, Oak Ridge, or Gatlinburg, Tennessee with a 5% down conventional loan, contact our office today.
