Sunday, 6 July 2008

Learn how to Buy a Home with a No Money Down Mortgage

By Rob Kosberg

Many people today are under the false assumption that they need tens of thousands of dollars for a down payment to buy a home due to the sub prime fall out. Nothing could be further from the truth. A little known HUD approved and RESPA compliant program allows any buyer to purchase a home up to a $729,000 purchase price (in some areas) for absolutely NO MONEY out of pocket.

Here is a step by step process to BUY a home with ZERO down payment and ZERO out of pocket expenses using an FHA approved mortgage and time tested principles.

Find an FHA/VA approved Mortgage Planner that specializes in working with a DPA. A DPA is a down payment assistance program. One of the more popular DPA's is the Nehemiah program. Nehemiah has assisted in funding over 275,000 real estate transactions since 1998 and is completely HUD approved and RESPA compliant.

Now you will need to get pre-qualifed for a DPA with a certified DPA specialist. Most people are concerned about credit with a no money down program but credit does not need to be perfect. Credit scores can be as low as 550 to qualify. FHA is primarily concerned with the borrowers ability to repay. So they will be focused on the income verification and will look at your last 2 years of income verification. Any owner occupant is eligible for this program.

Now it's time to start looking for your home. FHA limits have increased recently so you may be surprised how high you can go. In some areas (Los Angeles) FHA limits go up to $729,000. In most other areas the limit is $423,000. With values down all over the country this is an ideal time to buy.

Now your realtor must begin the negotiations with the seller. The sellers assistance is vital. They must participate in the DPA by funding the closing costs to you and down payment to Nehemiah (or whatever DPA you choose). The seller will be required to contribute 7-10% to you through Nehemiah and closing costs. Expect to offer closer to the list price of the property since you are requesting a large contribution. The seller is generally concerned with how much they are walking away with so the contribution is not important to them.

Apply for a mortgage with a Certified Nehemiah specialist. Choosing the right specialist is an important step due to the complexity of Nehemiah and the FHA. An inexperienced "Broker" can cost you time and money and perhaps even cause you to lose your contract.

You will be required to bring 2 years W-2's and/or tax returns as well as your most recent paystubs. Even though no money down is required you will also need your most recent bank statements. If currently renting, copies of your last 12 cancelled checks or a letter from the management company will be needed.

Go to closing and be AMAZED! The closing is not a time to fret and be worried. The closing is the finsh line - the CELEBRATION! If your Mortgage Consultant has done their job then all questions will have been answered. I've seen individuals walk away from closing with a 5.75% 30 year fixed rate mortgage, a few hundred dollars back to them and a new HOME! You can do it too. Don't let the greatest buying opportunity of our generation go by.

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