by infomatique

The Pros and Cons of First Time Home Buyer Loans: Are They Right For You?

If you are looking to buy your first home in the near future (or at least the first one in the last three years) you may be considering a first time home buyer loan. For many individuals, a first time home buyer loan may be the only way they’re able to secure the financing needed to own their own home. While the specifics may vary from program to program, these types of loans offer a number of benefits by subsidizing interest, offering grants, allowing for a zero or low down payment, and imposing restrictions on the fees lenders are able to charge their borrowers. Loans can also be forgiven in some situations. Sounds good so far, right? But as with most good things, there are some strings attached which you may not be aware of.

First of all, first time home buyer loans place a cap on the purchase price of your home. As such, if you are looking to buy a more expensive property, these loans are not right for you. Instead, you will find yourself limited to more inexpensive, lower end options. Next, the home must also meet certain physical requirements. It must be in good condition and free of safety hazards. Another requirement is that you must physical live in the home you purchase (i.e. the home must be your “primary residence”). You can’t buy the home with explicit intention of renting it out. Moreover, if you sell your home too quickly, you may lose some of the benefits that the program offers and be required to pay a “recapture” tax on the benefits you received.

Given some of the restrictions imposed by first time home buyer loans, they are not right for everyone. Experts note that it is only with a FICO score below 680 that you will see any benefits to subsidized first time home buyer loans. If you feel that these loans are not a fit for you, you may be better off with a more traditional mortgage or FHA loan. As with anything, you need to do your due diligence by doing some comparison shopping and evaluate subsidized first time home buyer loans against what traditional lenders are offering. Once you’ve done some number crunching, go only with the option that is the best all round fit your needs. Good luck and all the best!

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