There are still a few government backed 100% home loan options in Georgia today. Everyone knows the main issue GA first-time home owners face is a lack of down payment. Most conventional mortgage programs today require 5 percent + down payment, which is out of reach for even many younger buyers just starting out. Even with the disappearance of NO money down mortgages years ago, a few government programs remain to offer 100 percent financing in 2024.
First, for past and present military, there is the VA home loan. VA eligible home buyers in Georgia can still purchase a home with $0 money down. Backed by the VA (Veterans Administration), The VA mortgage still offers 100 percent financing with NO monthly mortgage insurance. This is without a doubt the best home financing option available today in Georgia. In addition to 100% financing, the VA loan offers the lowest 30 year fixed interest rates around.
This program is backed by the Federal Government and administered by approved VA lenders/banks in across the state. GA Vets that have VA benefits should certainly look into this mortgage option first. Let’s look at some of the advantages of VA home loans:
100% financing – no down payment.
Zero Monthly Mortgage Insurance – All other programs like FHA, USDA, and certain conventional loans require monthly PMI or mortgage insurance to be paid, not the VA program! Only a one-time funding fee is rolled into the new loan. In some cases, this can save buyers hundreds of dollars each month.
Seller Paid Closing Costs – seller’s concession for closing costs can be paid by the home sellers. This reduces the out of pocket money needed from home buyers.
Low 30 Yr Fixed Rates – VA Home Loans offer a low fixed rate. This is a rate that starts low, and stays low. That gives you the peace of mind that your payment will not increase in the future and that your home will remain affordable for years to come.
More flexible credit requirements – Because a VA Home Loan is insured by the government, we can offer VA Home Loans to applicants that may not qualify for other types of home financing, including FHA loans. The current min credit score FICO is 600.
Easy Refinance Options – VA makes refinancing easy through the VA IRRRL streamline refinance.
VA home buyers can learn more about the VA pre approval requirements here.
The second 100% home loan is the USDA Rural Housing program (also known as Rural Development or 502 Guaranteed loans) this program is reserved only for properties located in approved USDA rural locations. This is the only 100% financing option available for non-military home buyers in Georgia. Many parts of the state just outside the big cities like Atlanta, Macon, Albany, Columbus, Savannah, etc. are still eligible for this program.
You can see the approved USDA housing map here. The program can be used for ANY move-in condition single-family home, condo or town home as long as it’s located in an approved rural location. Manufactured homes, or homes that require extensive rehab, land loans, “build on your own land” type financing is not permitted.
Many parts of Georgia DO qualify for the USDA loan program which could save home owners a considerable amount of money when compared to other home financing options FHA or conventional mortgages. Let’s take a look at some of the USDA 502 Guaranteed loan benefits below:
NO Down Payment Required – Unlike conventional and even FHA loans, Rural Development home loans do not require any down payment. This is especially beneficial for first time home buyers in GA. Saving up a down payment can be very difficult for younger buyers, utilizing a Rural housing loan means that is no longer an obstacle to homeownership.
Low Mortgage Insurance – The monthly mortgage insurance (PMI) on a USDA loan is much lower than it is for an FHA or conventional loan. This can greatly reduce your monthly mortgage payment, allowing you to qualify for more.
Seller Can Pay Closing Costs – Sellers concession for closing costs allows the seller to pay for some (or all) of your closing costs out of their proceeds from the sale of the home. Couple that with 100% financing that is available, and you can be in a home without any of your own money, meaning you can keep your money in savings to cover any moving expenses.
Easy credit requirements – Because the USDA mortgage is backed by the government, we can offer this option to applicants that may not qualify for other types of home financing, including FHA loans. Like VA, the current USDA Rural Housing min credit score required is 620.
No Loan Amount Limits – USDA loans do not have a loan amount limit like FHA loans. The amount applicants qualify for is depending on their qualifying debt to income ratios.
Financed Closing Costs – On certain distressed sales, the home seller may not be able to pay concession for closing costs. The USDA loan allows the financing of the closing costs even if the seller will not agree to a sellers concession, assuming the appraised value is high enough. All the closing costs can be financed, up to 100% of the appraised value of the home. This is extremely beneficial when a seller’s concession is not an option.
Low Secure Fixed Rates – Just like the VA program, the Rural Housing USDA loan offers some of the lowest fixed rates available today.
New buyers can research more about the USDA mortgage here. Questions about VA financing? We are available to assist you 7 days a week – just call ph: 800-743-7556, or submit the Info Request form on this page.