30 Year Fixed Rate Conventional Home Loans and Mortgages

The conventional 30 year fixed rate home loan is a mortgage in which the monthly payments remain the same over the life of the loan.  Once the mortgage is in effect, the interest rate does not fluctuate but remains constant.

The 30 year fixed rate loan is one of the most commonly used mortgages for residential financing in America.  The greatest advantage for a home buyer is the predictability of the payments each month because it never changes.  This type of loan is often recommended for home buyers living on a fixed income, a set budget, or those planning on living in their home for more than five years.  If interest rates increase, the loan rate will remain the same.  Unfortunately should rates decline below the set interest rate on the loan, the only way to change it is to refinance the mortgage and incur a loss of equity or additional closing costs to take advantage of the lower interest rate. 

The following are highlights of this loan program:

Down Payment Requirements:  The minimum down payment required for this type of loan is 5% of the sales price for owner-occupied properties and home buyers purchasing a second home.  Real estate investors and non-owner occupied buyers are required to put a minimum of 10% of the sales price down.  Down payment requirements will vary with the number of units and the reason for the loan (i.e. purchase, rate and term refinance or cash-out refinance).

Income and employment:  There are no limitations placed upon income requirements. As for employment, there are no limitations on a specific length of time at a particular job. However, a 2 year history is required, preferably in the same line of work (education can be counted towards this 2 year history if it is for the same profession the borrower is currently in).  

Eligible properties and occupancy requirements: Single family attached and detached homes, 2 to 4 unit properties, planned urban developments (PUDs), Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac approved condominiums, and mobile homes with a permanent foundation, taxed as real property, and built after June 16, 1976 are eligible.

Closing Costs:  Closing costs and prepaids may be paid by interested parties (i.e. seller) as long as they are considered in the contribution limitation.  For primary and second homes, the seller may contribute up to 3% of the sales price if the buyer is putting less than 10% down.  If the buyer is putting less than 25% down, the seller may contribute up to 6% of the closings costs.  If the buyer is putting 25% or more down on the home, the seller may contribute up to 9% of the closing costs.  For all investment properties, the seller may only contribute up to 2% of the sales price.

Assumability:  This type of loan is not assumable.

Pre-payment Penalty:  Not applicable.

Cash Reserves:   The borrower is required to have a minimum of two months cash reserves in the bank by the close of escrow.  Proceeds from cash-out refinances are not considered reserves.  Non-owner occupants may be required to have a total of six months cash reserves.

Gift Funds:  Gifts are allowed on owner occupied and primary residence transactions only.  If the down payment is 20% or greater, 100% of the down payment may be gifted otherwise the borrower must have at least 3% to 5% of his/her own funds to contribute to the down payment.

Credit Scoring:  Generally Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac require a minimum credit score of 620 for owner occupied and second homes.  Non-owner occupied borrowers must have a minimum credit score of 720 (740 for self-employed).

Co-Signors (Non-Occupant Co-Borrowers):  Allowed on owner occupied, primary residence, and 1 unit homes where the borrower is purchasing the home or doing a rate/term refinance on the property.  Both incomes may be used for qualifying purposes as long as a minimum of 5% of the down payment comes from the occupying borrower's funds and the non-occupant is an immediate family member.

Qualifying Ratios:  Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac limit a borrower's monthly payment not to exceed 28% of their gross monthly income. A borrower's total debt (proposed monthly payment plus monthly payments towards credit cards, student loans, car payments, and other installment and revolving credit) cannot exceed 36% of their gross monthly income.  If compensating factors are present or if the borrower has an above average credit score, the stated ratios may be exceeded.

Mortgage Insurance:  Required for all purchases with a down payment less than 20% of the purchase price.  If the property is non-owner occupied, mortgage insurance may be  required when the down payment is less than 30% of the purchase price.

The above guidelines are subject to change and should not be considered as exact rules for qualification.  Other factors may allow a borrower to compensate for deficiencies or to exceed the stated guideline.  You should talk with your loan officer about your specific situation to see if you qualify.