Are Your Ready to Buy a Grayslake Home in 2016?

January 07, 2016

Are Your Ready to Buy a Grayslake Home in 2016?

Are Your Ready to Buy a Grayslake Home in 2016?

A recent study by Fannie Mae, What Do Consumers Know About The Mortgage Qualification Criteria?, revealed that many consumers are either unsure or misinformed regarding the minimum requirements necessary to obtain a mortgage.

Let’s break down three such challenges.

Down Payment

Perceptions

Many renters have mentioned that the lack of an adequate down payment is preventing them from moving forward with the purchase of a home. According to the Fannie Mae report:

40% of all renters don’t know what down payment is required
15% think you need at least 20% down
An additional 4% think you need at least 10% down

The Reality

There are programs offered by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and FHA that require as little as 3-3.5% down. VA and USDA loans offer 0% down programs. According to the National Association of Realtors, the typical down payment for a first time buyer is 6%.

Credit Score

Perceptions

Many renters have mentioned that the lack of an adequate credit score is preventing them from moving forward with the purchase of a home. According to the Fannie Mae report:

54% of all renters don’t know what credit score is required
5% think you need at least a 740 credit score

The Reality

Many mortgages are granted to purchasers with a credit score of less than 700. According to Ellie Mae, the average credit score on a closed FHA purchase is 687 and the average credit score on all loans is 722.

Back End Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)

Perceptions

Many renters have mentioned that they carry too much debt which is preventing them from moving forward with the purchase of a home. According to the Fannie Mae report:

59% of all renters don’t know what DTI is acceptable
25% think you need at under 25%
7% think you need under 39%

The Reality

Lenders like to see a back-end ratio that does not exceed 36%. Fannie Mae’s maximum total DTI ratio is 36% of the borrower’s stable monthly income. The maximum can be exceeded up to 45% based on credit score and other requirements.

Don't let a lack of knowledge or misinformation keep your family from buying a home this year.

Call our Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate office now at 847-548-2625 to set up a time to evaluate your ability to buy a home now!

Click here to search Grayslake Homes for Sale.

Jim Starwalt

Thinking of making a move?

Easily search Northern Illinois Homes for Sale with photos, open houses and virtual tours at StarHomeTeam.com

Jim Starwalt, Broker Owner
Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Star Homes
Phone: 847-548-2625
Jim@StarHomeTeam.com

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