Whether you’re a first-time home buyer or someone who has purchased many homes, navigating the world of homeownership can be a challenging process, especially when it comes to understanding the various home financing options available. Engaging these options effectively can make the dream of owning a home much more achievable.
In this article, we hope to share with you some of our expert insight into home financing options in Colorado so that you can spend less time worrying and more time finding the home of your dreams. Understanding home financing options is the first pivotal step in the house-buying journey. This article aims to demystify home financing options in Colorado, offering detailed insights to help potential homebuyers navigate their path to homeownership with confidence and ease. If you have additional questions or would like the assistance of one of the most dedicated and trustworthy Fort Collins real estate agents, we encourage you to contact Black Bear Real Estate and Property Management.
A New Home is More Achievable Than You May Think
In our experience, we have found many home-buying myths end up deterring individuals from finding a place they can call their own. If you ask any renter around Colorado about the reason they rent rather than purchase a home, many will tell you that it is unaffordable and even only achievable if living with a partner to leverage two sources of income.
It is certainly true that the cost of living has increased over recent years, especially over the last decade, but the truth is that purchasing a home is far more achievable than most people expect. The key is home financing. It is not uncommon for folks to pay a smaller monthly mortgage than they would be paying if they were renting - and on top of that, the money they pay retains its value for the individual as equity. Purchasing a home is truly one of the best ways for people to grow their wealth in today’s day and age, but the question becomes, how exactly can this be achieved? Houses are hundreds of thousands of dollars – who has that kind of money ready to hand over?
Types of Home Financing in Colorado
The answer is, of course, home financing. By receiving a loan (a mortgage) on a home, it allows an individual or family to obtain ownership of a house in exchange for monthly payments over 10-30 years, usually equal to or lower than what they would have been paying in rent.
Seasoned home buyers know how helpful financing is to successfully obtain a home and begin building their wealth. And if you’re living in Colorado, you’ll be pleased to learn that there are a plethora of home financing options likely available to you. Here are the most common types:
FHA Loan
FHA loans are mortgages offered by many banks, backed by the Federal Housing Administration. National FHA loans are the same as Colorado FHA loans, and they provide great benefits for people concerned about their credit score or high down payments. FHA loans offer flexible requirements for credit scores, down payments, and income, making them an attractive financing option for buyers of all backgrounds and financial situations.
VA Loans
VA loans are mortgages backed by the Department of Veteran Affairs in order to provide more affordable home ownership for United States Military active-duty service members, veterans that meet discharge criteria, members of the Selected Reserve, and spouses of said members. They tend to offer lower rates and flexible variables and terms (such as down payment, duration, and fees). Individuals who intend to use this financing option will need to obtain a Certificate of Eligibility before applying.
Fixed-Rate Mortgages
Fixed-rate mortgages are a very common form of loan for home purchases in Colorado. Fixed-rate mortgages (usually 15 and 30-year terms) have interest rates that do not change throughout the course of the loan, hence the name. Monthly payments are stable throughout the loan’s duration and tend to have lower payments since they are spread out over long periods of time.
ARM Mortgages
ARM mortgages are home loans with adjustable rates. ARMs have the benefit of offering an initial period of fixed rates that are often lower than you might see on a 30-year fixed loan; however, after the fixed rate period, the rate on the loan will adjust and continue to adjust according to market rates for the remaining duration of the loan.
USDA Loans
USDA loans are another type of mortgage, but they are directly tailored for homeownership for low and very-low-income families that specifically live in rural areas (such as farmers). This type of loan is backed by the United States Department of Agriculture. A USDA loan has extremely low interest rates and flexible requirements but also maintains a fairly strict threshold for who might qualify.
CHFA Loans
CHFA (Colorado Housing and Financing Authority) loans are mortgage programs designed specifically for first-time homebuyers in Colorado. CHFA also offers assistance in the form of grants to those looking for money to help with a down payment or closing costs. You can also use CHFA loans to improve your credit score and build equity. Even if you’re not buying for the first time, CHFA offers flexible loan programs to any Coloradan, many with fixed-rate financing.
Why It’s Smart to Use a Real Estate Agent
In all situations, regardless if you are a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned buyer, it’s always wise to work with a real estate agent from start to finish of the home-buying journey. Beyond helping individuals find the perfect home in the perfect location, real estate agents can streamline the home financing process. The home financing process can be lengthy and even confusing, but many real estate agents can help you find the right loan that fits perfectly to your personal and financial situation. Furthermore, they can help you secure these loans faster, ensure you have all the correct documentation before applying, and secure pre-approval, among many other benefits.
Find Your Dream Home with Black Bear
Purchasing a home can truly be one of the most fulfilling and worthwhile investments an individual can make in their entire life. At Black Bear Real Estate and Property Management, we recommend getting a real estate agent on board as soon as possible to optimize the home-buying process and ensure that you get the home of your dreams as effectively and efficiently as possible.
If you’re planning to purchase a home and are looking for Fort Collins real estate agents, give us a call. At Black Bear, we specialize in the Northern Colorado real estate market and can help you secure the home of your dreams. Give us a call today to get started or to get answers to any of your questions.