Oklahoma First-Time Home Buyer Programs
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The decision to make a purchase as big as a house is enough to make anyone sweat, but it can be especially intense when you’re a first-time home buyer.
Before you stock up on extra-strength deodorant, know this: First-time home buyers in Oklahoma can get help through special loans and assistance programs. Options are available at the state and national level to make homeownership more affordable, which will allow you to buy sooner.
Keep reading to learn more about first-time home buyer programs available from the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency, or OHFA, as well as national programs you may want to take advantage of.
National first-time home buyer programs
Available from many mortgage lenders, these national loan programs have flexible credit score requirements and offer low down payment options that may be especially useful to first-time home buyers.
Conventional mortgage
Best for:
Low down payments, limited mortgage insurance premiums
What you need to know:
A conventional mortgage is a home loan that isn’t guaranteed or insured by the federal government. Conventional mortgages that conform to the requirements set forth by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac allow down payments as low as 3% for first-time buyers or lower-income home buyers. Unlike FHA loans, conventional loans allow borrowers to eventually cancel their mortgage insurance or avoid mortgage insurance altogether if they put at least 20% down.
Choosing the right home loan can boost your chances of approval and may save you thousands in the long run.
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Rocket Mortgage, LLC
on Rocket Mortgage
Great For: Low Credit Scores
New American Funding
on New American Funding
VA loans
Best for:
Military, low down payments
What you need to know:
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs helps service members, veterans and surviving spouses buy homes. VA loans are especially generous, providing competitive interest rates, often requiring no down payment or mortgage insurance. Although there is no official minimum credit score, most VA-approved lenders require scores of at least 640.
FHA loans
Best for:
Low credit score, low down payments
What you need to know:
This is the go-to program for many first-time home buyers with lower credit scores. The Federal Housing Administration allows down payments as low as 3.5% for those with credit scores of 580 or higher. The FHA will insure loans for borrowers with scores as low as 500 but requires a 10% down payment for a score that low. Mortgage insurance is required for the life of an FHA loan and cannot be canceled.
USDA loans
Best for:
Low down payments, rural home buyers
What you need to know:
A USDA home loan is a zero-down-payment mortgage for eligible rural and suburban home buyers. USDA loans are issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through the USDA Rural Development Guaranteed Housing Loan Program. There are income limitations, which vary by region. Applicants with credit scores of 640 or higher receive streamlined processing. Those with scores below that must meet more stringent underwriting standards.
Oklahoma first-time home buyer programs
OHFA works with a network of participating lenders to provide affordable mortgage options and financial assistance. Additional help is also available for first-time home buyers who work as educators or first responders in Oklahoma.
OHFA highlights and eligibility
Highlights
Provides some down payment and closing cost assistance.
Offers discounted mortgage rates and fees to borrowers who work in certain professions.
Eligibility requirements
Must have a credit score of at least 640.
Must meet income and purchase price limits.
Must reside in Oklahoma and plan to occupy the home as a primary residence.
OHFA 4Teachers
Best for:
Educators, down payment assistance, low mortgage rates
What you need to know:
First-time home buyers who work for an accredited school in Oklahoma and hold an active state teaching certificate may be able to take advantage of this loan program. Teachers who qualify can receive a reduction of their mortgage interest rate, as well as 3.5% of the total loan amount in down payment assistance.
OHFA Shield
Best for:
First responders, down payment assistance, low mortgage rates
What you need to know:
This loan program is designed to benefit first-time home buyers who currently work as firefighters, law enforcement officers or emergency medical service providers in Oklahoma. Eligible applicants may receive a reduction of their mortgage interest rate, as well as 3.5% of the total loan amount in down payment assistance.
DREAM Grant
Best for:
Down payment assistance, closing cost assistance
What you need to know:
Eligible applicants can receive 3.5% of the total loan amount to put toward a down payment and an additional $2,500 for closing costs. Borrowers must be approved for a mortgage by an OHFA participating lender to use the DREAM grant, which does not have to be repaid. Income and purchase price limits apply.
GOLD Grant
Best for:
Down payment assistance, closing cost assistance
What you need to know:
Eligible first-time home buyers can receive 3.5% of their total loan amount for down payment assistance and up to $2,500 for closing costs through this program. Borrowers must be approved for a mortgage by a participating OHFA lender to receive a GOLD grant, which does not have to be repaid. The first-time home buyer requirement may be waived for applicants in certain counties. Income and purchase price limits apply.
Your next step
Does it sound like one of these first-time home buyer programs could help you become an Oklahoma homeowner? Your next step is to talk with a participating lender to find out whether you meet eligibility requirements and to complete a loan application.
It might also be a good idea to check your credit score and figure out how much house you can afford. While it’s not required for these programs, consider taking an Oklahoma first-time home buyer education class so you can move forward with confidence.
Choosing the right home loan can boost your chances of approval and may save you thousands in the long run.
Great For: Customer Service
Rocket Mortgage, LLC
on Rocket Mortgage
Great For: Low Credit Scores
New American Funding
on New American Funding
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