Home Possible Loans

If you’re in the market for a new home and you’re shopping for mortgage options, you may have heard of Home Possible. This is a new program being offered through Freddie Mac, with the intention of making home purchases more attainable for first time and repeat home buyers who have a low income.

What is a Home Possible Loan?

Home Possible loans are conforming loans funded by Freddie Mac, which is a government-sponsored entity under the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA).

These loans were developed with the intention of making it easier for those with low incomes to qualify and finance a home purchase through a mortgage.

Who is Eligible for Home Possible?

Home Possible loans are ideal for home buyers who have a low income but are able to afford a minimal down payment and can handle a monthly mortgage payment.

There are a couple of key groups that these Home Possible loans are specifically intended for:

First Time Home Buyers

You don’t have to be a first time home buyer to qualify for a Home Possible loan, but this mortgage option is an especially good one for those who are making their first home purchase.

Home Buyers with Low Income

One of Freddie Mac’s main objectives is to make home purchases more attainable for those who need assistance when it comes to home affordability. In line with this objective, Home Possible loans are specifically geared towards low-wage earners who are looking for an affordable mortgage option to finance their home purchase.

Home Possible Qualification Requirements:

While the above groups are the ideal candidates for Home Possible loans, the specific qualification requirements include:

A credit score of 660 or higher (though buyers with a FICO score as low as 580 can qualify with a pricing adjustment on the loan)
A debt to income ratio of 43% or less
Proof of stable employment and income
Ability to provide a down payment (with up to 97% financing available)
Combined income for borrowers must be no more than 80% of the area’s median income
Full time residence at the property being purchased

You can determine whether or not you are eligible for a Home Possible loan here. Need assistance? Give us a call at 518-782-1202 or contact us online and we’d be happy to help you understand the eligibility requirements specific to your unique scenario.

What is the Minimum Credit Score for a Home Possible Loan?

In order to qualify for the Home Possible program, your credit score must be 660 or higher. (Buyers with a FICO score as low as 580 may qualify with a pricing adjustment on the loan.)

What is the Income Limit for a Home Possible Loan?

The income limit for the Home Possible program varies based on your geographic location. In most areas, a buyer’s income can not exceed 80% of the median income in the area where they are planning to purchase a home.

In some specific underserved areas, there is no income limit.

Additionally, as mentioned previously, a buyer’s debt to income ratio should be 43% or less in order to qualify for the Home Possible program.

Benefits of Home Possible Mortgages

Home Possible program from Freddie Mac offers a number of key advantages for low income home buyers, including:

Lower Credit Score Requirements
Low Down Payment Requirement
Low Loan-to-Value Ratio
Lower Fees
Flexible Down Payment Options
Manual Underwriting Available

Home Possible Loans and BorrowSmart Down Payment Assistance Program

Freddie Mac is also offering another program to help low- to moderate-income borrowers purchase homes called BorrowSmart. This program can provide up to $1,500 in down payment and/or closing cost assistance to borrowers who have qualified for a Home Possible loan and meet specific Area Median Income (AMI) requirements and other eligibility criteria.

BorrowSmart Eligibility Requirements

In order to qualify for Freddie Mac BorrowSmart, you must meet the following criteria:

A credit score of at least 620
Be purchasing (rather than refinancing) a home
Be purchasing a primary residence
Be able to provide a down payment when financing no more than 97% of your home purchase
Complete home buyer counseling
Meet qualifying income requirements based on your area’s median income (AMI) to qualify for one of the two levels of BorrowSmart assistance available:
- BorrowSmart assistance for those with a qualifying income less than or equal to 50% of the county AMI
- BorrowSmart assistance for those with a qualifying income between 50% and 80% of the county AMI

If you’re financing your home through the Home Possible program but struggling to come up with the cash you need to cover closing costs or your down payment, the BorrowSmart program is something well worth looking into!

Interested in the Home Possible Program? Contact Us Today!

If you’re a buyer with limited income looking to purchase a home, the Home Possible program could be a great opportunity for you!

Want to find out if you qualify? Interested in exploring Home Possible as a financing option? Our team of mortgage professionals can guide you through the mortgage process from start to finish and help you find the home loan that’s right for you, whether it’s a Home Possible loan or another type of loan.

Give us a call today at 518-782-1202 or get started with the mortgage application process today right here!