Agency mortgage loans offer a wide range of financing options for homebuyers and homeowners looking to refinance.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the two largest government-sponsored enterprises, purchase and securitize agency mortgage loans, making them a popular choice for lenders.
Agency mortgage loans can be used for primary residences, second homes, and investment properties, providing flexibility for borrowers.
These loans often have more lenient credit score requirements compared to conventional loans, making them accessible to a broader range of borrowers.
What Are Agency Mortgage Loans?
Agency mortgage loans are conventional fixed-rate, first mortgage loans. They're secured by stabilized income-producing properties like multifamily and manufactured housing communities.
These loans meet the underwriting guidelines set by Fannie Mae and/or Freddie Mac. Agency loans are a popular choice for investors and property owners who want to secure financing for their properties.
Agency mortgage loans are designed for income-producing properties that are already stabilized, meaning they're consistently generating revenue and have a proven track record of success.
What Are Loans?
Loans are a crucial part of the mortgage process.
Agency loans are a type of loan that can be secured by stabilized income-producing properties.
These loans are conventional, fixed-rate, and first mortgages, meaning they're a primary loan, not a secondary or alternative option.
They're secured by multifamily and manufactured housing communities that meet Fannie Mae and/or Freddie Mac underwriting guidelines.
This means the property must meet certain standards to qualify for an agency loan.
Fixed- or Adjustable-Rate
Agency mortgage loans offer flexibility in terms of loan rates, allowing you to choose between fixed-rate and adjustable-rate loans. With a fixed-rate agency loan, the interest rate remains the same for the life of the mortgage. This stability provides peace of mind and ensures your monthly payments will remain the same through the loan's term.
Access to Capital
Agency mortgage loans can give you access to more capital than other types of loans. This is particularly helpful if you need to make repairs or improvements to the property, or even take cash out when refinancing.
You can use this extra capital to tackle long-overdue maintenance tasks, upgrade your home's features, or even consolidate high-interest debt.
When to Use Agency Mortgage Loans
Agency mortgage loans are perfect for first-time homebuyers who need a little extra help qualifying for a mortgage.
They offer more lenient credit score requirements, which can be a lifesaver for those with less-than-perfect credit.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the two main agencies that offer mortgage loans, allow credit scores as low as 620.
This can make a huge difference for someone who's struggling to get approved for a mortgage with a traditional lender.
For example, if you have a credit score of 620, you may qualify for a mortgage loan with a lower interest rate than you would with a conventional lender.
However, keep in mind that you'll still need to meet the agencies' debt-to-income ratio requirements, which can be around 36%.
This means that if you have other debts, such as a car loan or credit card payments, they'll need to be factored into your overall debt load.
For instance, if you have a car loan payment of $300 per month and a credit card payment of $100, your total debt load would be $400 per month.
In this case, you'd need to have a monthly income of at least $11,000 to qualify for the mortgage loan, assuming a 36% debt-to-income ratio.
Alternative Loan Options
Agency mortgage loans offer alternative loan options for those who may not qualify for traditional loans. One of the benefits is flexible underwriting standards, which means you may be able to qualify even with some blemishes on your credit report.
This flexibility can be a lifesaver for individuals who have struggled with credit issues in the past. With agency loans, you may have a second chance to own a home.
Non-Mortgage Evolution
In the early 20th century, many residential mortgages were semi-commercial in nature. This is why the tax deductibility of mortgage interest is still a thing today.
American mortgage finance back then was similar to many countries' home loan markets now - community banks provided loans, usually with a 10-year term and fluctuating interest payments. At maturity, borrowers would have to pay the principal as a lump sum.
This made it necessary for most borrowers to roll over most of the principal into a new loan at the end of the term.
Flexible Underwriting Standards
Flexible underwriting standards can be a game-changer for borrowers with imperfect credit. This means you may be able to qualify for a loan even if you don't have perfect credit, which can be a huge relief.
Agency loans, for example, have flexible underwriting standards, allowing lenders to consider more than just your credit score. This flexibility can help you qualify for a loan, even with some blemishes on your credit report.
The Dodd-Frank Act actually led to the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which developed rules to ensure lenders make a reasonable determination of borrowers' ability to repay their mortgages. This includes using reliable third-party documentation of income, assets, and employment.
Agency loans, thanks to their flexible underwriting standards, offer more leniency in the loan approval process, making it easier to get approved.
Other Loan Options
If you're not eligible for a personal loan or need a smaller amount, consider a credit card cash advance. Some credit cards offer cash advances up to $500.
Peer-to-peer lending, like Lending Club and Prosper, can provide access to funds for smaller loan amounts. You'll need to pay interest rates ranging from 5-7% per annum.
Some online lenders, such as OppLoans, offer installment loans with repayment terms between 6-18 months. These loans often have higher interest rates, up to 200% APR.
Home equity loans can be a good option for homeowners who need a larger loan amount. You can borrow up to 80% of your home's value, but be aware that you'll need to secure your loan with your home.
Government Loans and Programs
Government loans can provide a sense of security with their government backing.
If you default on the loan, the GSEs will make payments on it, giving you peace of mind knowing your loan is backed by the government.
Lower down payments are another benefit of agency loans, often requiring less cash upfront than other types of loans.
Lower Interest Rates
With government loans, you can enjoy lower interest rates compared to conventional financing. This is because these loans are backed by GSEs, which significantly reduces the lender's risk. Lower interest rates mean you'll save money on your loan over time. The lower risk for lenders also means they're more willing to offer competitive rates to borrowers. Agency loans, in particular, have lower interest rates due to the backing of GSEs.
Lower Down Payments
Lower Down Payments can be a game-changer for first-time homebuyers or those with limited capital. Agency loans often require lower down payments than other types of loans.
This means you can put less money down upfront, freeing up your savings for other important expenses or investments. For example, you could use that money to invest in upgrades or expansions of a property.
Government Loans
Government loans offer a range of benefits that can make homeownership more accessible and affordable. Government-backed loans, in particular, provide peace of mind knowing that the GSEs will make payments on the loan if you default.
One of the biggest advantages of agency loans is that they have lower interest rates compared to conventional financing. This is because lenders take on less risk with agency loans.
Having a lower down payment requirement can be a huge help if you're short on cash. Agency loans often require a lower down payment than other types of loans.
Government-backed loans can give you the confidence to take the leap and purchase a home, knowing that you have a safety net in place.
Streamlined Refinancing and Other Options
With an agency mortgage loan, you'll enjoy a streamlined refinancing process that can save you time and hassle. You'll typically need to refinance your loan, and the process is much simpler than with other types of loans.
This can save you money and provide you with some of the best loan terms out there. You'll be glad you made the switch to an agency mortgage loan for refinancing.
Long Amortization
Long Amortization is a key feature of Agency loans, offering amortization periods of up to 30 years.
This can keep your monthly payments relatively low, increasing your cash flows.
At a standard 10-year term, you may need to pay a balloon payment as the mortgage matures.
Streamlined Refinancing Process
Refinancing your loan can be a daunting task, but with an agency loan, the process is typically much simpler. This can save you time and hassle, and provide you with some of the best loan terms out there.
The streamlined refinancing process of an agency loan can be a game-changer, especially if you need to refinance your loan.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you qualify for an agency loan?
To qualify for an agency loan, borrowers typically need a good credit score (660-680 FICO) and sufficient net worth, liquidity, and other financial resources. Review our loan requirements to learn more about the qualifications and application process.
Featured Images: pexels.com