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Use A Fixer-Upper Mortgage To Expand Your Options

Many people purchasing a home for the first time are running into the same problem. There simply are not enough starter or entry-level houses available in the current market that are ready for people to move into. One solution some home buyers are exploring is to buy a fixer-upper home. With a home renovation mortgage, prospective homebuyers can qualify for a home loan that combines the cost of home improvements with the purchase price of the house.

A Lack Of Affordable Homes

Regardless of whether they are brand new or resale homes, there simply are not enough affordable homes for first-time homebuyers. A significant number of new houses are built for people who are looking to purchase their second or third home. Furthermore, because there is a lot of demand for affordable entry-level houses, their prices have gone up. This makes it very difficult for first-time homebuyers to qualify for a mortgage for an entry-level home.

Consider Fixing Up An Existing Home

With a lack of affordable homes, it only makes sense for first-time homebuyers to consider buying and repairing entry-level homes that might be in need of repair. Because a lot of people do not want to purchase a house that requires repairs, first-time homebuyers might be able to save money by going this route.

There are two separate home renovation loans available. The first is the FHA 203k loan, which is insured by the Federal Housing Administration. The other option is guaranteed by Fannie Mae, and it is called the HomeStyle loan. These loans can cover the cost of most home improvements, regardless of how large or small they might be. Both of these loans can be used to cover cosmetic and structural renovations. With access to this loan, it is possible for first-time homebuyers to begin work immediately after the closing process is done.

Consider Taking Out A Home Renovation Loan

The FHA 203k is for primary residences only. The Fannie Mae HomeStyle loan can be used for either a primary residence or an investment property. They require a minimum credit score of 620 and a down payment of at least three percent. These loans could make it easier for first-time homebuyers to afford a house.

What's Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week - May 16, 2022 Last week’s economic reporting included readings and forecasts on inflation and the University of Michigan’s preliminary consumer sentiment survey. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims were also released.

Inflation Reports: Mixed Results for April

Commerce Department readings on consumer inflation showed mixed results in April; the Consumer Price Index dropped to 0.30 percent growth from the March reading of 1.20 percent inflation. Analysts expected 0.30 percent growth from March to April. The Core Consumer Price Index, which excludes volatile food and fuel sectors, rose by 0.60 percent in April as compared to the March reading of 0.30 percent growth. Analysts expected April’s reading for the Core Consumer Price Index to rise by 0.40 percent.

Year-over-year inflation dipped to 8.30 percent in April as compared to the March reading of 8.50 percent. This was the first decline in eight months and was caused by lower fuel prices. Analysts expected a year-over-year inflation rate of 8.10 percent for April. The year-over-year reading for the Core CPI, which excludes food and fuel sectors, showed 6.20 percent growth as compared to the March reading of 6.40 percent. The University of Michigan forecasted an inflation rate of 3.00 percent in the next five years.

Mortgage Rates, Jobless Claims Mixed

Freddie Mac reported higher average mortgage rates last week as the rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages rose by three basis points to 5.30 percent; the average rate for 15-year fixed-rate mortgages fell by four basis points to 4.48 percent. The average rate for 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgages rose by two basis points to 3.98 percent. Discount points averaged 0.90 percent for fixed-rate mortgages and 0.30 percent for 5/1 adjustable-rate mortgages.

First-time jobless claims rose to 203,000 new claims filed last week as compared to 202,000 initial claims filed in the prior week. Continuing jobless claims were lower last week with 1.34 million ongoing claims filed; 1.39 million claims were filed during the prior week.

The University of Michigan released the preliminary edition of its Consumer Sentiment Index for May; consumer sentiment dropped to an index reading of 59.10 percent for May as compared to April’s reading of 65.20 percent. The war in Ukraine and high fuel prices continued to contribute to consumer skepticism about current economic conditions.

What’s Ahead

This week’s scheduled economic reports include homebuilder readings on housing market conditions, Commerce Department reports on building permits issued and housing starts are also scheduled. The National Association of Realtors® will release data on sales of previously-owned single-family homes. Weekly readings on mortgage rates and jobless claims will also be released.

Use A Fixer-Upper Mortgage To Expand Your Options

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – May 16, 2022

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