In Palm Beach County, Florida, it is no secret that housing in Palm Beach County is expensive; prices have been rising steadily for the past few years, making it difficult for many residents to afford a home.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the median sales price for a home in Palm Beach County, Florida, is $495,000. As an aspiring home buyer in Palm Beach County, Florida, you have several loan options.
One of the most popular options is an FHA loan, which allows you to put down a smaller down payment than other loans.
What Does the FHA Loan Entail?
The FHA loan is a government-backed mortgage loan that has been helping first-time home buyers since 1934. It is part of the HUD and is available to home buyers with a low down payment and less-than-perfect credit. The Federal Housing Administration insured the loan, which is available through an FHA-approved lender.
FHA loans are federally insured mortgages that allow borrowers to put down as little as 3.5% of the home's purchase price. Borrowers can also qualify for FHA loans with less-than-perfect credit and get the FHA loan to a maximum limit of $420,680.
What to Consider Before Deciding on an FHA Loan
First, ask yourself if you can qualify for a conventional loan. It's possible that you can qualify for an FHA loan if you're hesitant about a mortgage due to the down payment or your past credit history.
While FHA loans are an excellent option for many home buyers, there are several things you must consider before signing on the dotted line. You need at least 3.5% of the purchase price (downpayment) in cash or an acceptable security deposit to your lender. You must also not have more than two late payments within the past 12 months.
Let's discuss these in more detail...
Who can Apply?
If you're considering purchasing a home in Palm Beach County, you may wonder if you qualify for an FHA loan. FHA loans are a popular choice for first-time homebuyers because they typically require a lower down payment than other types of loans.
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) offers a variety of loan programs that can help homebuyers in Palm Beach County, Florida, to obtain financing. One of the advantages of FHA loans is that they have lower down payment requirements than conventional loans.
The FHA loan is available for purchase and refinancing mortgages to borrowers with a credit score of 580 or above. The FHA loan has a lower down payment requirement than other mortgage loans, making it a good option for first-time home buyers.
Here are other eligibility requirements to get the FHA loan:
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Credit Score - A FICO score of 580 or more is required if you need to qualify for the FHA loan and make a 3.5% down payment. However, even if your score falls below 580 to a minimum of 500, you will still qualify for the FHA loan, but you will have to part with a higher downpayment at 10%.
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Dept to Income Ratio - Your debt-to-income ratio, or DTI, is calculated by dividing your total monthly debt by your gross monthly income. The FHA requires that you keep your DTI under 43%.
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Financial Statements - You will have to provide the lender with two years of tax returns, a W-2 form, and documentation showing your income such as paycheck stubs or employer statements, to qualify for an FHA loan.
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Property Requirements - The property must be a single-family home for your primary residence. You may not use an FHA loan to buy a second home, a vacation home, or investment property.
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Owner Occupied - All FHA loans can be used to purchase an owner-occupied property. An owner occupies a home and personally uses it for their dwelling - the borrower owns the property.
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Property Location - The property must be located in a qualifying FHA area. A qualifying area must have the proper zoning for residential buildings, and the property you buy must be within the jurisdiction of an acceptable lending institution.
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FHA Loan Limit - You must purchase a home within the FHA loan limit, which changes annually. The targeted purchase limit in Palm Beach County is $ 430,675.
- Mortgage Insurance - The FHA charges an up-front mortgage insurance premium paid at closing. The upfront cost is 1.75% of the total loan amount. The fee varies depending on the type of loan you choose.
203k FHA Rehab Loans
The 203k FHA Rehab Loan is a mortgage loan used to buy, build, or renovate a house. With a 203k loan, you can borrow up to 100% of your home's value. This type of FHA loan requires a minimum down payment of 3.5%. No mortgage insurance premium is required if you use the 203k loan to purchase a home or property.
However, these loans take more time to close than Traditional FHA Loans, as they tend to be more complex. The first process is finding an FHA-approved inspector who will appraise the property and determine the improvements needed according to FHA standards.
Finally, the borrower will get the construction budget completed by an FHA-approved contractor who will determine the total renovation value.
There are also different FHA loan programs based on duration. These include:
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3-Year ARM - A 3-year adjustable rate mortgage allows you to take out a loan for 3 years with an ever-increasing interest rate. However, you can refinance at the end of this term and keep the same interest rate.
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5-Year ARM - A 5-year adjustable rate mortgage has the same options as a 3-year adjustable rate mortgage.
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15-year Fixed-rate Mortgage - This mortgage allows for a 15-year fixed rate mortgage with a set interest rate, which does not change. This term is available to borrowers who want low long-term payment levels.
- 30-year Fixed-rate Mortgage - A 30-year fixed rate mortgage allows for a 30-year fixed interest rate. This term provides you with security and protects you from the risk of fluctuating interest rates.
How Much Can I Borrow for my FHA Loan?
The down payment and the maximum loan amount you can borrow are based on your income and the neighborhood where you live. If your family income falls within the minimum threshold, you can borrow up to four times your household income. Based on your income, you can borrow $884,600 for Quad-plex, $711,800 for Tri-plex, $588,850 for Duplex, and $460,000 for Single Family.
You can use the FHA loan to purchase a home with a low down payment. While there are no stipulated maximum or minimum income limits to secure an FHA loan in Palm Beach County, the lender's underwriting guidelines typically require you to take a loan based on your income and stability.
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), insures FHA loans against default. If you default on your loan, you can keep your home better since the mortgage will be paid off through an insurance claim with HUD.
How to Apply for an FHA Loan in Florida
Now that you know what it takes to qualify for an FHA loan, you may wonder where you should begin with the mortgage process. The first step is to find a lender approved to work with FHA loans in Palm Beach County, Florida.
The next step is to gather your financial documents. The lender will need documentation of your income, such as recent pay stubs, and proof of your down payment, such as a cashier's check or a bank statement, along with your credit report and documentation of debt obligations.
You will also need to find a home that you want to buy. The lender may ask you to buy a home with enough room for your family to grow. If you are buying a home with an FHA loan, the housing authority requires that the property pass an appraiser's inspection before closing on the loan.
Finally, don't forget this vital step - compiling a list of questions to ask your lender and real estate agent.
Underwriting Process
After you've submitted your documents, your lender will run a credit check on you. Your credit score will determine whether or not you are approved for the FHA loan. You must complete an application and submit the required documentation to be approved for the FHA loan.
There is no set amount of time for lenders to review your application, but it can take up to three weeks or more. Once you are approved, you can then schedule an appointment with the lender to close on your home. The FHA assumes that you will be able to close on your new home within 30 days after the loan is disbursed.
Advantages of FHA Loans
There are several advantages to using FHA loans. One of the most significant advantages is the low down payment requirements. Other benefits include:
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Low down payment - Minimum down payment for an FHA loan is 3.5% of the sale price of your home.
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Coverage for delinquent borrowers - FHA loans will cover any future payments you may fall behind on, up to the mortgage limits.
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Easy Credit Qualifications - FHA loans have lower credit requirements than conventional loans, including a less-than-perfect credit score of 580.
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More straightforward Application Process - The FHA application process is more streamlined and straightforward, making it easier to apply for the loan. The FHA application process is relatively easy and can be completed in 30-45 days.
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No Hidden Fees or Charges - FHA lenders are required to disclose all fees and charges before closing on the loan.
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The FHA will cover FHA purchase money - Your closing cost.
- More Affordable Mortgage Insurance - You will pay a 1.75% FHA mortgage insurance premium on both new and refinanced FHA loans.
What to Enjoy in Palm Beach County, Florida
The Palm Beaches of Palm Beach County offer an abundance of activities for those looking to enjoy their spring break. From the pristine beaches on the Atlantic Ocean to the historic fishing villages on the Intracoastal Waterway, many attractions are just waiting to be explored. Here are a few of the many things to enjoy in Palm Beach County:
Rapids Waterpark
The Rapids Waterpark is the perfect place to spend spring break and offers a lot of fun for the whole family. Between the wave pool, lazy river, and waterslides, there is something to please every age group.
Kids can enjoy splashing around in the "kids' zone" with slides and a dumping bucket. The 29,000-square-foot facility also has locker rooms with showers and parking for cars, campers, and boats.
Lion Country Safari
This Safari is home to many wild animals and offers a variety of exhibits highlighting South Florida's top attractions. It has a petting zoo with exotic petting experiences, such as sea lions and otters.
You can see wallabies, kangaroos, gorillas, rhinos, and many other exotic animals worldwide. Bring your camera for many photo opportunities, including an underwater tunnel with sharks lurking below the surface.
Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum
The Jupiter Inlet Lighthouse and Museum is part of the Palm Beach Maritime Museum Society, featuring artifacts from the area's maritime history.
Walk through the lighthouse and climb its 132 steps to view sweeping views of Jupiter Island, Singer Island, Palm Beach Inlet, and Lake Worth Lagoon. Walk along the beach and learn about nature by stopping at the coral reef exhibit.
Peanut Island
Peanut Island is the perfect place to bring the family for a day at the beach and watch pelicans, herons, and roseate spoonbills (the largest heron in the Western Hemisphere) while you enjoy shelling peanuts as well.
Peanut Island is one of the few remaining natural barrier islands in Florida and has several amenities worth exploring. Go boating, biking, or just lounging on the beach. You can also go fishing, bird watching or play volleyball. It is also home to sustainable oyster restoration and the Tropical Tiki Museum.
Airboat Rides West Palm Beach
Airboat Rides West Palm Beach offers an exciting way to explore this unique ecosystem's Florida Everglades and natural beauty. This exhilarating ride will allow you to breathe in the fresh air and listen to the sounds of nature.
You will be stunned by breathtaking landscapes, including trees, plants, animals, and native wildlife. At the beginning of the ride, you will stop at a dock where you can see what lies ahead of your journey. The first half of the ride is through marshes and mangrove forests, home to many birds, crustaceans, and other creatures in the wild.
After you ride over a bridge, you will float through cypress trees and past deer, foxes, bobcats, and caribou. You get your first view of alligators as the airboat moves slowly across a shallow lagoon passing above beautiful waterfalls.
Palm Beach Zoo
The Palm Beach Zoo offers many programs for children, including Birthday Parties, Summer Camps, Kids Club, and educational Animal Encounters.
The Zoo is home to over 1,000 animals, including Asian elephants, baboons, bonobos, bald eagles, black bears, cheetahs, and red pandas. This Zoo also has a unique display of African species, including giraffes and lemurs.
Want to Have Great Experiences While Living in Palm Beach County, Florida? Apply for the FHA Loan today!
The Palm Beaches offer something for everyone and is a great place to spend a spring break. There are plenty of activities to get the family busy, but first, you should apply for the FHA loan. The Palm Beach County FHA Loan Program is one of the best home financing products you can benefit from.
The FHA loan is also perfect if you want to refinance your existing home and can be used in all areas of southern Florida. Also, if you want to purchase a new home, this loan will provide the funding you need for your dream home.
Apply today and find out what this program can do for you; The process is easy and only takes a few weeks to complete!
