(Mar 27, 2023)
Likewise, you may be able to qualify for this loan despite your bankruptcy status or having other financial problems on your record.
Apart from being a Federal Housing Administration-backed mortgage loan, an FHA loan is insured by the FHA. This means that the insurance protects your lender just in case you default on your FHA loan.
These loans come with lower minimum credit score limits and low down-payment options. However, you will be required to pay the mortgage insurance after qualifying for this option. For your information, FHA is an agency under the Department of Housing & Urban Development.
More lenient credit requirements and a low down payment make FHA loans attractive, especially to first-time home buyers in Suwannee County, Florida. These new buyers do not need to be necessarily first-time homeowners to qualify for this loan.
The loan comes with a minimum down payment of around 3.5% for those who qualify and a credit score of about 580 or more. If you have a lower credit score ranging from 500 to 579, the FHA loan requirements state that you should have a down payment of 10%. Keep in mind that the lower your credit, the more the interest rate you will get.
Read through this article to get a clear insight into different types of FHA loans, how they work, how to qualify for them, and how to get them if you are living in Suwannee County, Florida.
Are you a Hometown Hero? Find out your eligibility for the Hometown Heroes Loan Program in Suwannee County, Florida.
What are the Types of FHA Loans?
FHA provides different loan products ranging from standard purchase loans to products designed to meet your highly customized needs. These loans include:
FHA 203 (K) Loans
This type of single mortgage enables homebuyers to acquire property or renovate their homes in Suwannee County. Borrowers can use this loan to refinance their existing home loans. They can also take advantage of this loan to refurbish their projects.
FHA 203 (K) loan comes in these categories:
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The limited 203 (k) - Has a more straightforward loan application process. With this loan, the renovations must cost you up to $35,000 or below.
- The standard 203 (k) - This type of loan involves more paperwork and is helpful in renovations costing you more than $5,000. But the actual value of your property should lie within the Federal Housing Administration for your county.
FHA Energy Efficient Mortgage (EMM) Program
FHA can help you secure EMMs to buy an energy-efficient home. Examples of such homes are the EnergyStar-certified buildings in Suwannee County, Florida. Using energy-efficient features, you may also use this type of FHA loan to buy and renovate older homes.
FHA Section 245-A Loan
FHA Section 245-A Loan is designed for those borrowers whose income is likely to increase over a given period. In this sense, the monthly payments start to increase gradually and then go up. Another name for this FHA type of loan is the graduated-payment mortgage.
Unlike other FHA loans, FHA Section 245-A is available in five specific plans subdivided into two major categories:
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Three plans for a five-year pay increment in about 2.5%, 5% to 7.5% per year.
- The two plans with a set of payments increase in ten years at 2% and 3% per year.
FHA Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM)
HECM is a common type of reverse loan offered by FHA. The loan helps property owners aged 62 years and above with significant equity of 40% leverage a section of their property’s equity.
The actual amount for this loan varies from borrower to borrower depending on their age, HECM limit, the value of the property, and current interest rates.
How do FHA Loans Work in Suwannee County, Florida?
One thing that sets FHA loans apart is their flexible underwriting standards. These standards make it easy for you and other borrowers with low income or limited stellar credit scores to become new homeowners in Suwannee County, Florida.
In this regard, you are required to pay the Federal Housing Administration loan insurance if your down payment for the property you want to buy is less than 20%. The FHA Loan needs two mortgage insurance premiums:
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The upfront mortgage insurance premium at 1.57% of the total value of the loan. This type of premium is paid once you get the mortgage.
- Annual mortgage insurance premium with a rate of about 0.45% up to 1.05%. This premium is determined by the initial loan-to-value ratio, the loan amount, or the FHA loan term (15 to 30 years)
As a borrower, you need to know that the FHA mortgage insurance premiums cannot be done away with quickly. The only way to scrap off these premiums is to acquire a non-FHA refinancing option or sell your property.
Luckily for all borrowers, the FHA-approved lenders are not allowed to charge closing costs ranging from 3% to 5% of the loan amount. Besides, the FHA loan program accepts contributions of about 6% from lenders, builders, or home sellers towards the closing cost. These contributions come from title research, appraisal, or credit report.
How do I Get an FHA Loan in Suwannee County, Florida?
The first step to take whenever you apply for an FHA loan is to check your credit scores and correct any errors in your records. Ensure everything is in order with your credit reference agency before getting the FHA loan.
In addition, try as much as possible to save a reasonable amount of money to settle the down Payment for the property you want to purchase. Remember that an FHA loan is a down payment stipulation of about 3.5% of the total property value.
So, you need to raise a certain amount that will assure you of this stipulation when applying for an FHA loan. If you can raise more cash, you will stand a great chance of securing lower interest rates on your mortgage.
Another way to get an FHA loan is to prepare your housing budget. The budget will determine how much you will spend on your loan repayment. Use the mortgage calculator to come up with a proper monthly payment obligation.
Finally, conduct a complete analysis and comparison of different lenders within Suwannee County, Florida. Your comparison should factor in the interest rates charged by individual lenders, as these rates may vary from one lender to another. Settle for the friendliest and most reasonable interest rates, given that these rates add up to the actual price you will be required to pay.
Consider additional factors such as underwriting conditions, costs, and services when choosing your lenders. This is because these factors change from one lender to the next. Once you are done with your comparison, get different offers from lenders before choosing the best one that meets your needs.
What are the Benefits of FHA Loans in Suwannee County, Florida?
The FHA loans come with many benefits that you should know. These benefits include:
- Relatively more minor down payments of around 3.5%
- Reasonable credit requirements
- Friendly interest rates
- FHA refinancing options
- The use of savings or gift funds for your 3.5% down payment
- Availability of many FHA lenders to choose from
- Lower closing costs
What is the FHA Loan 3.5% Down Payment?
The FHA loan 3.5% down payment is the actual percentage of the buying price of a given property/home. It is also the upfront amount that a home buyer puts down when purchasing that home.
Remember, the minimum amount (Down Payment) for your FHA mortgage is directly proportional to your overall credit score. Therefore, your credit score refers to a number between 300 and 850 that denotes your credit worthiness.
Typically, a Federal Housing Administration loan requires at least a 3.5% down payment for about 850 or higher credit scores. So, if you manage to make a down payment of 10%, your score will fall in a range of between 500 and 579.
Take note that you can still make down payments with gift assistance for your FHA loan. However, this payment option should be well-documented to be sure this is a gift and not just another loan in disguise. So, you must be as transparent as possible to enjoy the great benefits of an FHA loan.
FHA home loans are growing in popularity for those looking to buy homes in Suwannee County, Florida. This program has been in operation since 1934 to date. Its simplified 2022 guidelines provide more accessible qualifications, including the 3.5% down payments.
Better still, Suwannee County home buyers can keep their 3.5% Down Payment in their respective banks through the county’s FHA home buyer grant. Because having cash under the mattress is not acceptable in this industry. You need to open an account (if you don’t have one), deposit that money, allow it to stay in your account for 60 days or two months, and then find the right home that meets your needs.
What is the FHA Loan Limit for Suwannee County, Florida?
As a new home buyer, you need to know that lending limits for Federal Housing Administration loans vary from one county to another in Florida. This variation comes about due to the current cost of local housing and the availability of different housing types.
With that being said, your FHA loan limit for Suwannee County, Florida, includes:
- Single unit - $420,680
- Duplex - $538,650
- Tri-plex - $651,050
- Four-plex - $809,150
Down Payment Assistance Programs in Suwannee County, Florida
For some people, having enough cash to pay their down payment while buying homes is the main hindrance to their homeownership. First-time homebuyers are the most affected in the Sunshine State of Florida, especially in Suwannee County. This is where down payment assistance (DAP) comes in to save the situation.
Usually, DAP helps those with only the monthly income to make down payments but not enough cash to settle the upfront costs. New home buyers may qualify for a low-interest loan to cover their down payment and closing costs.
In this regard, borrowers can easily and comfortably finance their down payment or closing costs using the DAP loan. In other words, DAP is simply a second mortgage on your new home whose benefits include:
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DAP covers both down Payment and closing costs
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Home buyers can enjoy low-interest rates for their second mortgage at 1.0%
- Provides home buying assistance up to 20,000%
Below are the eligibility requirements for DAP in Suwannee County, Florida:
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Submitting your application and qualifying for an FHA loan from a participating lender
- Showing your ability to repay the FHA first mortgage and the second mortgage or DAP loan
Once you fulfill these requirements, you can get up to $10k down payment assistance.
Kid-Friendly Activities in Suwannee County, Florida
Suwannee County provides a conducive environment to raise your kids. The county features excellent places for kids to have fun all day long. These fun-filled places include theme parks, water parks, and playgrounds.
There are also plenty of exciting activities for kids of all ages, such as learning new things, enjoying good food, and participating in outdoor activities.
Below is a list of top attractions for kids in Suwannee County, Florida:
Suwannee Canoe Outpost
A visit to Suwannee Canoe Outpost will enable your little ones to experience unparalleled fun. You and your children will get closer to a lovely river to showcase your canoeing skills at this spot.
Staff at this outpost will also guide your kids on better ways of using canoes to make the most of this epic adventure.
Thunder Alley
Allow your children to visit Thunder Alley to experience a guaranteed fun space during their school holidays. Once they get to this place, your little ones will have the thrill of bowling in a joyful ambiance setup.
A bar and food court are onsite for you and your children to grab some tasty snacks while you take your favorite alcoholic drink. Besides, pool tables and numerous other games keep you busy as your kids enjoy themselves.
Cave Excursions
Another place to take your kids for a visit is the Cave Excursions. This is an excellent place for kids with all kinds of interests. While at this spot, you can set them free to dive or swim as much as they want.
You may also allow them to listen to diving stories or learn various diving techniques from the available staff.
Suwannee River State Park
Take your kids to Suwanee River State Park for hiking, and several outdoor activities, especially in summer. Alternatively, you can all get there for camping or view wildlife in their natural habitat.
You may also visit nearby attractions such as Madison Blue Springs State Park, Rockin N Stables, Gibson County Park, McCulley Farm, and Mitilini Vineyards from Suwannee River State Park.
Suwannee County Historical Museum
Let your young ones learn more about Suwannee County’s history by visiting Suwanee County Historical Museum. Located at the Atlantic Coast Line Freight Deport, the museum highlights the impact of railroad transport on commerce and local industry.
It also features archeological artifacts and fossils, including an extensive collection of photos that take you back in history. You may also consider staying around the museum area to enjoy nearby historical sites, lush scenic farmlands, and quaint towns.
Other places that offer fun kids activities across Suwannee County, Florida
- Little River Springs
- Grande Hall Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park
- Ivery Memorial Park
- Lafayette Blue Springs State Park
- Millennium Park
- Roral Springs Suwannee River Wilderness Trail
Family-friendly Activities in Suwannee County, Florida
Suwannee County in Florida is suitable for buying a home and settling with your entire family. The county is located along the unspoiled Big Bend area of Florida and close to the Gulf of Mexico and the Suwannee River.
Due to its strategic location, Suwannee County brings you and your family closer to countless water-related activities such as:
- Paddling
- Fishing
- Boating
- House-boating
Its location is also ideal for families looking to spend their time visiting and viewing wildlife. For instance, you can take your family to Lower Suwannee Wildlife Refuge to see dolphins, turtles, and birds of different species.
Likewise, you may visit the 2-7-mile long Suwannee River Wilderness Trail, which runs through North Florida, to experience the rock-encrusted banks and tannic-colored water of the Suwannee River. Along this trail, you will come across a collection of fishing villages, springs, and Class 3 rapids.
Other activities your family can engage in while at this spot include kayaking, camping, canoeing, hiking, birding, biking, and horseback riding. All you need is to invest in your best safety gear, and everything else will fall in place, much to your delight.
Other places you may visit as a family include:
- Heritage Park and Gardens
- Wes Skiles Peacock Springs State Park
- The Old Hamilton County Jail
- Ichetucknee Springs State Park
- The Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park and Campground
- Suwannee Country Club
- Troy Springs State Park
- Gan Eden Farms
- The International Falconry Academy
- Mysitic Jungle Educational Facility Inc.
Restaurants and Cafes Specializing in Hispanic Cuisines in Suwannee County, Florida
In general, Suwannee County and the state of Florida are home to different communities living together in harmony. In this case, a significant Hispanic population in Florida draws our attention to restaurants and cafes specializing in Hispanic cuisine.
Below is a list of top eating joints that serve Hispanic dishes in Suwannee County, Florida:
- Carranza Cafe and Market Latino
- Taqueria Los Cabrones
- Moe’s Southwest Grill
- Armando’s Mexican Bar & Grill
- Pepe’s Grocery Store and Restaurant
- Casa Frias Mexican Cuisine
- Mi Viejo Restaurante
- Sandy’s Cafe and Bakey Inc.
- Salsas of the Lake City
- Taco Bell
- Taqueria Betel
- Pampy’s Latin Food
- Tienda, Taqueria y Panaderia Jerusalem
- El Potro Mexican Restaurant
- Chipotle Mexican Grill
- Castillo’s Mexican Restaurant
- Coquitos Latin Fusion
- Elle Cocina
- Old Mexico, Mexican Restaurant
- The Dixie Grill
Most of the above-named restaurants are owned and operated by first-generation Cuban and Mexican Americans.
These restaurants offer a wide variety of Hispanic cuisines to choose from. You may visit them anytime for lunch or dinner with your family and friends.
Final Thought
The Federal Housing Administration program (FHA Loan) was established in 1934 by the National Housing Act. Its sole purpose is to counter mortgage defaults and foreclosures homeowners in Suwannee County, Florida, may experience.
The program goes as far as helping first-time home buyers get homes in Suwannee County, Florida regardless of their limited financial resources. In addition, the FHA program gives FHA-approved lenders in Suwannee insurance.
The program also helps stimulate the real estate market by providing easy access to mortgages for upcoming home buyers with a minimal down payment or low credit score across Florida.
(Mar 27, 2023)
