The Nest

NestApple's Real Estate Blog

Featuring real estate articles and information to help real estate buyers and sellers. The Nest features writings from Georges Benoliel and other real estate professionals. Georges is the Co-Founder of NestApple and has been working as an active real estate investor for over a decade.

How To Choose The Right Mortgage Program In New York City

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New York City is the most populous location in the United States, being the center of finance, politics, entertainment, and culture. Therefore, it’s unsurprising that people flock to the city to experience what it offers. If you plan on acquiring property in The Big Apple, it’s time to learn about the right mortgage program. Finding the right Mortgage for me remains a challenge, and keep reading to find out how to select a mortgage program that suits you and your lifestyle. Thus, choosing the right Mortgage remains critical.

When purchasing a home, finding the right property isn’t enough if you don’t have the cash to buy it outright. The other important factor to consider is selecting the most suitable mortgage option. Since you will be repaying the mortgage over an extended period, choosing a loan that aligns with your requirements and financial constraints is necessary. When taking out a mortgage, there are two critical factors: the principal, which represents the loan amount, and the interest charged on that principal. The interest is the fee charged by lenders for lending money to borrowers. While the U.S. government does not act as a mortgage lender, it provides guarantees for certain mortgage loans. When choosing a mortgage, there are six main types available: conventional, conforming, nonconforming, FHA-insured, VA-insured, and USDA-insured.
  1. Assess Your Situation

Choosing the right Mortgage, but where to start? Before heading to a lender’s office, analyze your needs and situation. It’ll help you decide on a loan option that fits your circumstances. Consider

The Right Mortgage

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the following factors:

  1. How much is the cost of the home? The mortgage payment will depend on it and can vary depending on the location and the kind of area you want. For example, use a mortgage calculator if you already know the cost of the property you like.
  2. There are significant events in your life that could happen. You might decide to move later on, which can influence the loan you choose, or you might get an adjustable-rate mortgage if you plan to stay longer.
  3. Research The Types Of Loans: choosing the right Mortgage

Do your diligence and evaluate the options available to you. Learn the requirements of each loan and see where you’re eligible.

  • Conventional Loans

These mortgage loans are ideal for individuals with a clean credit history, steady employment, lower debt, and savings for putting down at least 3% of the loan. These loans allow borrowers to acquire residential housing, vacation houses, and investment properties.

There are similar mortgage programs worth looking into called the Hero Program. Banks specifically designed this mortgage loan for local and national individuals, such as healthcare workers, first responders, police officers, and teachers, who want the opportunity to stop renting and own a home.

Moreover, the program helps qualifying individuals save money since it has no hidden fees and offers access to various lending institutions.

  • FHA Mortgage

Backed by a federal agency, FHA is a type of Mortgage wherein the agency will compensate the lender if the borrower cannot repay the loan. It’s a risky loan on the lender’s side but more accessible.

A beautiful view of the Empire States and skyscrapers in New York City, United States

The Federal Housing Administration supports this program, and borrowers can get an FHA mortgage through a 3.5% down payment if their credit score is 580 and above. Or if your down payment is 10%, the score is 500 to 579. Be sure to look at your debt-to-income ratio of 43% or below.

There’s no need to pay for PMI with FHA, but a different type of insurance costs 1.75% of the closing mortgage. The annual premium is up to 1.05% of your Mortgage.

  • V.A. Loan: The Right Mortgage for Veterans

The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs supports the V.A. mortgage loan. Indeed, it’s available for members and veterans of the military, including surviving spouses. Veteran Affairs guarantee the loan and private lenders are the issuing authorities.

Most VA loans don’t need a deposit or a down payment and don’t have a minimum credit score, although private lenders may require 580 to 660. They’re also low-interest mortgages with capped closing costs that the lender might pay. Along with closing costs, you can estimate using a closing cost calculator.

You can pay it upfront or roll it into loans. Many lenders offer V.A. loans with meager rates and might also accept low credit scores.

  • Fixed-Rate Mortgage: the right Mortgage for the risk-averse borrowers

If you prefer a loan with a fixed interest rate, you’ll be setting your sights on either a fixed-rate or an adjustable-rate type of mortgage loan.

With fixed-rate mortgages, the interest rate remains unchanging throughout the loan. Whether the U.S. rate goes high or low over the years, you’ll pay the same rate in 30 years.

The fixed-rate Mortgage is ideal since the rates are still lower. You can choose to lock in the low-interest rate now.

  • Jumbo Mortgage Loans: The Right Mortgage for high-end borrowers

Significantly larger than conforming loans, jumbo mortgage loans fall outside of the limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency. They’re available to high-end borrowers who want to own an expensive home. High-end borrowers must have high credit scores and history, low debt, and ample savings.

Any loan significantly larger than USD$647,200 is a jumbo loan in the current year. This loan is commonly found in New York City, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Hawaii. Lenders at risk might require strict eligibility as it involves a lot of money.

  1. Consider The Down Payment before 

As you check out the different types of loans, consider your savings because your upfront down payment will affect which mortgage loan is appropriate for your needs. You’ll get more options if you can pay a larger down payment.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need at least a 20% down payment.

You only need what’s required, depending on the loan category.

  1. Check Your Credit Score before choosing the right Mortgage

Credit scores serve as proof that you can pay your loan. So, before picking a mortgage program, ensure that you qualify. Some loan options don’t require high scores, and lenders will accept as low as 620.

But to get a higher chance of approval for loans, take the time to improve your score and get your financial health in good order by paying off your debts and avoiding big-ticket purchases.

Conclusion: find the right Mortgage for me

If you want to live in New York City, research what mortgage loan will be ideal for you. Therefore, many reputable lenders will help you get the property you want regarding how much you can afford.

The loans mentioned above are only a few of the many mortgage types. Consider the factors that will serve you best before settling on a loan immediately. Finding the right Mortgage is the goal.



Written By: Georges Benoliel

Georges has been working in Wall Street for the last 16 years trading derivatives with hedge funds. He has been an active real estate investor for over a decade. Georges graduated from HEC Business School in Paris and holds a master in Finance from ESADE Barcelona.

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