An alien resident who is in the U.S. legally and also employed in the U.S. is assigned an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) and may also be issued a Social Security Number (SSN) that is “VALID FOR WORK ONLY WITH DHS AUTHORIZATION.” Loans to these borrowers offer flexibility in documentation; however, borrowers must meet credit, down payment sourcing, employment, identification, and tax return verification requirements.
A Foreign National is a citizen of another country temporarily living in the United States and whose permanent residence and employment are in the other country. Although minimum requirements are more stringent, Foreign Nationals may qualify for a 2nd Home or Investment Property mortgage and purchase U.S. residential or commercial property.
AFN offers a path to homeownership to self-employed borrowers who cannot prove their income in the same manner as an employed (W-2) wage earner. Bank statements or Income Profit & Loss (P&L) Statements (prepared by a Tax Professional) are sufficient to verify self-employed income to qualify these borrowers to purchase or refinance a primary residence, second home, or investment property.
What is a Refinance? Also referred to as a Refi, it is a new mortgage loan that is used to pay off the existing loan. A Refi is an excellent way to do a number of things, depending on your needs. In some instances, you can lower your interest rate by refinancing, which can result in a lower monthly payment and substantial savings over the life of the loan. If the property has equity, a Refi is a great way to get cash-in-hand with what is called a Cash-out Refi. Regulatory agencies only allow a Refi if it offers what is known as Net Tangible Benefit to you. Since we are bound by their regulations, rest assured we will only recommend a Refi if it is in your best interest. Following are some of the key Refi features.
Borrowing options for experienced landlords include more offerings. A traditional non-owner-occupied loan may be appropriate, or a loan geared specifically toward investors may be a better fit. Investors who can show proof of recent experience owning income-producing property and meeting other qualifications may receive more favorable terms than first-time investors. The property being purchased is also crucial to determining loan terms, as the amount of cash flow the property can produce impacts qualification.
These loans are designed for real estate investors who wish to buy properties—often below market value—that require modernization or rehabilitation and then resell (flip) them for a profit. The buy-fix-flip concept is not new—rehab financing has been used to revitalize properties and neighborhoods for decades. They are a great way to roll the purchase and renovation costs into a single loan.
Even if you have never owned a second property—residential or commercial—you may qualify for an Investor Solution loan. Known in the mortgage industry as Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR), this loan of up to $3,500,000 for qualified buyers can help you become a real estate investor and landlord, securing a stream of rental income and an investment property during a time when both prospects are highly desirable.
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USDA loans are backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development division and are offered to borrowers with moderate and lower incomes (income cannot exceed 115% of the median household income for the area). AFN offers USDA programs that allow eligible applicants to build, improve, purchase, rehabilitate, or relocate a dwelling in an eligible rural area. Many USDA programs have 0% down payment required, and gift funds from family members are allowed to help with closing costs. There is no USDA-imposed loan limit (credit score, income, and other factors are used to determine eligibility and qualifying loan amount).
If a Conventional loan suits your needs, but the property you want to purchase or refinance exceeds conforming loan limits, a jumbo loan may be the answer. AFN offers Jumbo programs from $1,000,000 up to $5,000,000.
For borrowers with sufficient income to make regular mortgage payments but need help with the down payment, AFN carries an array of Down Payment Assistance programs offered by entities across the country. If you are ready to purchase but don’t have the down payment required, meet with Seth to discuss your options.
Renovation loans, sometimes referred to as rehabilitation loans, are backed by most of the entities mentioned above and are a great way to modernize your home so you can continue to enjoy it for years to come. Some renovation programs allow purchase and rehabilitation funds all-in-one, so you can buy a home that tick most of the items on your wish list and renovate before moving in to make it the absolute home of your dreams. Homes that need rehabilitation are priced lower than turn-key properties, which helps homebuyers afford the purchase and renovation in one loan.
FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) and an excellent option for first-time homebuyers and borrowers with a lower credit score who may not qualify for conventional financing. They offer programs with a 3.5% down payment, and gift funds from family members are allowed to help with closing costs. This financing is available only for purchasing a home in which you intend to live as your primary residence, and loans must conform to FHA Loan Limits. If you currently have an FHA mortgage, there are also refinancing options available, as well as home improvement programs.
*Just for veterans and surviving spouses! Finance up to 100% of your new home’s value with no money down, and no private mortgage insurance (although an upfront fee may be required); or refinance your home quickly and easily with minimal paperwork.
VA loans, backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), are solely available to U.S. Veterans and surviving spouses. AFN offers VA programs to help our Veterans buy, build, or improve a home or refinance an existing home loan. Veterans who qualify can receive VA loans with 0% down payment and no VA-imposed loan limit (credit score, income, and other factors are used to determine eligibility and qualifying loan amount).
Specialty Products provide homeownership opportunities to borrowers who cannot qualify for traditional programs—such as the self-employed. These products offer features like using personal or business bank statements for income verification and can accommodate other circumstances that traditional mortgages cannot. If none of the above-mentioned loan products seem like a fit, chances are AFN has a Specialty Product that will get you the purchase or refinance you seek.
Unique Specialty Products include:
1. Small-balance Commercial Loans (≤ $5MM)
2. First-time Investor (Landlord) Loans Even if you have never owned a second property—residential or commercial—you may qualify for an Investor Solution loan. Known in the mortgage industry as Debt Service Coverage Ratio (DSCR), this loan of up to $3,500,000 for qualified buyers can help you become a real estate investor and landlord, securing a stream of rental income and an investment property during a time when both prospects are highly desirable.
3. Specialty Rehabilitation Loans
4. Second Chance Loans that Allow Imperfect Credit Events, Such As: A. COVID-19 Forbearance B. Loan Modification C. Prior Bankruptcy D. Prior Foreclosure E. Prior Short Sale
Conventional Conforming loans meet the underwriting requirements of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the two most prominent government-sponsored enterprises (GSEs) that are regulated by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and bring capital to the housing market. Conforming means the loans conform to Fannie/Freddie guidelines and the lending limits set by FHFA, as determined by geographic region (FHFA Conforming Loan Limits). Often thought of as a traditional home loan that requires a 20% down payment, Conventional loans now offer several options that require only 3% down.