Learn More About Mortgages
Here in New Orleans, buyers can choose between dozens of different mortgages. It may even be possible to combine a few different loans to create a financing plan that's tailored to your unique needs. If you're feeling a little overwhelmed, here are a few of the most common options you'll want to consider:
Common Mortgage Options in NOLA
Conventional loan
- Usually lasts from 15 to 30 years
- Can have a fixed or adjustable rate
- Requires a good credit score and financial history
- Most buyers need a 20% down payment to qualify
VA loan
- Available for active, retired, or veteran members of the armed forces
- Low down payment requirements with no mortgage insurance
- Only available for move-in ready, primary residences
- One-time funding fee may be necessary
FHA loan
- Less strict income and credit requirements
- Wide range of lower down payment options
- Requires mortgage insurance
- Can have higher interest rates
USDA loan
- Used in "rural" areas (like Gretna, Belle Chasse, and Terrytown)
- Low down payment requirements
- Targeted towards buyers with a modest, steady income
- Check the eligibility map before applying
Balloon Mortgage
- Payments are based on a 30-year loan but are paid over 5 – 7 years
- At the end of the term, the borrower must pay off the balance or refinance
- Often has lower interest rates and credit requirements
- More common with commercial real estate
Delta 100 Program
- Offered by the Louisiana Housing Corporation
- Available to first-time buyers with lower credit
- Offers 100% financing for eligible buyers
- Covers 3% of closing costs
Lender-specialty loans
- Typically offered by lenders
- Can have lower interest rates or down payment requirements
- May be tailored to first-time or low-income buyers
- Contact your lender for more information
Resilience Soft Second Loan
- Offered by the Louisiana Housing Corporation
- Designed to help buyers affected by recent flood damage
- Funds 20% or $50k of a home's purchase price
- All or part of the loan can be forgiven
Choosing the Right Loan
Consider rates
During 2020, mortgage rates reached historic lows—and most experts predict that they'll stay under 3% for the foreseeable future. If you want to secure the best possible rate, be sure to shop around and explore deals from local lenders. You'll also want to consider whether you want a fixed or adjustable-rate loan.
Calculate your down payment
Most buyers should have at least 20% of a home's purchase price saved up as a down payment. For example, if a home is listed for $200k, your down payment should be around $40,000 (or more, if possible). Some mortgages require less or even no money upfront, so be sure to discuss all of your options with your lender and agent.
Check for incentives
Many lenders offer incentives for certain buyers, such as first-timers, current or retired members of the military, or buyers with a lower income and credit score. It's worth taking a look at these programs to see if you qualify—they could end up saving you tens of thousands of dollars over the lifespan of your mortgage!
Types of Lenders
Banks & mortgage bankers
- The most common lenders
- Earn money from investors and consumers
- Offer other financial services
- Can give special deals to existing customers
Credit unions
- A type of bank owned by account holders
- Acquire funds from their members
- Offer other financial services to members
- Often requires membership
Mortgage lenders
- An institution that solely makes loans against real estate
- Often sell their loans to banks or other servicing companies
- Processing, underwriting, and closing completed in-house
- Getting a loan from a mortgage lender can take less time
Mortgage brokers
- A middleman between the buyer and lender
- Shops around for the best possible deals
- Can be helpful for niche buyers
- Charges additional fees for their services
Federal government
- The US government guarantees a variety of loans
- USDA loans
- FHA loans
- Other options available from HUD
State government
- The LHC offers multiple programs for buyers
- Can be helpful for first-time or low-income buyers
- Offers down payment assistance programs
- Special programs for homeowners affected by natural disasters
Choosing the Right Lender
Shop around
Doing plenty of research is one of the most crucial parts of the home financing process. Because there are so many different options out there, it may take a while to find a lender who offers the right type of mortgage that fits your needs. Be sure to take note of interest rates and special programs, as well as terms and conditions for each lender, too.
Get recommendations
Your agent, mortgage broker, or even your loved ones may be able to recommend a great lender, so ask around! In fact, many agents have connections with local lenders, and some even offer discounts for referrals. Mortgage comparison sites—such as NerdWallet or BankRate—can also provide up-to-date information on the industry's leading lenders.
Contact lenders
If you have any questions for a particular lender, try picking up the phone or sending them an email. Most lenders will be more than happy to discuss your unique situation, as well as any programs that could apply to you. They may also have some tips to help you navigate the application process.
Ready to Calculate Your Monthly Payments?
Use our mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly mortgage payments at various home price points, interest rates, down payments, insurance, and tax costs, and more. We'd be happy to help you find a loan that fits into your budget!
Have questions? Contact the Nugent-Freeland Team today to learn more about buying a home in the Big Easy. We look forward to helping you find your new niche!