A Comprehensive Guide to Family Helping Family Mortgage (a.k.a. the Fannie Mae Family Opportunity Clause): Helping Your Elderly Parents or Adult Disabled Child Purchase a Home

May 19, 2025 by Kevin Martini

Let’s be real: the idea of buying a second home for someone else, without the sky-high rates or down payments? It sounds too good to be true.

But it’s not.

Welcome to the Family Opportunity Mortgage offered by the Martini Mortgage Group, a little-known loan program that could be a game changer for Raleigh families.

What is the Family Opportunity Mortgage?

Fannie Mae’s Family Opportunity Mortgage lets you buy a home for your aging parent or disabled adult child, as if you were buying it for yourself.

In plain terms? You get the benefits of an owner-occupied loan (lower rates, better terms), without the requirement of actually living in the home.

It’s not a loophole. It’s a lifeline.

Why It Matters in 2025

At Martini Mortgage Group, we’ve seen a sharp uptick in families in Raleigh and across North Carolina searching for smarter ways to support loved ones, without draining their own financial future.

Here’s the breakdown:

✅ Lower interest rates than second home or investment loans
✅ No minimum distance requirements (yes, you can buy down the street)
✅ Smaller down payments—making it more accessible for buyers
✅ No need to live in the home yourself

Whether you’re buying for a parent on a fixed income or a child with a permanent disability, this is the kind of flexibility most people don’t even know exists.

Common Questions (That We Get All the Time)

Q: Can I buy a house for my parents and use it as their primary residence?
Absolutely—this program was made for exactly that.

Q: Do I have to prove my parents can’t qualify on their own?
Yes. You’ll need to show they cannot afford the home themselves due to income limitations.

Q: Can I use this to buy a home for my adult child with a disability?
Yes, as long as there is documentation proving they cannot work or afford housing on their own.

Q: Can the home be close to my current residence?
Yes—unlike second-home guidelines, there are no distance restrictions.

What Most People Overlook

Let’s talk strategy. This mortgage isn’t about charity. It’s about creating security and preserving wealth.

Helping mom or dad stay nearby? That’s peace of mind.
Giving your disabled child a stable place to live? That’s legacy.

And if you’re working with a top Raleigh Mortgage Lender like Martini Mortgage Group, it’s also surprisingly affordable.

A Word of Warning

Not every lender understands how to structure this loan. And not every borrower qualifies.

That’s why it pays to work with a Certified Mortgage Advisor—someone like Kevin Martini or Logan Martini—who knows the guidelines, the strategy, and the why behind the loan.

Want to Know If You Qualify?

The Family Opportunity Mortgage might be your smartest financial move of 2025—but only if you structure it right.

Call Certified Mortgage Advisor and Raleigh Mortgage Broker Kevin Martini or Logan Martini for a judgment-free strategy session with the Martini Mortgage Group, Raleigh’s trusted team for mortgage clarity and confidence.

How the Restart of Federal Student Loan Payments Affects Mortgage Approval: A Comprehensive Guide By Raleigh Mortgage Broker Logan Martini

August 17, 2023 by Kevin Martini

In March 2020, following the COVID-19 outbreak, federal student loan payments and interest accruals were suspended. This was a lifesaver for many facing unemployment, wage cuts, or other pandemic-induced financial issues. However, as of June 2023, the federal decree affirms that this pause will cease. Consequently, borrowers must brace for payments starting October 1, 2023.

For many prospective homebuyers, this resumption might influence the chances of securing a mortgage due to potential hikes in monthly payments and renewed interest accumulation.

Raleigh Mortgage Broker Logan Martini shares, “It is important for people that have federal student loans to start planning for the repayment of their student loans now. By preparing, they can avoid late payments and interest charges and get on track to repay their debt.”

Federal Student Loan Resumption: What You Should Note

Payments will resume on October 1, 2023. This means you must make your first payment on or before that date.
Interest will resume on September 1, 2023. This means that even if you don’t pay in October, you will still accrue interest on your loan balance.
You will have a 12-month “on-ramp” period. This means you will not be penalized for late payments during the first 12 months of repayment.
You can still make payments while the payment pause is in effect. This can reduce the amount of interest you accrue.
Consider enrolling in an income-driven repayment plan. These plans cap your monthly payment at a percentage of your income.
You can also consider consolidating your loans. This simplifies your repayment and lowers your monthly payment.

Federal Student Loan Payments and Mortgage Eligibility: The Link

Credit reports showed a $0 monthly obligation towards federal student loans during the hiatus. However, entities like FHA, Fannie Mae, and Freddie Mac employed their mechanisms to project prospective payments, crucial for computing the Debt-To-Income (DTI) ratio – an essential mortgage approval metric.

While the pause showed $0 liabilities, FHA and Freddie Mac utilized 0.5% of the total loan balance as the payable amount, and Fannie Mae used 1%. Come October 1; these estimated amounts might differ from actual repayments. Higher-than-estimated figures could unfavorably tilt your DTI, jeopardizing mortgage sanctions.

The Role of Income-Driven Repayment Plans in Mortgage Approval

Income-driven repayment plans, exclusive to federal student loans, determine your monthly dues based on your discretionary income (income post necessary expenses). There are four primary IDR plans:

Pay As You Earn (PAYE): You pay 10% of discretionary income.
Repayment Income-Contingent (REPAYE): 10% of discretionary income, potentially less with dependents or if your spouse has student loans.
Income-Based Repayment (IBR): Your monthly payment is 15% of discretionary income.
Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR): Your monthly payment is 20% of discretionary income.

Under Fannie Mae, if an IDR pegs your monthly payment as $0, it won’t influence your DTI. However, this doesn’t apply to FHA or Freddie Mac.

Final Thoughts from Martini Mortgage Group

Proactively preparing for the reinstatement of federal student loan repayments is crucial. Nevertheless, you should still be able to maintain your homeownership aspirations.

Understanding your financial position is pivotal whether you’re a homeowner or planning to be one. Knowledge isn’t just power – it provides clarity, confidence, and direction.

Should you seek insights on ideal mortgage strategies amidst the federal student loan resumption, don’t hesitate to reach out. Whether diving into homeownership or just gauging available avenues, we aim to guide you toward an optimal choice tailored to your circumstances.

Jumpstart Your Homeownership Journey with Down Payment Assistance in North Carolina offered by the Martini Mortgage Group

June 3, 2023 by Kevin Martini

Are you a first-time homebuyer or planning an upgrade? Are you struggling to pull together that hefty down payment? Say goodbye to your worries because the Martini Mortgage Group is here to help!

Together with the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (NCHFA), the Martini Mortgage Group offers many mortgage products and down payment aid programs. We’re determined to make your dream of owning a home in whatever county you are in North Carolina not just affordable but downright achievable.

Martini Mortgage Group Products – Tailored Just for You!

We’re proud to offer an array of mortgage products designed to fit your unique needs snugly:

Conventional Mortgages: Got a good credit score? Here’s a deal for you – just a 3% down payment to secure your dream home.

FHA Loans: Your dream home is within reach even with a lower credit score. With a down payment of 3.5%, step into your new home easily.

VA Loans: To our brave veterans and their spouses – no down payment required. Your service to our nation makes you more than eligible!

USDA Loans: Living in a rural area? We’ve got you covered with our no-down payment required USDA loans.

Down Payment Aid – Your Homeownership Dream Booster!

Please don’t let a hefty down payment dampen your spirits! We offer you a range of programs to support your dream:

NC Home Advantage Mortgage: Offering up to 3% of the loan as down payment assistance to first-time and upgrade buyers.

NC 1st Home Advantage Down Payment: An incredible $15,000 down payment aid for eligible first-time buyers and military veterans.

NC Home Advantage Tax Credit: Save up to $2,000 in federal taxes annually. Before a home purchase, an approved Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) can seal this deal for you!

What is your Next Step? Contact Us!

Ready to turn your homeownership dream into reality? It’s time to contact the Martini Mortgage Group! Not only will we answer all your queries, but we’ll also guide you seamlessly through your home-buying journey. Here’s why you should choose us:

Experience: We’re seasoned mortgage professionals well-versed in the NCHFA programs.

Tailored Help: We’ll help you pick the best mortgage product and down payment assistance program to suit your needs.

Unwavering Support: We’re with you from step one to the last, ensuring a hassle-free homebuying experience.

So, why wait? Reach out to us today and let us propel you towards your dream of homeownership. Let’s make your dream home a reality together!