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.

Martini Mortgage Group – Your Partner in Raleigh Home Financing

March 30, 2023 by Kevin Martini

Simplifying the Mortgage Process for Raleigh Homebuyers

Are you searching for the right mortgage lender in Raleigh? Look no further than Martini Mortgage Group. With years of experience in the industry, our team understands the ins and outs of the local market and can help you navigate the mortgage process with ease.

Personalized Solutions

At Martini Mortgage Group, we know that no two homebuyers are the same. That’s why we take a personalized approach to each client, taking the time to understand your unique needs and financial situation. We offer a wide range of mortgage products, from conventional to FHA and VA loans, and can help you find the right fit for your budget and lifestyle.

Streamlined Process

We understand that the mortgage process can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve streamlined our process to make it as simple and stress-free as possible. Our team will guide you through each step, from pre-approval to closing, ensuring that you understand the process and are comfortable with the decisions you’re making.

Competitive Rates

At Martini Mortgage Group, we’re committed to offering competitive rates to our clients. We work with a wide range of lenders, giving us access to a variety of loan products and rates. Our team will help you compare options and find the best rate for your unique financial situation.

Expert Guidance

Navigating the mortgage process can be challenging, especially for first-time homebuyers. At Martini Mortgage Group, we’re here to provide expert guidance every step of the way. Our team has the knowledge and experience to answer your questions and provide advice that’s tailored to your needs.

Final Thoughts from Raleigh Mortgage Broker Logan Martini

At Martini Mortgage Group, we’re dedicated to helping Raleigh homebuyers achieve their dreams of homeownership. With personalized solutions, a streamlined process, competitive rates, and expert guidance, we’re your trusted partner for home financing. Contact me today to learn more: (919) 238-4934