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.

Insights into the Raleigh Mortgage and Housing Market for Fall 2023

September 14, 2023 by martinimo

September 14, 2023

The vibrant city of Raleigh and all cities around North Carolina are prepping to witness seasonal shifts not just in its climate, but in its real estate and mortgage sectors too. This fall, there are significant insights that potential homebuyers should be aware of. Certified Mortgage Advisor and Raleigh Mortgage Broker Kevin Martini shares 3 things to know about the Raleigh mortgage and housing market in the fall of 2023.

Housing Inventory is Running Low

Scarcity of Homes Available:
The pulse of any real estate market is its housing inventory. This metric quantifies the number of homes currently available for sale. Another way to assess this is by calculating the months’ supply – estimating the time it would take to exhaust this inventory considering the current demand.

In a market that strikes a balance between demand and supply, a six-month inventory is typical. However, Raleigh’s current situation and many cities all over North Carolina depict a tighter scenario with just about half of that estimate. This low inventory inevitably boosts buyer competition, leading to situations where houses attract multiple offers. In such a competitive landscape, partnering with a seasoned professional could be your key to success. That is why in this market it is essential to not just get qualified but approved for your Raleigh mortgage before the home search. Obviously, mortgage approval will give you price and cost clarity but most importantly. it provides a homebuyer and a home seller with certainty.

Settling into the New Raleigh Mortgage Rate Norm

Welcome New Era of 6-7% Raleigh Mortgage Rates:
2022 saw an unprecedented leap in mortgage rates – doubling within the year. Such a drastic rise prompted potential buyers to hit the brakes on their purchasing plans. However, as of the previous fall, the dust seems to have settled, bringing the rates to hover around 6% to 7%. It’s crucial to recalibrate expectations and acknowledge that the days of 3% mortgage rates are now behind us.

The Upward Trend of Raleigh Home Prices

A Surge in Property Valuation:
If you are plugged into the news, you might be riding a rollercoaster of uncertainty concerning home prices. Here’s a comforting thought: The most significant dips in home prices are in our rearview mirror, with national appreciation on the horizon.

However, always remember, that property valuations can be hyper-local. Factors such as limited inventory coupled with robust buyer demand continue to exert upward pressure on prices. An assertion by Doug Duncan, the Chief Economist at Fannie Mae, reinforces this trend: “…housing prices are surpassing prior expectations, reflecting the robustness of demand driven by demographics…”

Given this scenario of rising prices, prospective homebuyers might want to act rather than wait, ensuring they lock in the best value.

Expert Take: Kevin Martini’s Perspective

A Glimpse Beyond Perception:
While perceptions can often blur realities, it’s essential to base decisions on tangible facts. Fall 2023 is ripe with opportunities for those willing to explore. Collaborate with Kevin Martini or a seasoned Mortgage Strategist from the Martini Mortgage Group, ensuring that your decisions are well-informed and robust.

Raleigh Mortgage Broker Logan Martini

Raleigh Mortgage Broker Kevin Martini

Media Bio of the Author: Kevin Martini

Kevin Martini, empowers families to create generational wealth through real estate with the perfect mortgage strategy.

His proprietary system has revolutionized consumer-lender relationships in the mortgage industry, and as a result, he has originated over a billion dollars in home loans since 2006. Kevin’s passion and intentionality lie in constantly pursuing perfect mortgage solutions that align with clients’ fluctuating personal circumstances and market conditions. He is genuinely dedicated to helping clients make intelligent financial decisions to facilitate wealth growth, future planning, and progress toward a debt-free retirement.

Kevin has been recognized as one of the top 50 Mortgage Originators in the country. His contributions to the field have earned him features in esteemed publications such as Forbes Bankrate and CNET. In addition, he frequently shares his knowledge at real estate and mortgage conferences. He also hosts the Martini Mortgage Podcast, which provides up-to-date, factual content on real estate and mortgages.

His Instagram and YouTube channels serve as platforms for various content, including breaking news, emerging stories, and innovative strategies curated to provide a comprehensive understanding of the real estate and mortgage arena.

Unlocking Home Equity: The Power of Cash-Out Refinance with Martini Mortgage Group

August 31, 2023 by Kevin Martini

Homeownership stands as a monumental landmark in one’s life. As the foundation for countless memories and a testament to hard work, it’s no wonder homeowners prioritize its upkeep. Yet, renovations often come with a hefty price tag, making the dream of modern upgrades elusive for some. Enter the solution: cash-out refinance.

A cash-out refinance can efficiently leverage the equity you’ve built in your home for various needs. Unlike credit cards, personal loans, or second mortgages, cash-out refinance allows homeowners to streamline their finances while investing back into their property and/or since a cash-out refinance can be multifaceted, from covering repair bills and consolidating debts to even settling outstanding student loans.

Certified Mortgage Advisor and Raleigh mortgage broker Kevin Martini dives into the intricacies of cash-out refinance. His goal? To equip homeowners like you with the knowledge to navigate this financial avenue confidently.

What Is Cash-Out Refinance?

In its essence, cash-out refinance offers a fresh financial start. Homeowners can secure a new, larger mortgage, using the difference between their current mortgage and the new loan amount as a lump sum in hand. For instance, if there’s an outstanding mortgage of $150,000 on a home valued at $250,000, one might refinance for $200,000. The initial $150,000 serves to clear the first mortgage, and the extra $50,000 is available to use as seen fit.

Top 3 Advantages of Cash-Out Refinance

Unlocking Home Equity
Your home equity, the portion of your property, is genuinely yours. The simple formula to understand this is: Current Market Value of Home − Outstanding Mortgage Balance = Home Equity
Consolidating Debt
Many homeowners find relief in using their cash-out refinance proceeds to consolidate looming high-interest debts. This not only trims the number of payments they juggle but may also lead to a reduction in the overall interest they owe and, ultimately, to a lower monthly outflow.
Home Improvements Investment
Elevate your living experience by channeling funds from your cash-out refinance towards significant home improvements. Besides enhancing living conditions, it can also amplify the property’s market worth.

Eligibility and Prerequisites for Cash-Out Refinance

Sufficient Home Equity: Typically, you have at least 20% equity in your home after the cash-out refinance.
Consistent Income Stream: Proof of a reliable income to ensure you can manage the monthly mortgage payouts.
Credit Score: Although specific requirements may differ, a robust credit score can grant you better terms and approval odds.
Interest Rate Considerations: Cash-out refinance rates can edge out slightly higher than rate-and-term refinance rates, given the more substantial loan size.

Expert Insight From Certified Mortgage Advisor Kevin Martini

While many focus on the mortgage rate, the larger picture is harnessing the cash-out refinance to lower your total borrowing cost. Most Martini Mortgage Group clientele enjoy commendable mortgage rates. Even with the prevailing mortgage rate conditions, the strategy of debt consolidation through cash-out refinance remains a winner.

It’s vital to differentiate between two primary refinances: cash-out and rate and term. The former typically comes with a premium.

A reminder from Kevin: Mortgage rates ebb and flow. The question isn’t whether the Federal Reserve will rein in inflation but when. Forecasts from the Mortgage Bankers Association project a 5% 30-year fixed mortgage rate by 2024’s close. Thus, acting now on a cash-out refinance can secure you a stronger financial footing, both immediately and down the line.

For personalized guidance on whether a cash-out refinance aligns with your financial vision, reach out to the Martini Mortgage Group.