VA Home Loan | Mortgage Lenders in Raleigh NC

VA Funding Fee Reduction: What You Need to Know About VA Home Loans and Benefits

February 27, 2023 by Kevin Martini

Great and exciting news for veterans and active-duty service members! The Department of Veteran Affairs has recently announced a reduction in VA funding fees for home loans that are closed on or after April 7, 2023. In this article, we will cover what a VA home loan is, its benefits, and explain what the VA funding fee is.

What Is A VA Home Loan?

A VA mortgage is a home loan that is backed by the US Department of Veterans Affairs. It is an excellent option for those who qualify, as it is less risky for lenders than conventional home loans. This makes it easier to qualify for a VA home loan, and they offer several fantastic benefits.

Benefits Of A VA Home Loan

If you are eligible for a VA home loan in North Carolina or anywhere else, here are the benefits:

Buy a home with zero down payment. For many homebuyers, this means moving into a home immediately rather than waiting to save up for a down payment.
Competitive interest rates, which are typically more affordable than conventional home loans.
No Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) or Mortgage Insurance Premium (MIP) required, even if you put nothing down.
Capped closing costs to keep them affordable.
The ability to refinance with a VA home loan without needing an appraisal, unless discount points are charged.

What Is The VA Funding Fee?

The VA funding fee is a charge paid to the Department of Veteran Affairs to help reduce the cost associated with administering the VA home loan benefit. The amount of the funding fee depends on whether it is the first or subsequent use, the down payment amount, and whether the service member or veteran qualifies for a waiver. The VA funding fee may be financed into the home loan.

New VA Funding Fees

Effective from April 7, 2023, the VA funding fee will be reduced for both first use and subsequent use. For down payment amounts less than 5%, the new VA funding fee percentage will be 2.15% for first use and 3.3% for subsequent use. Previously, these amounts were 2.3% and 3.6%, respectively. For down payments between 5% and 9.99%, the new VA funding fee will be 1.5%, compared to the previous amount of 1.65%. For down payments of 10% or more, the new funding fee will be 1.25%, down from the previous 1.4%.

Apply For A VA Mortgage

If you’re interested in applying for a VA mortgage, the Martini Mortgage Group can help. They can assist you in moving into a home in Raleigh or anywhere in North Carolina without making a down payment or paying for PMI, while still having a favorable interest rate. Give the Martini Mortgage Group a call at (919) 238-4934 to schedule a confidential conversation.

Logan Martini

Senior Mortgage Strategist | NMLS 1591485

Logan@MartiniMortgageGroup.com

Kevin Martini

Certified Mortgage Advisor | NMLS 143962

Kevin@MartiniMortgageGroup.com

Raleigh Mortgage Broker Shares Creative Mortgage Strategy for Raleigh Homebuyers | Martini Mortgage Group

October 16, 2022 by Kevin Martini

For perspective, basically a year ago, Raleigh mortgage rates started with a 3 and now they start with a 7. The last time Raleigh mortgage rates were at this level was in Spring 2002 and that was 20-years ago! Many experts predict, Raleigh mortgage rates will starts with an 8 sooner than we will see home loan rates that starts with a 5.

The Fed’s past, and likely future, tightening actions are engineered to decrease demand in order to reduce inflation. The Fed’s action are working as it relates to the housing and mortgage markets market.

The Free Martini Mortgage Group at Gold Star Mortgage Buydown Calculator

Increasing Raleigh mortgage rates are presenting some challenges and opportunities not just to first-time homebuyers but also to repeat homebuyers too!

Raleigh Homebuyer Opportunity

Raleigh mortgage rates are not the only thing going up, rents are too! Sure, we are seeing a deceleration of appreciation and it is possible to see a month-over-month decline of home values however annual home values are not forecasted to decline since there remains a supply and demand imbalance with real estate that could take a decade to resolve.
In this market, buyers are finding unprecedented homeownership opportunities.
Logan Martini | Raleigh Mortgage Broker with Martini Mortgage Group

Raleigh Homebuyer Challenge

It’s just a fact! The sharp upward movement in home loan rates is making home buying more challenging. Affordability and buying power is impacted in the current environment. With elevated home loan rates impact home affordability. When home loan rates move upwards by 1%, buying power is reduced by 10%.
Kevin Martini | Raleigh Mortgage Broker with Martini Mortgage Group

Buydown Home Loan Programs | a Martini Mortgage Group creative strategy to help Raleigh homebuyers to leap over the challenges and take advantage of the Raleigh real estate opportunity to become a homeowners.

What is the Martini Mortgage Group buydown loan program (a.k.a. Seller-Paid Buydown)?

The Martini Mortgage Group Buydown Program offered by Logan Martini and Kevin Martini is where where the seller pays a fee at the closing to reduce the interest rate on the buyer’s mortgage temporarily. This results in temporarily lowering the buyer’s monthly cost and making the home more affordable for a homebuyer today.

A buydown reduces the homebuyer’s interest rate and monthly cost during the first few years(s) of homeownership, making the home more affordable for homebuyers. It has a much greater impact on the homebuyer’s monthly payment than reducing the list price of the home.

The Martini Mortgage Group, a Raleigh mortgage lender, Buydown Program has three options (i.e. 1-0 Buydown, 2-1 Buydown & 3-2-1 Buydown).

1-0 Buydown

Seller pays a fee at closing (the fee must be within the Interested Parties Contribution based on the loan the homebuyer is securing) to reduce the interest rate on the Raleigh homebuyer’s mortgage by 1% in year 1.

an example of the 1-0 buydown Program by Martini Mortgage Group, a Raleigh mortgage lender

For illustration ONLY: if homebuyer purchased $400,000 home and put 20% down with a 30-year fixed rate of 7%, they would have a P&I payment of $2,129. However, if the homebuyer requested (or the seller offered) at list price (e.g. $400,000) the Martini Mortgage Group 1-0 Buydown Program, the rate would be reduced by 1% for the first year (i.e. 6% in this example for illustration ONLY). The homebuyer would save $2,520 of P&I during the first year and that is a savings of $210 a month to the homebuyer.

2-1 Buydown

Seller pays a fee at closing (the fee must be within the Interested Parties Contribution based on the loan the homebuyer is securing) reduce the interest rates on the buyer’s mortgage by 2% in year 1 and 1% in year 2.

an example of the 2-1 buydown Program by Martini Mortgage Group, a Raleigh mortgage lender

For illustration ONLY: if homebuyer purchased $400,000 home and put 20% down with a 30-year fixed rate of 7%, they would have a P&I payment of $2,129. However, if the homebuyer requested (or the seller offered) at list price (e.g. $400,000) the Martini Mortgage Group 2-1 Buydown Program, the interest rate would be reduced by 2% for the first year (i.e. 5% in this example for illustration ONLY).

During the first year of the 2-1 Martini Mortgage Group Buydown Program, the homebuyer would save $4,932 of P&I. That is a savings of $411 a month to the homebuyer during the first year.

During the second year of the 2-1 Martini Mortgage Group Buydown Program, the homebuyer would save $2,520 of P&I. That is a savings of $210 a month to the homebuyer during the second year.

3-2-1 Buydown

Seller pays a fee at closing (the fee must be within the Interested Parties Contribution based on the loan the homebuyer is securing) reduce the interest rates on the Raleigh homebuyer’s mortgage by 3% in year 1, 2% in year 2 and 1% in year 3.

an example of the 3-2-1 buydown Program by Martini Mortgage Group, a Raleigh mortgage lender

For illustration ONLY: if homebuyer purchased $400,000 home and put 20% down with a 30-year fixed rate of 7%, they would have a P&I payment of $2,129. However, if the homebuyer requested (or the seller offered) at list price (e.g. $400,000) the Martini Mortgage Group 3-2-1 Buydown Program, the rate would be reduced by 3% for the first year (i.e. 4% in this example for illustration ONLY).

During the first year of the 3-2-1 Martini Mortgage Group Buydown Program, the homebuyer would save $7,212 of P&I. That is a savings of $601 a month to the homebuyer during the first year.

During the second year of the 3-2-1 Martini Mortgage Group Buydown Program, the homebuyer would save $4,932 of P&I. That is a savings of $411 a month to the homebuyer during the second year.

During the third year of the 3-2-1 Martini Mortgage Group Buydown Program, the homebuyer would save $2,520 of P&I. That is a savings of $210 a month to the homebuyer during the third year.

Raleigh Homebuyers Consider Martini Mortgage Group Buydown Home Loan Program A Quasi Asset

At time of sale or refinance, the unused balance of the buydown is credited to the customer.

Is the Martini Buydown Program the Best Mortgage Loan Program if securing a home loan in Raleigh, North Carolina for a first-time or repeat homebuyer?

It depends! Sadly no mortgage company website can determine the clients best loan options. Obviously payments are more affordable temporarily not permanently with a buydown home loan program so, a customer needs to consider the length of time they will be in the home loan to determine the true benefit.

Since many industry experts and Fannie Mae are predicting a conventional interest rates will start with a 4 in late 2023 or early 2024, it is likely the loan program a customer gets today they will likely be refinancing in 12- to 18 months.

I have been in the financial services since the late 80’s and exclusively in the mortgage industry since 2006 in Raleigh, North Carolina. I have yet to meet two clients that have the same financial needs.
A home loan solution for a home purchase may be different than one that is for a refinance. Perhaps a FHA home loan is the proper home loan financing solution for a customer to buy a home with but a conventional is the proper lending solution to when refinancing.
Whether buying a home in Raleigh, NC or refinancing a mortgage, a customer needs to understand it is a process not an event to secure the proper home loan financing solution. The process does not need to be painful, it should be free and educational while providing the customer with price and cost clarity with certainty.
Kevin Martini | Raleigh Mortgage Broker with Martini Mortgage Group

Advantages AND disadvantages of Buydown loan options

With anything, when there are advantages, there are likely disadvantages and this sentiment is true with buydowns. Things to consider are: the prevailing rate, the amount of the loan, the amount of interest saved, how loan you are expecting to be in the loan and your future income.

Advantages of Buydown loan options

a temporary reduction of interest rate provides payment assistance to Raleigh homebuyers
the potential opportunity to purchase a home in Raleigh, North Carolina less than list price
the ability for a first time or repeat homebuyer to ease into a payment

disadvantages of Buydown loan options

once the temporary reduction of interest rate period is over, there is no more payment assistance
if thoughts of refinance do not materialize or income does not increase one could struggle the absence of payment assistance

Get trusted advice from a local expert that some call the best mortgage guys in Raleigh, NC. The Martini Mortgage Group offers local home loan programs such as Conventional Loans, FHA Loans, Jumbo Loans and USDA Loans to name a few. To contact loan officer Logan Martini or loan officer Kevin Martini for a financial review simply call (919)238-4934 or stop by the office since the Martini Mortgage Group is local and is located in downtown Raleigh, NC at 507 N Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27604.

Martini Mortgage Group Buydown Loan Program Can Be Combined with the Martini Mortgage Group ‘No Contract Lock’

The No Contract Lock (a.k.a. Lock & Shop) is where a clients can lock a loan program for a Conventional Loan, FHA Loan or VA loan for up to 90-days at no charge with a FREE float down option.

Future homeowners can shop for their next home worry-free in Raleigh, NC knowing their interest rate is protected for 90-days. For added purchase worry-free protection, if the interest rate rises their loan rate is protected. Plus, if the loan program interest rate drops, as a mortgage lender, we offer a free float-down option. This is a lending industry first.
Logan Martini | Raleigh Mortgage Broker with Martini Mortgage Group

There are many lenders in Raleigh but many believe the best mortgage company in the industry is the Martini Mortgage Group

See our online reviews on the service we offer and why a top rated in the lending programs and services we offer but also many believe we are the best mortgage company in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Raleigh Mortgage Broker Logan Martini Shares How Raleigh Homebuyers and Raleigh Sellers Benefit From a 2-1 Buydown | Martini Mortgage Group, a Raleigh mortgage lender

October 16, 2022 by Kevin Martini

What is a Buydown?

A buydown (a.k.a. ‘Seller-Paid Buydown‘ or a ‘Temporary Buydown’) is where where the seller pays a fee at the closing to reduce the interest rate on the homebuyer’s mortgage temporarily. This results in temporarily lowering the buyer’s monthly payment and making the home more affordable for a homebuyer today.

What is a 2-1 Buydown?

A 2-1 Buydown is when a seller pays a fee at closing (the fee must be within the Interested Parties Contribution based on the loan the homebuyer is securing) reduce the interest rate on the buyer’s mortgage by 2% in year 1 and 1% in year 2.

How does a Temporary Buydown work?

At time of closing, the seller will fund a custodial escrow account on behalf of the new homeowner. The borrower will have a reduced monthly payment, and the difference in interest rates comes out of the custodial escrow account.

If at time of sale or refinance, if there is a remaining balance in the custodial escrow account, the unused balance will be credited to the borrower.

Advantages of a Buydown for a Raleigh Homebuyer

A buydown reduces the buyer’s mortgage interest rate and monthly payment during the first few year(s) of homeownership, making the home more affordable for homebuyers. Buydowns have a much greater impact on the homebuyer’s monthly payment than reducing the list price of the home.

Advantages of a Buydown for a Raleigh Home Seller

A buydown could be a great negotiating tool because a greater percentage of homes listed for sale in today’s market are seeing price reductions. Not only does a buydown makes a home more affordable to a wider range of buyers who may have otherwise been priced out of the market, it also tends to cost less than a price reduction.

A seller offering to pay for a buydown could give provide a competitive advantage vs. other homes listed for sale in today’s changing market. This is because rising Raleigh interest rates could create significantly an affordability challenge for many potential buyers.

As an added benefit, a buydown could also save a seller the aggravation and financial loss of having to significantly reduce your list price in order to compete with other homes that may be listed for a lower price.

In today’s market both seller and buyers need to evaluate the best approach.
Logan Martini | Raleigh Mortgage Broker & Certified Mortgage Advisor

real estate podcast on seller paid buydowns by raleigh mortgage lender kevin martini

A 2-1 Buydown Scenario

For illustration ONLY: if homebuyer purchased $400,000 home and put 20% down with a 30-year fixed rate of 7%, they would have a P&I payment of $2,129. However, if the homebuyer requested (or the seller offered) at list price (e.g. $400,000) the Martini Mortgage Group 2-1 Buydown Program, the rate would be reduced by 2% for the first year (i.e. 5% in this example for illustration ONLY). The rate would be reduced by 1% for the second year. The homebuyer would save $4,932 of P&I during the first year and that is a savings of $411 a month to the homebuyer. In the second year, the homebuyer would save $2,520 a year and that is a savings of $210 a month to the homebuyer.

Is a 2-1 Buydown The ONLY Buydown Option?

No, the Martini Mortgage Group, a Raleigh mortgage lender, Buydown Program has three options (i.e. 1-0 Buydown, 2-1 Buydown & 3-2-1 Buydown). Let’s connect so you can get trusted advice from a local expert that some call the best mortgage guys in Raleigh, NC. The Martini Mortgage Group offers local home loan programs such as Conventional Loans, FHA Loans, Jumbo Loans and USDA Loans to name a few.

To contact loan officer Logan Martini for a financial review simply call (919)238-4934 or stop by the office since the Martini Mortgage Group is local and is located in downtown Raleigh, NC at 507 N Blount St, Raleigh, NC 27604.