Unlock Your Dream Home with a USDA Home Loan (a.k.a. Rural Development Home Loan) with the Martini Mortgage Group

June 14, 2023 by Kevin Martini

If where you want to call home is beyond city limits, the USDA Rural Development Home Loan program, also known as USDA Home Loan, is a mortgage solution you may want to consider. It could be an ideal mortgage solution for you.

The USDA Home Loan offered by the Martini Mortgage Group makes homeownership more accessible and economical by providing affordable home financing options to eligible borrowers, making the dream of owning a home a reality.

Benefits of Rural Development Home Loans

USDA Home Loan loans provide a multitude of benefits.

Perhaps the most enticing is that they offer 100% financing, which means no down payment is required from the borrower. These loans also have lower interest rates compared to conventional mortgages. Furthermore, USDA Home Loans offer long-term loans for up to 30 years, making repayments affordable for most borrowers. In addition, since all Rural Development Home Loans are government-backed, the risk to a lender is decreased, resulting in more lenient qualifying requirements.

Eligibility and Application

Eligibility for a USDA Home Loan depends on several factors, including income, credit, loan use, and the property’s location. The property must be located in an eligible rural area, as the USDA defines.

The application process for a USDA loan involves a few steps:

Check if the property is in an eligible area.
Ensure you meet the income requirements.
Consult with the Martini Mortgage Group to initiate the application process.

7 FAQ’s about the USDA Home Loan by Mortgage Broker Logan Martini

Q1: What is a USDA Rural Development Home Loan?
A: A USDA Rural Development Home Loan, also known as a USDA Home Loan, is a mortgage solution provided by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) designed to promote homeownership in rural areas of the country.

Q2: Who is eligible for a USDA Home Loan?
A: USDA Home Loans are targeted toward low-to-moderate-income families. Eligibility is based on income, credit score, and the location and use of the property. The property must be located in an eligible rural area, and the borrower’s income should generally be at most 115% of the median income for that area.

Q3: What does it mean that the USDA Home Loan offers 100% financing?
A: 100% financing means that you don’t need to make a down payment. The home’s total purchase price can be financed as part of the USDA Home Loan.

Q4: What is the maximum loan term for a USDA Home Loan?
A: The USDA Home Loan offers long-term mortgages, with a maximum term of up to 30 years.

Q5: Are there specific requirements for the property I wish to purchase?
A: Yes, the property must be in an eligible rural area as defined by the USDA. Additionally, it should meet certain safety, sanitary, and decent living conditions stipulated by the USDA.

Q6: Can I refinance an existing mortgage with a USDA Home Loan?
A: Yes, refinancing is possible with a USDA Home Loan. However, certain conditions apply, and it’s best to consult with a lender or mortgage professional to understand your options.

Q7: Does the USDA Home Loan require mortgage insurance?
A: Yes, the USDA Home Loan program requires borrowers to pay an upfront guarantee fee, which can be rolled into the loan amount, and an annual fee, which is paid monthly.

Martini Factor Bottom Line on the USDA Home Loan

The USDA Home Loan (a.k.a. the Rural Development Home Loan) is a tremendous opportunity for individuals and families desiring homeownership in rural areas. Its lenient eligibility criteria, zero down payment, and favorable interest rates make it an excellent alternative to conventional loans. If your dream is to live outside the city limits, then the USDA Home Loan offered by the Martini Mortgage Group could be the key to unlocking your dream home.

Whether you’re a first-time or repeat homebuyer, making an informed decision about your next move is crucial. Regarding homeownership, having certainty about your financing options is the proper first step, regardless of your experience level. This way, you can confidently search for your dream home armed with price and cost clarity.

Let’s connect and discuss the proper mortgage strategy for you and your family. The USDA Home Loan may be the perfect solution, or there may be a better one. Whether you’re ready to leap into homeownership or want to explore your options, I’m here to help you make the best decision for your unique situation.

My name is Logan Martini, and you can reach me by dialing (919) 238-4934. Contact me today for a confidential conversation.

Understanding the Real Costs of Homeownership by Raleigh Mortgage Broker Kevin Martini

June 4, 2023 by Kevin Martini

A home is not just a sanctuary that provides an address but the foundation for your safety and security. Likewise, owning a home isn’t merely a material possession but a significant investment that reflects your hard work and determination. But don’t let the pride of ownership blind you to the realities that come with it.

Homeownership is a journey filled with anticipated and unanticipated expenses. From the maintenance costs that ensure your home stands tall today to the future investments that promise its continued longevity.

Understanding these costs isn’t just a smart move; it’s essential. And it’s about more than having the means to meet them but possessing the foresight to budget for them effectively. A well-planned budget will shield you from surprises and ensure the enduring value of your investment.

In the grand homeownership scheme, these expenses are not burdens but stepping stones on your journey. They ensure that the pride you feel in your home never fades and that the security it offers never wavers. Yes, a home is an investment, but more importantly, it’s an investment in you.

I help the dream of homeownership become a reality. However, homeownership comes with various responsibilities and costs that often remain obscured by the excitement of owning a property. As a Certified Mortgage Advisor, I help the people I serve with careful analysis and shed light on the actual costs involved in owning a home.
Certified Mortgage Advisor and Raleigh Mortgage Broker Kevin Martini

The Initial Investment: Down Payment and Closing Costs

The journey to homeownership starts with an initial investment that goes beyond the regular monthly mortgage payments. A significant part of this initial investment is your down payment; the down payment typically ranges from 3% to 20% of the home’s value.

However, the downpayment is more manageable than it may seem. The Martini Mortgage Group offers unique mortgage solutions for those looking for a different path to homeownership. In some instances, these unique options may eliminate the need for a down payment, making your path to homeownership easier.

Yet, there’s another layer to the financial story of buying a home – the closing costs (a.k.a. settlement costs). These costs may include origination fees, appraisal fees, and other legal and administrative charges. Typically, they range from 2% to 5% of the loan amount. Although these costs may seem like additional hurdles, they are, in reality, steps that bring you closer to realizing your dream.

Mortgage Payments

Your monthly mortgage payment is the most prominent recurring cost associated with owning a home.

Your mortgage payment has two components – the first component, the principal, represents the actual loan amount – the cost of your home. On the other hand, the interest, its partner, is essentially the price you pay for the privilege of borrowing that sum. This pairing, in a nutshell, constitutes your monthly mortgage payment.

Homeowners Insurance and Property Taxes

Two additional essential elements are homeowners insurance (a.k.a. hazard insurance) and property taxes.

The cost of these necessities is not a fixed number but a fluid one, determined by your property’s value, geographical location, and the specifics of your insurance policy. It might seem complex, but a handy rule of thumb simplifies it: In North Carolina, your annual homeowners insurance and property tax can be guestimated to roughly equal 1.25% of your home’s value.

Mortgage Insurance

The keys are within your grasp, yet the requisite 20% down payment remains an obstacle. This is where mortgage insurance steps in, not as a hurdle but as a trusted ally.

If you are considering a down payment of less than 20%, you may encounter a companion known as mortgage insurance(a.k.a. PMI or MIP). Mortgage insurance is far from being a deterrent; it is, in fact, a facilitator. It opens the door to homeownership, even when the traditional 20% down payment seems out of reach.

Mortgage insurance’s role continues beyond there. It stays by your side until you reach a particular equity position in your home. In most cases, once this milestone is achieved, it gracefully steps back, its purpose served.

Thus, mortgage insurance can be seen as a valuable ally on your journey to homeownership, enabling you to stride forward with confidence toward the dream of a home of your own.

Home Maintenance and Repairs

Unlike a renter, as a homeowner, you assume the responsibility for the home’s maintenance and repairs.

These tasks can be as mundane as replacing a flickering light bulb or as consequential as fitting a new roof or furnace. Yet, regardless of their size or complexity, they are integral to the essence of homeownership, preserving the health and longevity of your investment.

How does one prepare for these duties? A trusted guideline is to set aside 1% of your home’s yearly value for maintenance and repairs.

Utilities and Services

As a homeowner, you are responsible for all the utilities and services necessary to run your home. This includes water, electricity, gas, garbage collection, and in some cases, HOA (Homeowners Association) fees.

Navigating this path requires understanding how to meet these costs and the foresight to budget for them effectively.

The Martini Mortgage Group is here to sheds light on these costs, helping the dream of homeownership become a reality while elucidating the actual costs involved in owning a home.

From the initial investment, including down payment and closing costs, to monthly mortgage payments, homeowners insurance and property taxes, mortgage insurance, and maintenance costs – every facet of homeownership is an integral part of your journey. Moreover, as a homeowner, you embrace the responsibility of utilities and services, a necessary element that breathes life into your home.

Thus, homeownership isn’t merely an investment; it’s a testament to your determination and an investment in yourself. As you travel to homeownership, allow Kevin Martini, a mortgage broker and Certified Mortgage Advisor, to guide you, illuminate the hidden costs, and empower you to make informed decisions.

So, keep the excitement of owning a property clear from the responsibilities that come with it. Reach out to Kevin Martini today, understand the actual cost of homeownership, and explore your options. Equip yourself with knowledge, budget effectively, and transform your dream of owning a home into a reality.

certified mortgage advisor kevin martini

6 Financial Reasons for Homeownership in Raleigh, North Carolina

March 23, 2022 by Kevin Martini

Homeownership has so much to offer financially but it can also positively impact your life today and impacts future generations too! Raleigh Mortgage Broker and Certified Mortgage Advisor Kevin Martini published a special episode of the Martini Mortgage Podcast highlights 6 Financial Reasons for Homeownership.

financial reasons for homeownership raleigh mortgage lender logan martini

Raleigh Homeownership Provides Leverage

Leverage is the use of borrowed money to increase your return. Housing is one of the only leveraged investments available today.

Raleigh Homeownership Locks In Your Housing Costs

The only way one can escape rising rents is to consider purchasing a home and locking in your monthly housing payment with a fixed rate mortgage payment.

Raleigh Homeownership Is Usually A Form Of Forced Savings

Every month when you write the check for your mortgage you are not only paying interest, you are also paying principal.

Raleigh Homeownership May Provide Substantial Tax Benefits

If you itemize your taxes you may be able to deduct the mortgage interest you pay on your Federal taxes and State and Local Taxes (SALT) may also be tax deductible on Federal and State taxes too.

Raleigh Homeownership Provides Protection From Inflation

Owning a home is typically a hedge against inflation.

Raleigh Homeownership Provides Non-Financial Benefits

When considering to buy a home you need to to have price and cost clarity of the the dollars and cents but you cannot forget to weigh the non-financial benefit that could truly change your life.

It is never too soon or too late for homeownership

It is never too soon to explore your homeownership options…it is never too late to explore your homeownership options either. If homeownership is right for you and your family then know this…the first step is always the loan not the home.

There is never a substitute for having price and cost clarity before you start looking for a home. Get pre-approved before your home search not just pre-qualified! To a seller a pre-qualification says you are just ready and willing whereas a pre-approval with a Certified Mortgage Advisor with the Martini Group says you are ready, willing and able. It also communicates to the seller you are making a ‘same-as-cash’ offer and that is important to share in any market, especially in a tight real estate market like we are in today.

If you want trusted advice with a digital mortgage process that offer a great rate call either Logan Martini or Kevin Martini with the Martini Mortgage Group.

martini mortgage podcast best raleigh mortgage broker kevin martini financial reasons for homeownership — 6 Financial Reasons for Homeownership

There is nothing wrong with renting. In fact there is a time to rent however that time is not now. Do not fret, I am going to unpack this bold statement in a few moments in this special episode of the Martini Mortgage Podcast.

Welcome and thank you for tuning in, my name is Kevin Martini and I am not just the host of the Martini Mortgage Podcast, I am also a Certified Mortgage Advisor with the Martini Mortgage Group which is located in downtown Raleigh, North Carolina. We may have our headquarters in North Carolina however myself and my crew help families all over the U.S. create generational wealth with financing real estate.

Episode 135 is called – 6 Financial Reasons for Homeownership you could also call this episode 6 reason to buy a home in Raleigh or anywhere city in North Carolina or any city in the U.S. for that matter.

Now let me share, recently I was a the grocery store buying my Cocoa Pebbles, yes – – – you know he cereal, and yes, it turns the milk chocolate. Any who, I heard someone say:

‘Excuse me Mr. Martini’

…I immediately got excited because I thought my dad was in the cereal aisle at the grocery store with me but then I realized the chap was talking to me. I responded by saying…

‘I know I have been in the financial services since the mid 80’s however I am just Kevin, my dad is Mr. Martini’

The young man’s name was Stephen and he is a younger millennial an he asked me if he should buy a home now or wait. My response was not yes not no — it was, ‘it depends’.

I know what you are thinking, I should of just said ‘ yes you should’ but if I did that it would be wrongs. You see no one on YouTube, no one on Facebook or Instagram and no one on a Mortgage Podcast or any podcast for that matter and most definitely no mortgage app that can take you to the moon on a rocket can tell you if it is a good, or a smart idea for you to buy a home. Homeownership is right for many but not all. You see, every family I have the privilege to work with is different. There is not a cookie cutter response to Stephen’s question.

Think about this for a moment…getting a mortgage is a big deal, it is a financial instrument just like a stock or a bond that you may buy in your portfolio. You would never buy a stock without making sure it properly fit into your portfolio, would you? You should not just buy a house because someone says you should…everyone is different.

Listen, if you are looking for someone that who just peddles mortgages, then hit the stop button because this is not me! Again, for many, buying a home makes sense — for some it does not. This is something I can help determine when we first connect together. With an open heart, in order to create generational wealth, one needs to own real estate. If homeownership is right for you taking action sooner than later could save you tens of thousands.

Now if buying a home is right for you and your family then I want to share some of the financial benefits associate with buying a home and getting a mortgage with the Martini Mortgage Group with PCL Financial. In this episode, episode 135 of the Martini Mortgage Podcast, I am going to share 6 Financial Reasons to Buy a home.

Are you ready? Let is start making this mixing this cocktail.

Number 1 is leverage.

Housing is one of the only leveraged investments still available today. Simply put, leverage is the use of borrowed money to increase your return. To illustrate let us assume that you want to buy a home in Raleigh and home is priced at say $500,000 and you have twenty percent saved. For this that are not quick with math, 20% of 500,000 is 100,000.

So let us look at the transaction in detail…You would buy the home for $500,000 and you would put 20% down, that is $100,000 and you would get an epic mortgage rate on your $400,000 mortgage with me, Kevin Martini, your Certified Mortgage Advisor.

Now let us fast forward say 1-year…in other words, you own the home and you secured the mortgage and you are moved in and lived there for 12-months. For purpose of conversation, let us assume the home appreciation is 5%.

This $500,000 home you purchased just 12-months ago is now worth $525,000. Assuming this is your only asset, your net worth is now $525,000.

Now think about this, let us say you did not buy a $500,000 home in Raleigh and let us assume that you purchased a one-hundred thousand dollar home for cash in Raleigh 12-months ago. Using the same 5% appreciation in the previous example, then your net worth would be $105,000. Make sense so far?

OK, what does it mean? With leverage you made $20,000 more!

Let me share a quote from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University on this topic…and I quote:

“Homeownership allows households to amplify any appreciation on the value of their home by a leveraged factor.” End quote.

The Number 2 of 6 financial reason of homeownership is crazy simple and so very obvious but many people miss it.

You are paying for housing whether you own or rent.

Here is a fact, when you rent you are paying for a mortgage, you are just paying your landlord’s mortgage for them.

For the people that were multitasking let me say it again,

when you rent you are paying for a mortgage, you are just paying your landlord’s mortgage for them.

I mentioned earlier that there is nothing wrong with renting and there is a time to rent and that time is not now in my opinion. Census data shows the median monthly rent continues to go up year after year, in fact, since 1988 it has just gone up and up and up. The only way one can escape rising rents is to consider purchasing a home and locking in your monthly housing payment with a fixed rate mortgage payment. I truly believe that homeownership is a much more stable long-term investment.

Perhaps your concern is credit score or that you are self-employed or maybe it is the down payment required.

On the topic of credit score, I think you will be shocked to know that there are home loan solutions that the Martini Mortgage Group offers families that have experienced a bump and a bruise in the past. I get it, bad things happen to good people and the the bad thing that you have moved passed does not need to prevent you from owning a home.

Perhaps a limiting belief is that you are self-employed…many of the families I work with was a Certified Mortgage Advisor are self-employed and they have a very creative accountant. This week, my business partner and fellow mortgage strategist, Logan Martini helped a self-employed person to qualify for a mortgage just using his bank statements for the last 24-months and we did not even look at his tax returns.

Another concern is downpayment, there is a common misconception in the marketplace that one needs to have a 20% down payment to buy a home. One does not need to make a 20% downpayment to secure a home loan. With with the Martini Mortgage Group there are low and no down payment mortgage solutions that we offer.

Remember you are paying for housing whether you rent or own. For me, if I am paying for something, I want to own it. Please do not let myths about credit score or downpayment or the fact that you are self-employed stop you for exploring your options. I said it earlier, homeownership is not right for everyone and it may or may not be right for you however you owe it to yourself and your family to see if it is right for you.

Let me extend an invitation to you, if you would like to have a confidential conversation with me, I am here, just go to CallWithMartini.com to get access to my schedule and book a time for us to connect or if you prefer, call me by dialing 919.238.4934.

The third financial benefit is associated with the fact that owning a home I usually a form of forced savings. Let me breakdown forced savings.

Every month when you write the check for your mortgage you are not only paying interest, you are also paying principal. When you pay principal you are reducing the amount you owe.

Let me illustrate. If you purchased a $500,000 home and you put 20% down and for example let us assume, for illustration only a 4% rate for with a 30-year fixed mortgage, just like the example we talked about earlier when we were discussing that housing is one of the only leveraged investments still available today.

In this example your Principal and interest would be, $1,909.66 a month. Every month when you make a mortgage payment you are retiring your debt every month.

In this example, you are making a forced saving deposit of $576.33 a month. In this example you are making a forced saving deposit of $6,915.96 a year.

There may be substantial tax benefits to owning a home and having a mortgage is the 4th financial reasons to buy a home

A unique financial reason to buying a home is if you itemize your taxes you may be able to deduct the mortgage interest you pay…assuming you are in a twenty eight percent tax bracket and for illustration ONLY, this would mean the month tax benefit for that $500,000 home we have been discussing would be $373.33 a month. The annual tax benefit would be $4,479.96.

When you rent there is no tax benefit nor ability to write off your rent on your Federal or State taxes however do not fret, your landlord most likely will get the benefits and I am sure your landlord is thankful you are participating to their forced savings.

Inflation is the 5th financial reason for homeownership and to buy a home.

Owning a home is typically a hedge against inflation.

Let me define inflation…inflation is a general increase in prices and a fall in purchasing value of money. At the time of this recording inflation is at a 40-year all-time high.

Housing costs and rents have tended over most periods of time to go up higher than the rate of inflation and for this reason owning a home is an attractive proposition because it provides a hedge against inflation.

Finally, the 6th financial reason for homeownership is the non-financial benefits of homeownership. I know it is crazy to say that a non-financial benefit is a a financial benefit but it is and sadly many people overlook the the feeling of gratitude, security, pride and comfort that homeownership offers.

When considering to buy a home you need to to have price and cost clarity of the the dollars and cents but you cannot forget to weigh the non-financial benefit that could truly change your life.

Let me wrap this special episode of the Martini Mortgage Podcast up with a recap the 6 Kevin Martini financial reasons for homeownership.

Number 1 , housing is one of the only leveraged investments still available today.

Number 2, when you rent you are paying for a mortgage, you are just paying your landlord’s mortgage for them.

Number 3, owning a home I usually a form of forced savings.

Number 4, there may be substantial tax benefits to owning a home and having a mortgage.

Number 5, owning a home is typically a hedge against inflation.

Number 6, homeownership provides non-financial benefits.

In closing, getting qualified and ultimately approved for the right home loan and getting mortgage for your home is NOT like shopping for the lowest priced gas for your car.

Listen, every mortgage company secures the money from the same source so everyone at the end of the day has the same mortgage rates however not everyone provides trusted advice with a secure digital mortgage platform that provides certainty like the Martini Mortgage Group provides. In addition, our job is not done after closing since it is our obligation, duty and responsibility to manage your mortgage for you after closing.

Thank you for tuning in to episode 135 of the Martini Mortgage Podcast which was about the 6 Financial Reasons for homeownership.

Thank you in advance for sharing this episode with someone you care about that may benefit from its contact.

If you want trusted advice with a digital mortgage process that offer a great rate with certainty check out my website by going to: www.MartiniMortgageGroup.com – you can find some real world information in the learning center and you can also securely apply online or book an appointment with me.

Now it is time for the disclaimer:

This material has been prepared for marketing purposes only. This is not a loan commitment or guarantee of any kind. Loan approval and rate are dependent upon borrower credit, collateral, financial history, and program availability at time of origination. Rates and terms are subject to change without notice. The Martini Mortgage Group at PCL Financial is a division of Celebrity Home Loans, NMLS # 227765 with a Branch address of 507 N Blount St Raleigh, North Carolina 27604. You can contract Certified Mortgage Advisor and Producing Branch Manager, Kevin Martini NMLS# 143962 by calling the Branch and that number is 919.238.4934. For a full list and more licensing information please visit: www.NMLSConsumerAccess.org or by visiting www.MartiniMortgageGroup.com – Equal Housing Lender