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.

Navigating the Divorce Marital Home Landscape: A Comprehensive Guide by Raleigh Mortgage Broker Kevin Martini

September 29, 2023 by Kevin Martini

In the midst of a divorce, the marital home often becomes a focal point of discussions, especially when it comes to equitable distribution and financial settlements. Certified Mortgage Advisor and esteemed Raleigh Mortgage Broker Kevin Martini has dedicated years to assisting individuals through the intricacies of marital home mortgage and real estate matters during such emotionally taxing times. This article, coupled with an insightful guide, aims to shed light on the common pathways and considerations surrounding the marital home, its mortgage, and the equitable distribution of assets amidst a divorce in North Carolina.

Embarking on the Journey

The financial implications of divorce extend beyond the immediate concerns, often intertwining with the marital home’s value, outstanding mortgage, and the equity held therein. Here’s a simplified pathway to understanding these aspects:

Determining Your Home’s Worth: The first step involves an accurate appraisal of your marital home’s value. While online estimates provide a ballpark figure, a more precise evaluation can be obtained through the “What’s your home worth” tool below:

Calculating What You Owe: With your home’s value at hand, the next step is to ascertain the outstanding amount on your marital home mortgage. Review your recent mortgage statement for the remaining balance, and if there’s a second mortgage or home equity loan, sum up these balances.

Evaluating Your Home’s Equity: The final step involves calculating the equity by deducting the payoff estimate from the estimated value. This equity represents the gross funds you’d receive if the marital home were to be sold.

Exploring the Options for the Marital Home

Selling the Marital Home

Selling the marital home post-divorce is a straightforward yet emotionally challenging decision. Engaging a real estate professional with expertise in the local market can facilitate a smooth sale, ensuring you get top dollar for your home. The proceeds from the sale, after covering the mortgage and associated costs, are typically divided equally or as per the court’s equitable distribution.

One Spouse Retains the Home

If one spouse wishes to continue residing in the marital home and can afford the mortgage payments, a buyout of the other spouse’s share is a viable option. This scenario often involves refinancing the marital home mortgage to adjust the loan terms to the retaining spouse’s financial capacity. Kevin Martini and the Martini Mortgage Group offer specialized services in facilitating such refinances, ensuring a seamless transition.

Joint Ownership Continuation

In rare cases, couples continue joint ownership, either residing together in the marital home or renting it out. This arrangement requires a high level of cooperation and a clear understanding of the financial responsibilities involved.

In my professional experience as a Certified Mortgage Advisor, joint ownership continuation requires massive cooperation from both spouses.
Kevin Martini

navigating your marital home during divorce in north carolina — A complimentary and comprehensive guide on **Divorce Real Estate Guidance North Carolina** specific for those traversing the path of separation and eventually divorce with the crucial knowledge and resources required to make informed decisions concerning their marital home.

Martini Mortgage Podcast | Episode 191: Divorce and the Martial Home

Equitable Distribution and Mortgage Considerations

The court’s approach to equitable distribution of the marital home takes into account various factors, including the marriage duration, each spouse’s contributions, and the children’s welfare. If awarded the marital home, securing a mortgage under your name or refinancing the existing mortgage are crucial steps. Kevin Martini’s expertise in Raleigh marital home divorce refinance scenarios can be an invaluable resource during this phase.

5 Additional Tips by Raleigh Lender Kevin Martini

Maintain Mortgage Payments: Continue making mortgage payments to safeguard your credit score and prevent foreclosure, irrespective of your residence status in the marital home.
Open Communication: Engage in open discussions regarding the future of the marital home and mortgage. Reaching a mutual agreement can significantly reduce legal expenses and time.
Preparation for All Scenarios: Be prepared for all potential outcomes, including selling the marital home or buying out your spouse’s share.
Document Availability: Have all necessary financial documents ready to empower your attorney in advocating for your interests effectively.
Expenditure Record Keeping: Maintain a meticulous record of all expenditures associated with the marital home to ensure a fair settlement during the divorce proceedings.

Kevin Martini’s Commitment

The journey through divorce extends beyond emotional turmoil, significantly impacting your financial landscape. At the Martini Mortgage Group, we are dedicated to assisting you in exploring your housing possibilities during this transitional phase. Contact us for a complimentary Financial Transition Plan, marking the first step towards making informed decisions amidst this challenging time.

Kevin Martini’s passion lies in empowering 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, leading to over a billion dollars in home loans originated since 2006. Recognized as one of the top 50 Mortgage Originators in the country, Kevin Martini’s contributions have been featured in esteemed publications like Forbes and CNET. He also hosts the Martini Mortgage Podcast, providing up-to-date, factual content on real estate and mortgages, and shares his knowledge through his Instagram and YouTube channel, offering a comprehensive understanding of the real estate and mortgage arena.

Certified Mortgage Advisor and Raleigh Mortgage Broker Kevin Martini

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

Homeownership stands as a monumental landmark in one’s life. As the foundation for countless memories and a

Bank Statement Loans with Martini Mortgage Group: Alternative Mortgage Solutions

Certified Mortgage Advisor Kevin Martini and trusted Raleigh Mortgage Broker Logan Martini, have not only

The Comprehensive Raleigh Homebuyer & Raleigh Mortgage Guide for Fall 2023 | Martini Mortgage Group Homebuyer Guide

Embarking on the home-buying journey is both exciting and daunting. Raleigh mortgage broker Kevin Martini and

Understanding Debt-to-Income Ratio Requirements for Mortgages in Raleigh

If considering buying a home in the Raleigh area and securing a mortgage, it is critical to understand

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.