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.

Decoding Real Estate: A Comprehensive Guide to Understanding Home Prices with Raleigh’s Trusted Mortgage Broker

July 28, 2023 by Kevin Martini

Navigating the Twists and Turns of Home Prices by Certified Mortgage Advisor and Raleigh Mortgage Broker Kevin Martini

Understanding the Housing Market Trends

When diving into the housing market, it’s essential not to be swayed by alarming headlines regarding home prices. The real estate market ebbs and flows; understanding these dynamics can make all the difference. Trends and predictions may grab the headlines, but they are often simplified snapshots that fail to consider the overall complexity and variability of the housing market.

The True Picture Behind Soaring Home Prices

Headlines often emphasize skyrocketing home prices. However, the truth usually lies beneath the surface. For instance, home price indexes and median house prices provide helpful insights into market trends but must be understood in a broader context. These indexes often overlook factors such as geographical disparities, inflation rates, and changes in the housing mix, which can significantly affect median price calculations.

Unmasking the Role of Supply and Demand

Housing prices don’t exist in a vacuum. They are directly impacted by supply and demand dynamics. This simple economic principle can be broken down into the following factors:

When the demand for homes outstrips the supply, prices tend to rise. This could be due to various factors, such as a surge in population, improved economic conditions, or changing societal trends.

Conversely, prices tend to fall when there is an excess supply of homes (due to overbuilding or a drop in demand).

Real Estate: A Long-Term Investment

Contrary to popular belief, real estate should not be viewed as a quick profit scheme but as a long-term investment. Volatility is a part of any investment, and real estate is no exception. What matters is the long-term trend, which has historically shown a steady rise in value.

Interest Rates: The Silent Influencer

Interest rates play a significant role in determining home prices. Low-interest rates make mortgages more affordable, thereby increasing the demand for homes. On the contrary, high-interest rates can decrease demand as borrowing costs rise. The interplay between these rates and the housing market is critical to understanding the price dynamics.

The Importance of Local Market Conditions

When analyzing home prices, the adage “location, location, location” holds. Local market conditions, such as the state of the local economy, job market, and infrastructure development, play a crucial role in determining home prices. Variations in these factors can lead to significant disparities in home prices even within the same city.

Looking Beyond the Headlines: A Final Note From Certified Mortgage Advisor and Raleigh Mortgage Broker Kevin Martini

To fully understand the dynamics of home prices, one must look beyond the headlines and dive into the details. Understanding the housing market requires comprehending various factors, from basic economic principles like supply and demand to local market conditions and interest rates. Armed with this knowledge, one can make informed decisions free from the influence of shocking headlines.

Remember, the housing market is complex and constantly evolving. A deeper understanding of its workings can offer a unique perspective, enabling savvy decisions beyond sensational headlines. Knowledge is power in real estate, and understanding the intricate dynamics can put you ahead in the property game.

The path to understanding home prices need not be your journey. The entire Martini Mortgager Group and I are dedicated professionals ready and equipped to guide you through the housing and Raleigh mortgage market maze. The Martini Mortgage Group believes that with the proper knowledge and guidance, everyone can navigate the complexities of the housing market confidently and make the right choices.

Are you ready to move beyond the headlines and empower yourself with an in-depth understanding of home prices? Are you prepared to embark on your real estate journey with expert guidance and support? Let’s start this journey together. Contact us today for a more nuanced, detailed, and strategic view of the housing market.

Remember, in the world of real estate, knowledge is power. Unleash that power today.