Buying a Home or Refinancing? Here's How to Find the Right Home Loan

Buying a Home or Refinancing? Here's How to Find the Right Home Loan

Navigating the world of home-buying could be an Olympic sport. There are so many different regulations, guidelines and fees to keep track of -- and by the time you master one part, there are new rules to learn. And, with mortgage rates predicted to continue rising, particularly as the Fed looks to increase rates as early as March, locking in a rate sooner rather than later may save you tens of thousands in interest.

When searching for the right home loan, you're bound to come across many options. But not every mortgage is right for every person -- you'll want to learn more about the different types of home loans to decide which one is right for you. This guide will help break down several of the most common home loan types, while explaining what's required for approval and who each type is best for.

Read more: Mortgages, Credit Scores and Down Payments: 5 Things to Know Before Buying a Home

1. Conventional loan

What it is: A conventional loan is a loan that isn't backed by a government agency. These are the most common type of loan. Conventional loan terms come in 10-, 15-, 20- and 30-year terms, with 30-year terms being the most popular option.

What you need: You can get a conventional loan with as little as 3% down payment and a 620 credit score. But the lower your credit score, the more money you might need for a down payment.

Who it's good for: The majority of home loans -- around 75% -- are conventional loans, so it's good for most people. You can use it for your first home, second home and even investment properties.

Who should skip it: Borrowers who don't have the minimum credit score requirements or need payment assistance.

2. FHA loan

What it is: An FHA loan is backed by the Federal Housing Administration, which provides mortgage insurance to lenders who provide FHA loans. It's the largest mortgage insurer in the world. Loans are administered by FHA-approved lenders. This can be local banks, credit unions and online lenders. Loans come in 15- and 30-year terms.

What you need: To secure a 3.5% down payment rate, your credit score will need to be 580 or above. If it's below 580, you can still qualify, but you'll need at least a 10% down payment. For down payments of less than 20%, your loan will require private mortgage insurance. PMI protects the lender just in case you default on your loan. PMI will get removed from your mortgage payments once you have at least 20% equity in your home.

Who it's good for: Borrowers who don't have strong enough credit to qualify for a conventional loan. FHA loans also offer down payment loans and grants through federal, state and local programs whereas conventional loans don't.

Who should skip it: If you have good or excellent credit that would qualify you for a conventional loan.

Check out our full guide to FHA loans.

3. VA loan

What it is: VA loans are offered through the US Department of Veterans Affairs. Military veterans, those in active duty or in the reserves qualify for VA loans. 

What you need: There's no down payment or minimum credit score requirement to get a VA loan.

Who it's good for: Those who serve or have served in the military.

Who should skip it: Borrowers who aren't in the military, obviously. VA loans are only good on primary residences so if you need funding for a second home or investment property, you'll need to look at other options.

Check out our full guide to VA loans.

4. USDA loans

What it is: USDA loans are funded by the US Department of Agriculture. They're available in specific regions across the country. They're made for borrowers in mostly rural areas who might not otherwise qualify for a traditional loan. Loans are backed by USDA-approved lenders (similar to FHA-backed loans). You can check to see if you'd qualify by checking the eligibility site.

What you need: There's no down payment required for a USDA loan. Most lenders require at least a fair credit score.

Who it's good for: Families in rural areas as long as you meet income and location limits.

Who should skip it: Those who don't meet the location and income requirements. If you qualify for one and not the other, you also might want to look into alternative loan options.

Check out our full guide to USDA loans.

Other loan types to know about

As well as being based on a government (or nongovernment) program, mortgages can be categorized by interest rates and how much the home price is. Those are:

• Fixed-rate loans: These are the most common type of loan within a conventional mortgage. Fixed-rate loans means you'll pay the same interest rate every month for the life of the loan. The only time your interest rate will change is if you refinance your mortgage.

• Adjustable-rate mortgages: ARMs have a fixed interest rate for a set amount of time and then the interest rate fluctuates periodically. They usually start out lower than standard fixed-rate mortgages but can change over time based on a benchmark. A 5/1 ARM means the first five years have a fixed rate and then a variable interest rate that changes every year after that.

• Jumbo loans: This is a mortgage that finances a property that's too expensive for a traditional loan. The qualifications for jumbo loans tend to be more strict. For most lenders, you'll need a credit score of at least 700 and usually a 20% down payment. Jumbo loans start where conforming loans end, which is different depending on where you are. Jumbo loans can have fixed or adjustable rates. 

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Are USDA Loans Available to Everyone? How to Know if You Qualify

Are USDA Loans Available to Everyone? How to Know if You Qualify

USDA home loans offer a path to homeownership for those with lower incomes and for people who are looking to buy a home in certain areas of the country. 

These mortgages are backed by the US Department of Agriculture as part of its Rural Development program, which promotes homeownership in smaller communities nationwide. If you don't have enough money saved for a down payment or if you've been denied a conventional loan, you may have a good chance of qualifying for a USDA loan. 

Don't rule out a USDA loan for yourself even if you aren't moving to an especially rural region, as many suburban areas qualify, too. This means even if you're moving just outside of a city to get more square footage and land, chances are pretty high that you're moving to a USDA-designated area. 

Here is everything you need to know about USDA loans, how to qualify for one and whether it's the right type of home loan for you.

What is a USDA loan? 

USDA loans are insured by the Department of Agriculture and have interest rates that are often lower than rates for a traditional mortgage. In contrast to conventional loans and FHA home loans, which both require a down payment, you can qualify for a USDA home loan with 0% down. USDA loans can also be easier to qualify for, even if you've been turned down for a traditional mortgage. 

So why have you never heard of them? There's one major downside: These loans are only available to lower-income buyers in designated USDA rural and suburban locations. And while most of the US landmass is technically considered rural, over 80% of the population live in the 3% of cities and urban areas that are excluded from this loan program.

Types of USDA loans

USDA-guaranteed loans are the most common type of USDA mortgage, but there are also two other types of USDA loans: direct and home-improvement home loans. The lowest-income buyers who may be unable to get a conventional loan might be eligible for a USDA direct loan, financed by the USDA with rates as low as 1%. If you're looking to improve a home you already own, you can also apply for a USDA home-improvement loan or grant.

USDA-guaranteed loans are obtained through a private lender -- like a conventional loan -- but are backed by the government. This offers a major benefit for private lenders because if you default on your loan, the USDA vouches to repay the lender. Just like a conventional loan, if you put down less than 20%, you'll need to pay for mortgage insurance. Because of that government backing, USDA mortgage insurance is cheaper than other mortgage types.

What are the USDA loan requirements?

There are three main factors the USDA considers when determining your eligibility. First, you must buy a home in a designated area. Next, your household income cannot exceed USDA income thresholds for your place of residence: 15% above the local median income. Finally, you'll need a credit score of at least 640, though contributing some cash toward a down payment can negate this requirement. If you meet the first two specifications but have a low credit score, you might still qualify for a USDA direct loan or FHA loan.

Otherwise, the requirements are straightforward. You must be a US citizen, green-card holder or noncitizen national. Your mortgage payment cannot exceed 29% of your monthly income, and your debt-to-income ratio must be no more than 41% of your monthly salary. You'll also need to use the home as your primary residence, have no history of breaking mortgages or commitments to other federal programs, and meet any other lender-specific requirements.

How to apply for a USDA loan

When applying for a USDA loan, you'll need to submit documentation to prove your identity and income levels, just as you would for any financing agreement. Plan on submitting a copy of your driver's license or passport, your Social Security card, your previous two years' tax returns and pay stubs, and recent bank statements.

You may also be asked to turn in additional documentation if you do not have a credit score, apply with nontraditional credit or have unpredictable income. You can review the complete list of requirements on the USDA website.

Advantages of USDA loans

No down payment requirements

If you can't afford a down payment, you can still qualify for a USDA mortgage.

Lower Interest Rates

You can lock in a lower interest rate with a USDA loan than a conventional loan, especially if you have a good to excellent credit score. This could save you tens of thousands of dollars in interest over the lifetime of the loan.

Less expensive mortgage insurance

Although USDA loans do require mortgage insurance called a guarantee fee, it's much more affordable than private mortgage insurance and FHA insurance. You'll pay an upfront fee at closing equal to 1% of your loan amount and 0.35% of the loan amount annually (as of 2021). 

More thorough appraisal

Lenders order an appraisal to determine a property's value before finalizing your loan. This ensures they are not lending you more money than the home is worth, protecting their investment. USDA appraisals have stricter guidelines than conventional loans, which could save you from pulling the trigger on a home requiring expensive repairs.

Designed for low-income buyers

If a conventional lender has turned you down because of your income, a USDA loan can still offer you a path to homeownership. 

USDA loan limitations

Strict income eligibility requirements

USDA loans are not for everyone. They are designated for low-income Americans who cannot qualify for a traditional mortgage. 

Limited to properties in rural areas

If you live in a city or outside a designated area, you won't be eligible for a USDA loan.

Longer buying process

Guaranteed USDA loans typically have longer application and closing processes since the loans are underwritten twice -- once by the private lender and then by the USDA. 

Pay more over time

Although USDA loans are designed to make homeownership more affordable, the mortgage insurance requirement could mean that you pay more over the lifetime of your home loan.

No option to cancel mortgage insurance

You can cancel PMI on conventional mortgages (and even sometimes on FHA loans) once you reach a certain equity level. The guaranteed fee on USDA mortgages might be cheaper, but it lasts for the lifetime of the loan.

Is a USDA loan right for you?

These mortgage programs are more affordable than traditional mortgages, but they're only possible if you do not exceed the income limits and are buying a home in a designated rural area. If you're just above the income threshold or want to live in a city, you'll need to explore other mortgage options.

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How to save, invest and earn more for a better 2022

How to save, invest and earn more for a better 2022

This story is part of The Year Ahead, CNET's look at how the world will continue to evolve starting in 2022 and beyond.

Trying to forecast the future can be a fool's errand, but recent trends in the money world and expert financial predictions offer a window into what 2022 may have in store for us. From rising interest rates to inflation pressures to new IRS rules, here's an overview of what we can expect - and how to make the most of our money.

1.) In debt? Make pay down a priority

If you're saddled with high-interest debt, the new year may be a smart time to prioritize knocking down those balances, as the threat of rising interest rates looms.  

"The U.S. Federal Reserve lowered interest rates in response to the pandemic to help stimulate the economy, which made borrowing money far less expensive for consumers. But as the economy continues to improve and the inflation we're seeing now becomes more of a concern, it's likely the Fed will raise interest rates, which will make borrowing more expensive... which can affect everything from mortgages to credit card debt," says Stefanie O'Connell Rodriguez, host of Real Simple's Money Confidential podcast. 

"If you have credit card debt, this might be a good time to prioritize getting that balance down as much as possible so you're not just paying the minimums and subject to higher interest rates on your remaining balance as rates rise," she advises.

To ease the rate burden, you may want to consider transferring card balances to cards offering 0% introductory interest rates but only if you can pay down the balance before the promotional rate expires, which is often between 12 and 18 months.

Finally, the threat of rising rates may give some homeowners incentive to refinance. If your current mortgage has a variable interest rate -- which means it could periodically adjust with the market -- 2022 may be a wise time to consider switching to a fixed rate mortgage.  

2.) Focused on saving? Shop around  

In recent years we saw the personal saving rate in this country reach record highs - and for good reason. The uncertainties and life shifts brought upon us from the pandemic led those of us fortunate to still have income streams to save more. The stimulus checks also helped in some cases.

Now, if inflation continues to rear its head as it has in recent months, we may need our savings to pay for the increases in groceries, gas, homes and cars. Mapping out a budget for the new year to factor in some of these price hikes can prove essential, as could parking a little more money in the bank if you've yet to build up savings.  

"If you do not have an emergency fund, aim to save at least three to six months of necessary living expenses in a high-yield savings account," recommends Cindy Zuniga-Sanchez, founder of Zero-Based Budget Coaching LLC in New York. "The emergency fund serves as your financial cushion in the event of a job loss, decrease in income or other life change." 

Start with as little as you can but commit to saving consistently. An app like Digit is popular for helping users save small amounts incrementally. It uses machine learning to figure out the easiest amount you can save here and there and makes the transfers for you. Digit's website says the average user saves $2,200 a year through its app. Membership is $5 per month after a free 30-day trial.

And it's a good time to save, theoretically. While rising rates can spell bad news for those carrying debt, it's typically encouraging for those looking to earn more than the near zero percent rate or return they've been accustomed to in their bank accounts. And as more digital-only financial institutions with higher savings rates enter the marketplace vying for our deposits, more consumers may be incentivized to switch banks.

3.) Behind on retirement savings? Bank on new contribution limits  

If 2022 is the year you want to bump up your retirement savings, good news: In November the IRS announced that savers can set aside an extra $1,000 in their workplace retirement account. This includes the 401(k), 403(b), most 457 plans and Thrift Savings Plans. The new contribution limit - which is tax deductible - will be $20,500.

As a reminder to those who may have taken advantage of the CARES Act and taken a coronavirus-related withdrawal from their retirement plan in 2020 at no penalty, you can repay the full amount in 2022 and claim a refund on the taxes you paid. If you haven't done so already, remember that this may be the last eligible year to repay your retirement account to earn back the taxes you may have paid. 

4.) Eyeing a new house? Avoid knee-jerk reactions to rising rates

Prospective homeowners concerned about rising interest rates may be inclined to either sit back on the sidelines or speed up a purchase. But, as always when considering what's probably going to be the biggest financial purchase of your life, consider all of your expenses - and have some perspective. 

"Rates will tick up," says Kathy Braddock, Managing Director of William Raveis NYC. "But most younger buyers need to know that in the late 1970s and early 1980s, rates were close to 20 percent and people still bought homes."  

Braddock's advice to homebuyers is to first do the math to see which move - renting or buying - offers more financial and lifestyle benefits. If you do decide to buy in 2022, it's all the more important to have a strong credit score to bank on the best possible rate. Shop around for a quality loan, and to help ride out market fluctuations, lock your rate and have at least a three-year commitment to staying in the home before needing to sell, says Braddock. Our CNET mortgage calculator can also help you better determine how much house you can afford.

If it's any comfort, the National Realtors Association predicts more housing supply in the next year based on expectations of new construction and the expiration of the mortgage forbearance program prompting some owners to sell. This could help to reduce the rising pace of home prices in the previous year and lessen the sting of rising rates.

5.) Want to make more money? Engage your employer

With 2021's Great Resignation leaving some companies scrambling for new talent, the new year may be a fertile time for you to finally get that promotion or raise. That is, assuming you've been adding value and plan to stay with your company. 

While higher pay may be top of mind, don't forget that there are other financial benefits your employer may be able to address. Financial wellness programs that provide credit counseling and help workers budget and save are increasingly becoming a valuable employer benefit that prospective workers are seeking out. In fact, close to 70 percent of workers say it's their employer's responsibility to help them become financially healthy and secure, according to a 2021 survey by the Employee Benefit Research Institute.  

If you have student loan debt or are considering going back to school, remember that a lesser-known provision in the CARES Act temporarily allows employers to provide up to $5,250 in tax-exempt student loan repayment contributions or tuition assistance each year, through the end of 2025. "With four full years remaining, it's the perfect time for employees to be proactive by asking if their employers are aware of their ability to offer this financial wellness benefit and whether they are willing to do so," says Patricia Roberts, financial aid expert and author of Route 529.   

In summary, 2022 poses some unique financial challenges and opportunities led by the likelihood of inflation and rising interest rates. They're worth considering, as we aim to manage our money well and achieve our short and long-term goals. If you've yet to knock down high-interest credit card debt, start there, then focus on bulking up your emergency fund. Rising mortgage rates may fuel more anxiety in the housing market, but prospective homeowners should have a long-term view and consider all their expenses. Finally, if you're hoping to make more money or get some financial assistance, don't forget: talking to your employer may be a great place to start. 

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