Girard, IL USDA Loans VS FHA Loans

Girard, IL USDA Home Loans vs Girard, IL FHA Home Loans: Which is Right for You?

Homeownership is a dream for many people. To make it achievable for a wider range of individuals, there are various mortgage programs available. Among the most popular are USDA Home Loans and Girard, IL FHA Home Loans. Both of these loan programs aim to assist buyers, especially those with low-to-moderate incomes, but they serve different populations and have distinct criteria. Let’s delve into the differences and similarities of these two loan types to help you decide which one might be right for you.

Girard, IL USDA Home Loans

1. What it is: The Girard, IL USDA Home Loan program is backed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). It’s designed to help rural residents, especially those with lower incomes, purchase homes.

2. Eligibility:

  • Location: Homes must be located in eligible rural areas as defined by the USDA.
  • Income limits: There are maximum income limits, which vary based on the size of the household and the county in which the property is located.
  • Credit score: While the USDA doesn’t have a set credit score requirement, most lenders require at least a 640 score.

3. Benefits:

  • No down payment: USDA loans allow for 100% financing.
  • Competitive interest rates: Often lower than conventional loans.
  • Low mortgage insurance: The upfront guarantee fee can be rolled into the loan, and the annual fee is generally lower than FHA mortgage insurance.

4. Limitations:

  • Geographic restrictions: The program is limited to certain rural areas.
  • Income caps: Not suitable for those with higher incomes.

Girard, IL FHA Home Loans

1. What it is: FHA Home Loans are backed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). This program aims to help those with low-to-moderate incomes and Girard first-time homebuyers purchase homes.

2. Eligibility:

  • Credit score: Borrowers need a minimum credit score of 580 to qualify for the 3.5% down payment. Those with scores between 500-579 can still qualify but will need a 10% down payment.
  • Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI): Generally, the ratio should be less than 43%, but exceptions can be made with compensating factors.
  • Mortgage Insurance: Borrowers are required to pay both an upfront and an annual mortgage insurance premium.

3. Benefits:

  • Low down payment: Requires only 3.5% down with a 580 credit score.
  • Flexible credit requirements: Suitable for those with lower credit scores.
  • Assumable mortgage: An Girard, IL FHA loan can be assumed by a future buyer, which can be a selling point in a rising interest rate environment.

4. Limitations:

  • Mortgage insurance: FHA loans come with both upfront and ongoing mortgage insurance premiums.
  • Loan limits: There are maximum loan amounts, which vary by county.

Which is Right for You?

Your decision between a USDA Home Loan and an Girard, IL FHA Home Loan will largely depend on your individual circumstances:

  • Location of Desired Property: If you’re looking at a home in a rural area, the USDA loan might be the best fit. If you’re considering urban or suburban areas, an FHA loan may be the only option among the two.
  • Down Payment: If you don’t have a down payment, a USDA loan, with its 100% financing, can be attractive.
  • Credit Score: If you have a lower credit score, the FHA loan might be more forgiving.
  • Income: Remember that USDA loans in Girard, IL  have income caps which could rule out higher earners, while FHA loans in Girard do not.

To make the best decision, consider speaking with a mortgage professional who can provide advice tailored to your situation. Both Girard, IL  USDA and FHA loans offer opportunities for homeownership, but the right one for you will depend on your personal and financial circumstances.

Questions about the Girard, IL USDA and FHA loan options? Call today (888)416-4805.

We service the following areas for FHA and USDA loans.

Learn more about Girard, Illinois

Girard is a city in Macoupin County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,785 at the 2020 census, down from 2,103 in 2010.

Girard is named for Stephen Girard. When the village incorporated as a city, it became politically separate from Girard Township which surrounded it.

Girard is located in northeastern Macoupin County at 39°26′45″N 89°46′53″W / 39.44583°N 89.78139°W / 39.44583; -89.78139 (39.445947, -89.781253). Illinois Route 4 passes through the center of town as Third Street, leading southwest 14 miles (23 km) to Carlinville, the county seat, and north-northeast 26 miles (42 km) to Springfield, the state capital.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Girard has a total area of 0.93 square miles (2.41 km2), all land. The city drains west to tributaries of the East Fork of Otter Creek, flowing southwest to Hodges and then Macoupin Creek, a west-flowing tributary of the Illinois River. Sunset Lake and Otter Lake are 4 and 6 miles (6 and 10 km) west of Girard, respectively.

As of the census of 2000, there were 2,245 people, 864 households, and 565 families living in the city. The population density was 2,398.9 inhabitants per square mile (926.2/km2). There were 926 housing units at an average density of 989.5 per square mile (382.0/km2). The racial makeup of the city was 98.93% White, 0.13% African American, 0.13% Native American, 0.04% Asian, 0.09% from other races, and 0.67% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.11% of the population.