Milford, IL USDA Home Loans vs Milford, 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 Milford, 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.
Milford, IL USDA Home Loans
1. What it is: The Milford, 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.
Milford, 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 Milford 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 Milford, 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 Milford, 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 Milford, IL have income caps which could rule out higher earners, while FHA loans in Milford do not.
To make the best decision, consider speaking with a mortgage professional who can provide advice tailored to your situation. Both Milford, 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 Milford, IL USDA and FHA loan options? Call today (888)416-4805.
We service the following areas for FHA and USDA loans.
Learn more about Milford, Illinois
Milford is a village in Milford Township, Iroquois County, Illinois, United States. The population was 1,306 at the 2010 census. The village’s name comes from its location, where the Old Hubbard Trail forded Sugar Creek and where a gristmill stood in 1836 (“the mill at the ford”). Milford is located in southeastern Iroquois County along Illinois Route 1, which leads north 12 miles (19 km) to Watseka, the county seat, and south the same distance to Hoopeston in Vermilion County. The Indiana border is 9 miles (14 km) east of Milford via county roads. According to the 2010 census, Milford has a total area of 0.64 square miles (1.66 km2), all land. Sugar Creek flows westward along the southern edge of the village, before turning north to flow to the Iroquois River near Watseka. It is part of the Kankakee River watershed. As of the census of 2000, there were 1,369 people, 616 households, and 391 families residing in the village. The population density was 2,166.8 inhabitants per square mile (836.6/km2). There were 666 housing units at an average density of 1,054.1 per square mile (407.0/km2). The racial makeup of the village was 99.20% White, 0.44% from other races, and 0.37% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.90% of the population. There were 616 households, out of which 24.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.6% were married couples living together, 7.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.4% were non-families. 32.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.81.