Your First Home: The Low-Down on Down Payment Assistance in Utah

Feb 27, 2020

Down Payment Assistance

Nearly half of Americans have trouble saving even $400 for emergencies, let alone enough to put a down payment down on a house.

But just because saving up the down payment is difficult doesn’t mean that your dream of owning a home goes away. It also doesn’t mean that it’s impossible.

There are various forms of down payment assistance in Utah that you can take advantage of. Take a look at them here.

Who knows? One of them may be just what you need to make your dream of homeownership a reality!

Down Payment Assistance in Utah From the UHC

The Utah Housing Corporation (UHC) offers a small selection of loan programs to help its residents realize their dreams of homeownership. They have varying credit requirements and income limits and other restrictions.

However, there’s a good chance that you’ll qualify for one of these mortgages.

Let’s take a quick look at each of them here.

FirstHome Mortgages

FirstHome Mortgages, as the name suggests, are for first-time homebuyers. They are also offered to qualified single parents and veterans so don’t be afraid to look into it even if you’ve bought a home before.

The big draw about this loan product is that it offers the lowest interest rates you can get from the UHC. On top of that, you can take out a second loan (up to 6% of the original loan’s value) to use for a down payment or put toward closing costs.

Keep in mind that the interest rate on this secondary loan is a full two percentage points higher than the rate for the original loan.

You need to have a reasonably good credit score, 660 or higher FICO score. You are also subject to income and purchase price limits that vary depending on the home’s location.

HomeAgain Loan

The HomeAgain loan is similar to the FirstHome but is not restricted to first-time homebuyers. The interest rate is a little higher and an income limit of $96,600 is imposed.

The downpayment assistance is exactly like that of the FirstHome’s. You can take out a second loan of up to 6% of the first loan amount to cover the down payment put toward closing costs. It also carries a 2% higher interest rate.

Again, you’ll have to have a credit score of at least 660 to qualify for this loan.

UHC NoMI

Interest rates for the UHC’s NoMI loan are a little higher than the first two loans we’ve discussed. But it comes with one big advantage—you don’t have to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI).

PMI is an insurance policy that protects the lender if you default on the loan. It is typically used when borrowers don’t offer a 20% down payment. It’s a great way to open doors for borrowers who can’t afford a large down payment, but an added expense to your monthly bill.

The minimum down payment for this loan is 3%. However, it does offer a second loan for up to 5% of the first loan’s value. Again, this second loan carries a 2% higher interest rate.

The requirements are a little more stringent. You’ll have to have a 700 or higher credit score as well as take a homebuyer education course to qualify. Plus, there is an income limit of $96,600.

Score Loan

What if you don’t have a great credit score?

The Score Loan may be an option for you. This loan carries the highest interest rate of the other UHC options we’ve discussed but requires only a minimum 620 credit score to qualify.

Income limits are a bit lower at $78,500 but is a great option for low- to moderate-income buyers. You’ll also have to take homebuyer’s education classes to qualify.

To help with the down payment and closing costs you can take out a second loan for up to 4% of the first loan’s value.

Down Payment Assistance Grants

Down payment assistance in Utah comes in two forms.

The first is the second mortgages we’ve talked about that are available through the UHC. These mortgages are helpful, but you still have to pay them back—with interest. Free money or deferred interest would be even better.

Check out these two programs offering grants to Utah residents.

CDCU Down Payment Assistance

The Community Development Corporation of Utah has some federally-funded down payment assistance grants and deferred loans available. There is a limited number each year and applicants are served on a first-come, first qualified basis.

The program varies depending on the home’s location. All are subject to income limits and purchase price limits. All applicants must have a debt-to-income ratio of 45% or lower and must be able to contribute at least 1% towards the purchase of the home.

West Valley City Down Payment Assistance Grant

Looking to purchase a home in West Valley City?

If you meet the eligibility requirements (and funds are still available) you could get a $5,000 grant to help with the down payment.

You’ll have to provide at least $2,000 yourself. Plus, the mortgage payments and other housing costs can’t exceed more than 31% of the household’s income. Your total debt must be below 43% of the household’s income. On top of that, there are strict income limit requirements.

Only owner-occupied homes within West Valley City limits are eligible and new construction homes are excluded.

Owning Your Own Home in Utah

With down payment assistance in Utah, your dreams of owning a home may come true sooner than you think.

It will still require hard work and determination to finally pay off the debt you take on to buy a home. But, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that your monthly payments are going towards a property you own and not paying off your landlord’s mortgage.

Ready to check out your mortgage options?

Contact us today to get a quote and learn about your best options for purchasing a home!

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