Capital Home Mortgage Lakeland
Lakeland Home Loans
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Home Loans In Lakeland
Lakeland is the largest and most populous city in Polk County, Florida, part of the Tampa Bay Area. It is a principal city of the Lakeland–Winter Haven Metropolitan Statistical Area. It is also the 22nd largest city in Florida and has a growing rate of 1.33%. People flock to this city because of its amazing lakes. Lakeland is constantly growing! More and more people are moving into this city and for mainly its affordable cost of living. The overall cost of living is lower than the national and state average, making Lakeland one of Florida’s cheapest places to live.
The Lakeland housing market is somewhat competitive. Lakeland property prices were down 5.8% from last year, with a median price of $300,000 sold. The average home sells for 2% less than the asking amount and goes pending in roughly 25 days.
Home Loan Programs in Lakeland
There are several mortgage loans available in Lakeland, Florida. From traditional home loans to government-guaranteed and jumbo loans, there is a plethora of home loans for every home buyer.
Conventional Loans
These are the most prevalent and readily available mortgage options in Lakeland. These loans are appropriate for borrowers with solid credit, a balanced income, some debt, and some down payment. They are frequently the most straightforward approach to obtaining the most versatile financing options.
Conventional loans have strict qualification requirements. While these may differ slightly from lender to lender, they often include the following:
Credit Score
Conventional loans require a better credit score than government-backed loans. The typical minimum credit score necessary is generally 620, while some lenders might require 640 or higher.
Debt-to-Income Ratio
This is the percentage of your monthly gross income that goes toward debt repayment. This ratio is usually required to be less than 43% for a conventional loan. However, this figure may be lower if the applicant does not have an excellent credit history.
Down Payment
Conventional loans typically have a more significant down payment requirement than government-backed loans. The actual amount varies based on the borrower’s credit score, but it is generally between 3% and 5% of the home’s purchase price. For down payments of less than 20%, Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is required.
Loan Limit
Conventional mortgages must meet the local Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) requirement to be considered conforming. This means the FHFA limit would decide the maximum loan amount for the given location. In 2023, the conforming loan limitations for Lakeland, Polk County are $726,200 for a single-family house, $929,850 for a duplex, $1,123,900 for a triplex, and $1,396,800 for a fourplex.
Loan Conformance
Conventional loans (also known as “conforming” loans) are those that meet the requirements of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These government-sponsored enterprises purchase home loans from lenders to provide liquidity, allowing lenders to continue providing home loans to buyers.
FHA Loans
The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insures these loans against default, removing the risk from the originators. They provide easy mortgage qualification and down payment assistance. This could appeal to people trying to buy a property in Lakeland, FL, at a low interest rate.
FHA-insured loans have specific eligibility requirements:
Credit Score
To qualify for an FHA loan, borrowers must have a credit score of at least 580. This is a less stringent guideline than many conventional loans.
Employment
Borrowers must have a two-year verifiable work history to be eligible for an FHA loan. Recent college grads and those with proof of current military service are exempted from this requirement.
Debt-to-Income Ratio
The standard DTI ratio for an FHA loan is 45%. However, the DTI ratio may be as much as 50% with compensating factors. Borrowers with high credit scores may have a 55% DTI ratio.
Down Payment
A down payment of 3.5% is required for borrowers with credit scores of 580 and above. However, borrowers with scores between 500 – 579 may still be eligible for an FHA loan with a minimum of 10% down, and certain restrictions may apply.
Loan Limits
The FHA loan limits for Polk County in 2023 are $472,030 for a one-unit home, $604,400 for a duplex, $730,525 for a triplex, and $907,900 for a fourplex, respectively.
VA Loans
VA home loans are mortgage loans backed by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and are accessible to Service members, Veterans, and eligible surviving spouses. Private lenders, such as banks and mortgage companies, provide these loans. The VA guarantees a portion of the loan, allowing lenders to offer favorable terms to borrowers.
The VA home loan programs can assist you in purchasing, building, or improving your home and refinancing your current mortgage. There’s also a VA Rehab and Renovation Loan program that allows qualified borrowers to fund the purchase price of a property as well as certain renovations in a single package.
To be eligible for a VA home loan, you must first get a Certificate of Eligibility (COE), which certifies your eligibility based on your military service history and current duty status. The following elements determine qualifying for a VA loan:
Service History
There are specific service requirements to be eligible for a VA loan. These are determined by the era or wartime period in which you served, and you must have been discharged under conditions other than dishonorable.
Duty Status
Active duty service personnel, as well as veterans, may be eligible. Members of the National Guard and reservists are also eligible.
Surviving Spouses
A surviving spouse who remarries after age 57 and before December 16, 2003, may be eligible for a home loan benefit. Surviving spouses must meet additional requirements.
For specific eligibility based on your service, contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or speak with one of our VA Home Loan Specialists.
USDA Loans
A USDA home loan is a mortgage option for low-income borrowers in designated rural locations, such as Lakeland, Florida, in Polk County. This loan is accessible through the USDA Rural Development’s Section 502 Direct Loan Program, which aims to provide a road to homeownership for low- and very-low-income families living in rural areas.
The USDA provides two types of loans: direct loans and guaranteed loans. Direct loans are issued directly by the USDA and include financial help through subsidies. Guaranteed loans, on the other hand, are provided by USDA-approved lenders.
A USDA home loan’s eligibility requirements include credit, income, property usage, and home location. The USDA establishes these guidelines to provide safe, sanitary, and secure housing for low to moderate-income households.
Income
Applicants must meet specific income guidelines. The USDA is intended to help low- to middle-income individuals and families.
Credit
While credit score criteria differ by lender, candidates must have a reasonable credit history. To be eligible for a USDA-Guaranteed Home Loan, most lenders require a credit score of 640 or above.
Property Location
The home to be purchased must be in a USDA-defined eligible rural area. This often refers to locations having a population of 35,000 or fewer people.
Property Usage
The property being purchased must be the borrower’s primary residence. It cannot be an investment property, a second home, or an income-producing property.
Property Size
The property must be at most 2,000 square feet.
Loan Purpose
A USDA home loan can be used to buy, build, remodel, improve, or relocate a home in a qualifying rural area.
Citizenship or Residency
Applicants must be U.S. citizens or lawfully admitted Qualified Aliens.
Jumbo Loans
Jumbo loans are non-conforming mortgages that exceed the conforming loan limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) and the government-sponsored enterprises Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
The fundamental benefit of a jumbo loan is that it allows borrowers to finance a property that exceeds the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) limits. In other words, these loans enable customers to purchase luxury or higher-priced properties.
Borrowers must typically meet tighter eligibility requirements than those applying for conventional loans. Among these requirements are the following:
Higher Credit Score
Jumbo loans require a score of 700 or higher. Some lenders require a score of 740 and up to qualify for a jumbo loan.
Lower Debt-to-Income Ratio
Borrowers typically need a lower DTI ratio of less than 43% to qualify for a jumbo loan.
Larger Down Payment
Due to the risk of a higher loan amount, lenders require a down payment of 10 – 20%, depending on the borrower’s credit score.
Cash Reserve
One of the major prerequisites for jumbo loans is cash reserves. These are funds that you can easily access after you close on your home. They assure the lender that you have the resources to cover your mortgage payments in the event of a financial emergency.
The amount of cash reserves required varies, although many lenders require reserves equal to six to twelve months’ worth of mortgage payments. However, depending on the borrower’s financial situation and the loan terms, some lenders may require reserves equal to many years’ worth of mortgage payments.
It’s vital to remember that these assets must be “seasoned” – that is, they must have been in your ownership for at least two months and aren’t a recent gift or loan.
Enough cash reserves decrease the lender’s risk and benefit the borrower by increasing the likelihood of loan approval.
Apply for a Home Loan in Lakeland
Capital Home Mortgage is a direct mortgage lender and servicer that provides a wide range of Florida mortgage products to meet clients’ needs. Whether you have lived in Lakeland or are new to the area, our Capital Home Mortgage Team will work with you to find the loan program that best matches your budget and personal needs.
Call our Lakeland Home Loan Specialists at (863) 513-1790 to begin your home-buying process!
Why Lakeland HomeBuyers are Choosing Capital Home Mortgage
Close On Time
Complete Control from Application to Funding
Low Rates & Low Fees
Direct Lender with Competitive Rates & Low Fees
Exceptional Service
7 Day a Week Support Application to Final Payment
Lakeland Florida Mortgage Rates
Have you ever wondered why interests rates are what they are and what determines the final rate? Why borrowers receive different interest rates? Or why rates go up and down? Interest Rates are calculated using several factors.
- Demand for Mortgage Securities
- Property Securing the Mortgage
- Occupancy of the Property
- Loan to Value of the Property
- Borrower’s Credit Worthiness
Lakeland Mortgage Programs
Lakeland Home Purchase
Thinking of Buying an Lakeland Home?
- Primary, Secondary, Investment
- FHA, VA, USDA, Native American
- Conventional, Jumbo, Non QM
- Reverse, Renovation, Manufactured
Lakeland renovation home loans
Looking to Rehab an Lakeland Home?
Want the Charm of an Older Neighborhood? But want a new place or a fresh look? Why not look at a renovation loan? Purchase the Perfect Home and make it your own. Call today.
- Remodel, Renovate or Repairs
- FHA 203K Streamline or full
- fannie mae homestyle reno
- freddie mac home choice reno
Lakeland FHA Home Loans
Great for 1st Time Lakeland Homebuyers
FHA Home Loans are great for first time home buyers, buyers with less than perfect credit, or buyers needing less out of pocket. Call today to get started.
- Smaller Down Payment
- Flexible Underwriting
- Higher Debt to Income Ratios
- Lower Credit Scores OK
Lakeland VA Home Loans
100% Financing for Lakeland Veterans
Proudly Serving Active Duty servicemen and women, as well as, retired and disabled veterans. Call today to speak with a VA loan officer.
- Simply Qualifying for Veterans
- No Down Payments Requirements
- Lower Credit Scores Accepted
- Manual Underwriting Allowed
Lakeland Conventional Home Loans
Flexibility for Lakeland Homebuyers
Conventional Home Loans are the best option for flexibility of property types and for mortgage loan terms. Call today to get speak to a Loan Officer.
- Primary, 2nd Home, Investment
- Great Rates & Low Fees
- Single Family and Multi-Family
- Renovation Loan Programs
Lakeland Jumbo Home Loans
Lakeland Non Conforming Loans
- Primary Residence and 2nd Homes
- Higher Loan Amounts – 3 Million
- Great Interest Rates
- Investor Specific Guidelines
Lakeland USDA Home Loans
100% Lakeland Rural Home Loans
USDA Loans are a great option for families wanting to live outside of the city. Call today to speak with a loan officer to discuss your personal loan options.
- Rural Properties Only
- Primary Residence Only
- Geographic Restrictions
- Income REstrictions
Lakeland Native American Home Loans
Lakeland HUD 184 Home Loans
HUD 184 Home Loans are solely for Native American and offer a variety of benefits. Call today to speak with a loan officer to find out more.
- Primary Residence Only
- Manual Underwriting for All Loans
- No Credit Score Requirements
- Tribal Grants Allowed
Lakeland Manufactured Home Loans
Great Alternative Lakeland Housing
Lakeland reverse mortgages
Your Lakeland Home at Work
Reverse Mortgage Loans offer seniors options to use their home’s equity for cash or to eliminate payments. Call today to get speak to a Reverse Loan Officer.
- primary residence only
- simple qualifying – equity based
- credit scores not applicable
- Minimum age 62
Lakeland Non QM Home Loans
Making Lakeland Mortgages Possible
Looking for Non Traditional Home Mortgage Loan? Contact a Loan Officer Today to discuss the alternative mortgage options currently available.
- Purchase, Rate and Term & Cash-out
- Primary, Secondary and Investment
- Full Doc & Bank Statements Programs
- Corporations OK
Lakeland One Time Close mortgages
Build Your Lakeland Dream Home
- Primary Residence Only
- Close Once
- Lock Rate at Contract
- Traditional Final Mortgage
Lakeland Refinance Mortgage Loans
Lakeland Rate & Term Refinance
Refinancing can be a hard decision and the payback can sometimes be confusing. Call today and let our Loan Officers walk you through the process.
- Reduce Mortgage Term
- Lower Monthly Payments
- Appraisal Waivers
- Streamline Options Available
Lakeland Cash-out Home mortgages
Lakeland Equity Mortgage Loans
Cash-Out Mortgage Loans make use of the equity in your home by allowing you to refinance the current mortgage and access this equity to use as you see fit.
- Debt Consolidation
- Investment Opportunities
- Home Improvement
- Vacation or Education