Home Purchase Loans In Yakima

Yakima’s real estate market has long been deemed more affordable than other parts of Washington, such as Seattle. Some homeowners looking for more space for their money were drawn in by affordability. Prices can vary depending on the location, the size of the property, its condition, and its features.

Yakima Home Purchase Loan Programs

Yakima home buyers have various mortgage programs to fit their needs. Among them are as follows:

• Conventional Loans

Conventional loans are mortgages that are not guaranteed or insured by the government. Conventional loans are secured by GSEs (Government Sponsored Enterprises) such as Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac but are not government insured. These loans can be used to buy or refinance up to four-family residences. They are called “conforming” loans when they meet certain loan limits.

These loans have specific eligibility requirements in Yakima, Washington, as mentioned below:

• • • Credit Score

The minimum FICO score required is 620. Most conventional loans require a credit score of 620 or higher.

• • • Down Payment

A 5% down payment is usually required. However, highly qualified buyers can get by with a 3% down payment. Mortgage insurance is not required if the down payment is 20% or greater.

• • • Income

A stable and consistent source of income for the last two years is required. All sources of income should be thoroughly documented.

• • • Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio

This ratio is critical for loan applications, with a recommended DTI of less than 43%. 

• • • Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)

For loans with less than a 20% down payment, PMI is required to protect lenders in case of default. This PMI is refundable under certain situations.

• • • Loan Limits

Yakima’s 2023 conforming loan limits are $726,500 for a one-unit home, $929,850 for a duplex, $1,123,900 for a triplex, and $1,396,800 for a quadplex, respectively.

• FHA Home Loans

An FHA (Federal Housing Administration) home loan is a government-backed mortgage loan intended to provide financing options for prospective homeowners, particularly those who may not qualify for conventional mortgages. The FHA program primarily benefits consumers with minimal down payments or low credit scores.

The basic eligibility requirements of an FHA loan include the following:

• • • Credit Score

A minimum FICO credit score of 500 is required for an FHA loan. However, buyers with credit scores between 500 and 579 must make a 10% down payment, while those with scores of 580 or higher only need a 3.5% down payment to qualify.

• • • Down Payment

A minimum 3.5% down payment is required for borrowers with a credit score of at least 580. If the borrower’s credit score is less than 580, a 10% down payment is required.

• • • Income & Employment

Borrowers should have at least two years of consistent employment history. Income documentation is required as part of the FHA loan application process.

• • • Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio

The maximum DTI for an FHA loan is usually 43%; however, exceptions can be granted, with compensating factors raising this ratio up to 56% in some situations.

• • • Property Requirements

The property purchased with an FHA loan must be the borrower’s principal residence. 

• • • Loan Limits

Yakima’s FHA loan limits for 2023 are $472,030 for a 1-unit home, $604,400 for a 2-unit, $730,525 for a 3-unit, and $907,900 for a 4-unit, respectively. 

• VA Home Loans

A VA home loan is a mortgage option for veterans, active duty people, National Guard members, reservists, and certain surviving spouses. It is guaranteed by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and provides advantageous terms to qualifying persons.

You must meet the Department of Veterans Affairs’ eligibility requirements to be eligible for a VA home loan in Yakima, Washington. Among the most essential requirements are:

• • • Certificate of Eligibility

You must present a valid COE to your lender to qualify for a VA-guaranteed mortgage based on your service record and current duty status. You can submit a COE request on the Department of Veterans Affairs website.

• • • Credit and Income

In addition to meeting the VA’s eligibility requirements, you must satisfy your lender’s credit and income requirements to obtain financing. These requirements may differ between lenders.

• • • Occupancy

The property you purchase with a VA mortgage must be for your own personal occupancy.

• USDA Home Loans

A USDA home loan is provided by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to encourage homeownership in rural areas. The USDA Rural Development Loan, often known as the “USDA guaranteed loan” or “USDA rural housing loan,” is offered to lower- and middle-income Yakima, Washington residents.

A USDA home loan has several advantages, including no down payment, the opportunity to finance closing fees, reduced mortgage insurance, and fixed interest rates. You must meet specific credit and income guidelines to qualify for a USDA home loan, and the property you are buying must be situated in an eligible rural area.

The whole county of Yakima is eligible for USDA Rural Development Loan.

• Native American Home Loans

The Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program is a mortgage loan product explicitly designed for American Indian and Alaska Native families, Alaska villages, tribes, and tribally designated housing entities. Congress established this program in 1992 to increase access to capital and facilitate homeownership in Native American communities. Section 184 financing enables borrowers to purchase a property with a small down payment and flexible underwriting. Section 184 loans may be used for new construction, rehabilitation, buying an existing property, or refinancing on and off native lands.

In Yakima, Washington, eligible borrowers may apply for a Section 184 loan through a participating lender and collaborate with the tribe and Bureau of Indian Affairs when leasing tribal land. The lender then evaluates the required documentation and submits the loan to HUD’s Office of Loan Guarantee for approval. The loan is restricted to single-family homes (1-4 units) and loans with fixed interest rates of 30 years or less. Commercial properties and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) are ineligible for Section 184 loans.

• Jumbo Loans

A jumbo mortgage is a loan that exceeds the Federal Housing Finance Agency’s (FHFA) limits. Unlike a conventional mortgage, Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac cannot acquire, guarantee, or securitize a jumbo loan. Jumbo loans are intended to fund luxury residences and homes in highly competitive local real estate markets, and they have particular underwriting criteria and tax implications. The fundamental benefit of a jumbo loan is that it permits borrowers to obtain a mortgage that exceeds the FHFA’s limits.

Apply for a Home Purchase Loan in Yakima

Capital Home Mortgage is an excellent option for homebuyers in Yakima. Capital Home Mortgage is well-known for its diverse home purchase loan options, which provide consumers with flexibility and individualized solutions. By choosing Capital Home Mortgage, purchasers in Yakima can receive these benefits and guidance throughout the home-buying process, making homeownership more accessible and affordable.

Call (803) 600-0088 to speak with one of our Yakima Home Loan Specialists.