Boston Real Estate for Sale

A lot of people who are interested in buying a home start to worry about their finances after hearing they need to provide a 20 percent down payment on the property. However, it is often possible to purchase a Boston loft, highrise condo or classic Beacon Hill condo without a massive down payment. Though 20 percent may be the recommended amount of down payment for a Boston condominium, it is not a requirement. Use these tips to lower your down payment so you can buy a property without having to save up as much.

Look into Government Loans 

The best way to get a smaller down payment is to go with a government-backed loan. Lenders are more willing to accept a lower down payment when the government is insuring the loan. For example, Veterans Affairs mortgages do not require any down payment and Federal Housing Administration mortgages only require a 3.5 percent down payment. Keep in mind you might have to meet qualifications like being a veteran or finding a government approved lender, but if you can get one of these loans, they are very helpful.

Get a Piggyback Mortgage

As long as you can make a down payment of at least 10 percent, you can try a piggyback mortgage, which is technically two mortgages. Your down payment would cover roughly 10 percent of the purchase, the main mortgage covers about 80 percent of the loan, and the secondary mortgage covers the remaining 10 percent. Due to the shifting housing market, more and more lenders are allowing this type of mortgage lately. It can include a bit of extra hassle and paperwork, but you normally do not need to pay for an appraisal, title insurance, or other required fees twice.

Find Down Payment Assistance Programs

With down payment assistance programs, you can essentially get a low or no interest loan for the down payment, which allows you to agree to a higher down payment without having to offer your own money as the down payment at the time of closing. There are both government run and nonprofit agencies that offer down payment assistance as a way of boosting home ownership.

Pay for Private Mortgage Insurance

If you cannot make a high down payment, you may find that lending institutions want you to pay for private mortgage insurance, which protects the lender if you default on your loan. The rates for private mortgage insurance tend to be calculated based on credit score, so this is normally only a good option for buyers who have an excellent credit score of over 760.

Before beginning your search for Boston condos for sale, determine how much you can afford for a down payment. When you’re ready to start looking at the many great condos, lofts, and penthouses in the area, get in touch with us at 617-595-3712.

Boston condos for sale

Back Bay new condos for sale
Beacon Hill  new condos for sale
Charlestown area new condos for sale
Navy Yard Charlestown  new condos for sale
Dorchester new condos for sale
Fenway  new condos for sale
Jamaica Plain new condos for sale
Leather District new condos for sale
Midtown  new condos for sale
Seaport District area new condos for sale
South Boston new condos for sale
South End new condos for sale
Waterfront new condos for sale
North End  new condos for sale
West End new condos for sale
East Boston new condos for sale

Condos around Boston to rent:

Back Bay area condos for rent
Beacon Hill area condos for rent
Charlestown area condos for rent
Navy Yard Charlestown area condos for rent
Dorchester area condos for rent
Fenway area condos for rent
Jamaica Plain area condos for rent
Leather District area condos for rent
Midtown area condos for rent
Seaport District area condos for rent
South Boston area condos for rent
South End area condos for rent
Waterfront area condos for rent
North End area condos for rent
West End area condos for rent
East Boston area condos for rent

 

Call Now