Special Financing Programs

Easy and affordable ways to make homeownership a reality
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Our Special Financing Programs provide affordable homeownership opportunities which in turn creates thriving communities and improves the quality of life in rural areas. The USDA loan options help many first-time buyers and low-to-moderate income families make homeownership a reality.

Special Financing Programs
Made Easy

We are your experts when it comes to home financing options. Contact us today to find out more information and to see if you qualify for one of our Special Financing Programs!

See if you qualify

Granite Ridge Builders has been one of the best companies we have ever worked with. Being new homeowners and first-time builders, we had no idea what to expect for the process and of course had so many questions. Every person we have worked with at Granite Ridge Builders has been patient, kind, understanding, and extremely helpful in each step of the homebuilding process. We would highly recommend them to anybody in the area that is ready to build a home!

Haley Dey | Avilla, IN

The communication was absolutely phenomenal! There was not one time when I questioned what was going on with our home construction. Our team treated us like family and not just another customer. We would not hesitate to build with Granite Ridge Builders again!

Liz Martin | Roanoke, IN

There’s a reason so many people select Granite Ridge Builders to build their home. They take care of their customers from the time they walk in the doors to the time they hand over the keys. Their staff is friendly, knowledgeable and care about every detail of the home selection process. You will not find a home builder you could entrust to build your dream home more than Granite Ridge Builders.

Rose Balgavy | Fort Wayne, IN

Just moved into our new home! Every step of the process was great. Everyone from Granite Ridge Builders were an absolute joy. We could not be happier!

Darren Crandell | Roanoke, IN

Jeff, the project manager was amazing. He kept me in the loop everyday, and I felt like I always knew what was happening in my home. He was always honest and on top of things. He took care of my home as if it were his own.

Lauren Cochran | Churubusco, IN
SPECIAL FINANCING PROGRAMS

Contact us today to begin the application process and see if you qualify for one of the USDA home loan programs!

USDA Home Loan Program
Highlights
USDA Loan Benefits

The USDA home loan has many benefits for rural homebuyers. Being able to secure financing without a down payment is among the major advantages to first-time homebuyers wishing to use a USDA home loan. The USDA home loan is one of the last remaining mortgages in the U.S. that does not require a down payment.

What is a USDA Loan?

USDA loan programs provides homeownership for many who otherwise may not be able to qualify for home financing. A USDA loan is a home loan that is guaranteed by the United States Department of Agriculture. It offers very low and competitive interest rates on home loans to borrowers with no down payment requirements.

USDA Loan Qualifications

A great benefit of the USDA home loan is you don’t need perfect credit. A borrower’s credit may have blemishes from collections or previous late payments. For others, it may be a complete lack of credit or no active credit accounts. Having a credit score of 640 or above usually helps eligible borrowers secure the best rates with zero down payment.

USDA Home Loan Program
Advantages & Benefits
$0 Down Payment

No down payment is required for a USDA loan. Obtain 100 percent financing without having to spend years saving for a down payment.

Customize your home

Select the details that will go into your new home and make it your own. All of the design choices are located under one roof, making it an enjoyable and effortless experience.

Flexible Credit Requirements

There is no minimum credit score for USDA loans; however, a score of 640 or higher will speed up the application process.

Low monthly payment

Low- and very-low-income applicants may be eligible for payment assistance to increase their repayment ability. Payment assistance is a type of subsidy that reduces the mortgage payment and is determined by the adjusted family income.

FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS

Thinking about buying your first home? The home buying process is simpler than you might think. Call us today to see if you qualify for our Special Financing Programs available to first-time homebuyers.

Episode 185:
Special Financing Programs

Do you know someone that deserves home ownership? In this episode of "Between the Studs", we share some amazing success stories and discuss the financing options available to new homebuyers that offer low monthly payments based on income (that are often less than renting), competitive interest rates, and zero money down to qualified buyers. Contact us today for more information!

USDA Loan Programs

First-Time Homebuyers and USDA Home Loans

Types of USDA Loans

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers two different types of home loan programs. Income and household size typically determine which program works best for the applicant. Competitive and/or below market interest rates, minimal closing cost, and longer mortgage terms provide opportunity and affordability for many homeowners utilizing these programs. These loans are restricted to rural areas. Read below to find out more information about each loan program and see which program works best for you.

502 Direct
USDA Loans

502 Direct USDA Loan: USDA funds the borrowers of these loans directly. These loans usually favor low-income and very-low-income individuals or families who can’t access any other type of financing for an adequate residence. Qualifying borrowers’ income must fall at or below the low-income limit in a designated area as defined by USDA. With subsidies, interest rates can be as low as 1%, based on the adjusted household income.

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Guaranteed
USDA Loans

Guaranteed USDA Loan: USDA partners with local lenders to offer guaranteed loans. Guaranteed means USDA insures a portion of the mortgage in the event you default on your loan. Therefore, these lenders tend to feel comfortable offering modest loan terms to low-income individuals with less-than-favorable credit scores. These types of loans typically suit low- or moderate-income borrowers. To be eligible for a guaranteed USDA loan, your adjusted household income can’t exceed more than 115% of the median family income in the designated rural area you wish to live in.

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USDA Home Loan Frequently Asked Questions
What is a USDA loan?

A USDA loan is a mortgage that offers considerable benefits for those wishing to purchase a home in an eligible rural area. USDA home loans are issued through private lenders and are guaranteed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

What is the purpose of a USDA loan?

USDA loans provide affordable homeownership opportunities to low-to-moderate income households to stimulate economic growth in rural and suburban communities throughout the United States.

USDA loans open the door to homeownership for many first-time homebuyers who otherwise could not afford a traditional 5-20% down payment. However, the USDA has its own guidelines and requirements, including eligibility requirements for the borrower.

Do USDA home loans require a down payment?

With the USDA loan program, qualified borrowers can purchase a home without a down payment, saving thousands of dollars in upfront costs.

What is the USDA's minimum credit requirement?

There is no minimum score required by the USDA; however, a score of 640 or higher will speed up the application process.

Can I get a USDA loan after bankruptcy?

In most cases, you may be eligible for a USDA loan three years after a chapter 7 bankruptcy discharge and one year after filing for chapter 13 bankruptcy.

What does the USDA require for employment eligibility?

You must establish employment to be eligible for the USDA loan and most lenders will require a minimum of two years of steady employment. If you are self-employed, you are eligible, but will be required to provide two years of federal tax returns to verify your income. Retirees may be able to obtain a USDA loan provided they have sufficient stable income.

Do USDA home loans have PMI?

USDA loans have a one-time upfront fee, known as the USDA guarantee fee, which is 1% of the loan amount. Additionally, the USDA has an annual fee that is currently only .35% of the loan amount and financed into the monthly payments. USDA homebuyers can finance the 1% guarantee fee into the total loan to make for a true $0 down loan.

What is the maximum amount that I can borrow?

An individual’s maximum loan amount is based upon their debts, income and ability to repay. The maximum USDA 502 loan amount is $336,500 for rural areas in northeast Indiana, northwest Ohio, and southern Michigan that are within Granite Ridge Builders building territory.

What does the USDA loan guarantee?

When you hear that the USDA loan is guaranteed, it is in reference to the fact that the USDA insures a portion of each loan in the event the borrower defaults on their home loan. This backing, or guarantee, is what gives lenders more confidence in homebuyers and the ability to extend favorable rates and terms.

How much are closing costs for a USDA mortgage?

Closing costs will vary by lender and location. You will need to ask your loan officer or New Home Specialist for more details.

Know your mortgage options

Ready to get started on your journey to home ownership? You are in the right place and we can't wait to see you through to the finish line.