First-time homebuyers—or those who haven’t owned a home in years—face unique challenges in the home loan process. One of these challenges is the down payment. While an FHA (Federal Housing Administration for first-time homebuyers) loan offers reduced down payments, the sum required—3.5% of the sale price—will still total in the thousands for the average home.  This is on top of any other closing costs and other standard mortgage processing costs.

And for a buyer who hasn’t owned a home in years but is ineligible for an FHA loan, the even more sizable down payment may seem out of reach. Without an existing home sale to fuel a future purchase, the down payment can be a major barrier in the home buying process.

For these homebuyers, there is Jump Start!

Jump Start is a down-payment assistance program that provides up to 3% or $6,000 toward a down payment for qualifying homebuyers.

Think you may qualify for a Jump Start? Here are a few details you need to know:

• Jump Start does not need to be repaid. While you do not have to repay this assistance (provided you meet the qualifications below), the addition of the program could affect your interest rate. Ask your home loan team for more details. 
• Jump Start does not cover the entire down payment. The minimum buyer contribution to the down payment is $500.
• You must remain in the mortgage for at least four (4) years. If you sell, transfer, or refinance the property you purchase with Jump Start before that, you’ll be responsible for repaying the full amount of the assistance.
• There are income restrictions. Buyers must make no more than $65,500 for a 1–2-person household and $74,750 for a 3+ person household at the time of purchase to qualify.

Want to learn more about how the Jump Start might help you start your home buying journey? Come talk to a Kirtland FCU home loan specialist today at the brand-new Kirtland FCU Home Loan Center at 6700 Jefferson NE, Suite D-1. 

Learn why Kirtland FCU is Albuquerque’s home loan leader and start your application today by calling 1-800-880-5328 or visiting us online at KirtlandFCU.org/HomeLoan.