Potential Decrease in Down Payment Requirement from 20% of a Home’s Value to 3% May Increase the Pool of First-Time Home Buyers

Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Mel Watt has said in an article in the Charlotte Observer that he would ask the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac) to back loans with smaller down payments.  In exchange for the decrease, however, the agencies may require private mortgage insurance so as to protect the government from defaulting borrowers.  Until such a program is put in place, buyers can approach lenders with Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-backed home loan programs, an alternative that may be nearly as cost-effective as the reduced-down payment plans from Fannie and Freddie.  Closing Attorney Rick Dunn saw this link to an article on the subject:  http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/11/07/5299099/fannie-mae-official-details-plan.html#.VGCiMmd0y70