First Time Homebuyers – 2020 is YOUR year to purchase your HOME!

by Liz Nitz

Let’s just say that the stars are aligning for first time homebuyers. Market forces are good as we are entering a more balanced market that we have not seen in years.  In addition, there is an abundance of programs to help the first time homebuyer get into that first home in 2020.

Let me explain why:

 

Low Downpayment Programs

There are VERY generous programs out there to help with qualifying the first time homebuyer for a purchase with a low downpayment.

  1. FHA loan program: A loan insured by the Federal Housing Administration. Good for those with low credit scores and little money saved for a down payment.  https://www.hud.gov/buying/loans
  2. USDA loan program: A loan program 100 percent guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for lower-income borrowers in eligible rural areas.  https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/single-family-housing-guaranteed-loan-program
  3. VA loan program: A loan backed by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs that allows no down payment for military personnel, veterans and their families.  https://benefits.va.gov/homeloans/
  4. Good Neighbor Next Door buyer aid program: A HUD program that provides housing aid for law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians and teachers.  https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/housing/sfh/reo/goodn/particip
  5. Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac loan program: Conventional loans backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac require 3 percent down. Good for those with strong credit.
  6. HomePath ReadyBuyer Program: A program that provides 3 percent in closing cost assistance to first-time buyers. Must complete an educational course and buy a foreclosed Fannie Mae property.
  7. Energy-efficient mortgage program: Backed by FHA or VA loan programs and allows borrowers to combine the cost of energy-efficient upgrades onto a primary loan upfront.
  8. FHA Section 203(k) loan program: Borrow the funds needed to pay for home improvement projects and roll the costs into one FHA loan with your primary mortgage.

 

Downpayment Assistance Programs

On top of the low downpayment programs, there are actually programs that will grant the first time homebuyer part of the downpayment!

  1. Montana Neighborhood Lift – Down payment assistance up to $12,500 for service members. https://www.montanalift.org/
  2. Montana Board of Housing deferred or Bond Advantage Program can provide up to $10,000 https://housing.mt.gov/Homeownership/Lenders/Down-Payment-Assistance
  3. HRDC Road to Home offers up to $30,000 .  https://thehrdc.org/how-we-help/housing/down-payment-assistance/
  4. Dream Makers Grants for Veterans – Offers up to $5000 . https://www.penfed.org/learn/mortgage-programs-for-veterans
  5. There are also local and state programs that can help get you into a new home!

 

Other Positive Factors for First Time Homebuyers

  1. Prices in the SW Montana area are leveling off and slowing their rate of increase. See my blogs for up to date information on real estate trends!  https://movemetomontana.com/montana-blog-real-estate-trends
  2. Inventory is good and days it takes to sell a home has risen.  We are approaching a balanced market where everything is not weighted towards the seller.
  3. Mortgage rates themselves are quite reasonable and are actually down from a year ago.

 

Free Seminar for First Time Homebuyers

This is a lot of information to digest.  To help, a mortgage broker, Kari Francisco (NMLS #1123666) from First Security Bank and I will be presenting a Seminar with just about everything you need to know to  purchase your home in 2020.  The seminar will take place on February 8 from 10 am – 12 Noon at the Windermere office in Downtown Bozeman – 135 East Main street.  PLEASE RSVP to liz@windermere .com or on my contact form at https://movemetomontana.com/as space is limited.

Pictured home is in Belgrade – check it out on this link. https://www.windermere.com/listing/MT/Belgrade/1308-Fozzie-Lane-C-58714/100542204

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The following homes listed below were just listed in the last 7 days. This seller’s market is hot so we keep a close eye on the latest inventory. Subscribe below for instant updates of your ideal criteria.

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4633 Shadowglen, Bozeman, Montana 59718

4633 Shadowglen, Bozeman, Montana 59718

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
0.17Acre
2,617Sqft
Four bedroom single family home on Bozeman's growing west side. Two stories with a main floor master bedroom. Generous amount of counterspace and storage in the kitchen, gas fireplace in the living room and formal dining room. Upstairs features two bedrooms, bathroom and loft/flex space currently used as an office.
$769,900

203 Wickwire Way, Bozeman, Montana 59718

203 Wickwire Way, Bozeman, Montana 59718

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
0.20Acre
2,067Sqft
Beautiful new construction available for immediate occupancy in Black Bull, just in time for golf season. Located steps from the club's amenities, 203 Wickwire Way provides easy single level living in one of Bozeman's most sought after communities. With 3 bedrooms, 2.
$1,499,000

2489 Andalusian Avenue, Bozeman, Montana 59718

2489 Andalusian Avenue, Bozeman, Montana 59718

4Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
0.28Acre
2,770Sqft
Welcome to 2489 Andalusian Ave in the highly sought after Baxter Meadows West Subdivision! This custom home is one of last crafted by renown Bozeman Developer Ed Adamson & Bozeman Building Traditions. This unique green and energy efficient home features two types of solar panels, complete with high efficiency Smart Triangle Tube Boiler System and radiant floor heating.
$1,399,900

29 Hoffman Drive, Bozeman, Montana 59715

29 Hoffman Drive, Bozeman, Montana 59715

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
0.07Acre
2,568Sqft
Spacious 4 bedroom, 3 bathroom Woodbrook townhome by renowned builder Ken Leclair in an unbeatable location near MSU, Downtown, and Bozeman Health. Enjoy the park-like setting backing to beautiful mature trees and babbling brook from the expansive newly built Trex deck. Main floor open living with vaulted ceilings and massive windows providing tons of natural light.
$749,900

340 Stonegate Drive, Bozeman, Montana 59715

340 Stonegate Drive, Bozeman, Montana 59715

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
0.96Acre
3,093Sqft
Brand new to market! Welcome to serene Stonegate subdivision tucked into Bozeman's Riverside Golf Course with spacious 1+/- acre lots & stunning mountain views. Abundant windows & natural light envelop elegant 3093 sq ft home with 4 beds & 3 1/2 baths. Main level master en suite boasts a ginormous walk-in closet/dressing room.
$1,500,000

3109 Augusta Drive, Bozeman, Montana 59715

3109 Augusta Drive, Bozeman, Montana 59715

4Bedroom(s)
3Bathroom(s)
0.29Acre
3,005Sqft
Beautiful home on the 14th fairway of the Bridger Creek Golf Course. "Big" unobstructed views of the Bridger Mountain Range. This home features 2 master suites, one with a walk-in closet big enough to make into another bedroom! Great room concept with corner river rock gas fireplace, large kitchen featuring cherry cabinetry, granite counters, butcher block island and a nice gas range.
$1,050,000

1418 Cherry Drive, Bozeman, Montana 59715

1418 Cherry Drive, Bozeman, Montana 59715

3Bedroom(s)
2Bathroom(s)
0.21Acre
2,523Sqft
This well maintained ranch style home backing to the Hyalite View Park is ideally located within close proximity to downtown Bozeman, Bozeman Deaconess Hospital, and Montana State University. The trail system runs right past the back door for hiking and biking opportunities as well. The two levels of this home afford separate bedroom/living areas for guests or roommates .
$825,000

280 Eagle Creek, Bozeman, Montana 59718

280 Eagle Creek, Bozeman, Montana 59718

3Bedroom(s)
1Bathroom(s)
2,182Sqft
This spacious 2-level Cottonwood Condo is ideally situated in the ever-growing West-End of Bozeman. Within walking distance to restaurants, coffee shops, trails, and workout facilities. Natural light floods the main level with an open concept floorplan with warm, oak flooring throughout the ENTIRE condo (helpful for those with allergies).
$720,000

315 N Tracy Avenue 508, Bozeman, Montana 59715

315 N Tracy Avenue 508, Bozeman, Montana 59715

2Bedroom(s)
1,418Sqft
The Henry is a proposed 6-story, luxury residential for sale development in the heart of downtown Bozeman, Montana. Totaling 44 condominiums, the project is 3 blocks from Main Street at the southwest corner of Tracy Avenue and Villard Street. The Henry is positioned to be the most sought-after residential property in Bozeman, given its location, amenities, design and views.
$1,554,000
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