FHA mortgage loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration and borrowers can get qualified for home buying for as little as 3.5% down. Homeowners that are seeking FHA refinancing may qualify for a rate and term or streamline refinance that also only needs 3.5% home equity. Today, FHA mortgage rates are available at 4.5% on the 15-year fixed rate option and 4.75% on the 30-year fixed rate mortgage.

VA home loans are guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA mortgage is a unique option for first time home buyers, because it has a no-down-payment required for eligible veteran home buying. VA mortgage rates are available at 4.375 on the 15-year fixed rate option and 4.625% on the 30-year fixed rate loan. VA refinancing is also available at 100% with both rate and term and streamline refinance options.

First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit Deadline Extended

For homes bought in 2009, the credit does not have to be paid back unless the home ceases to be the taxpayer’s main residence within a three-year period following the purchase.  First-time homebuyers who purchase a home in 2009 can claim the credit on either a 2008 tax return, due April 15, 2009, or a 2009 tax return, due April 15, 2010. The credit may not be claimed before the closing date.

General Information Homebuyers who purchased a home in 2008, 2009 or 2010 may be able to take advantage of the first-time homebuyer credit. The credit:

• Applies only to homes used as a taxpayer’s principal residence.

• Reduces a taxpayer’s tax bill or increases his or her refund, dollar for dollar.

• Is fully refundable, meaning the credit will be paid out to eligible taxpayers, even if they owe no tax or the credit is more than the tax owed.