What is the family opportunity mortgage?

What is the family opportunity mortgage?

Short Answer:

A program for individuals to purchase a house and get mortgage financing for another family member. Typically, this mortgage is used for securing housing for elderly parents or disabled adult children who could not qualify for a mortgage on their own.

Longer Answer:

The Family Opportunity Mortgage is a unique program designed to help families secure housing for elderly parents or disabled adult children. This mortgage option offers significant financial advantages and flexibility. Ultimately, making it easier for families to provide a safe and stable home for their loved ones; who could not qualify for a house on their own.

What is the Family Opportunity Mortgage?

Typically, mortgage lenders offer the best interest rates for primary residence mortgages (i.e. the home that the borrower will live in for the majority of the year). If one borrower on the mortgage is not going to live in the house for the majority of the year, the house will be classified as a second home or investment property.

The Family Opportunity Mortgage is a loan program that allows individuals to purchase a home for their elderly parents or disabled adult children without classifying the property as a second home or investment property. This means that borrowers can benefit from the same favorable terms as if they were buying a primary residence for themselves.

Key Benefits of the Family Opportunity Mortgage

  1. Primary Residence Rates: One of the most significant advantages is that it allows borrowers to qualify for primary residence interest rates. Historically, primary interest rates have been lower than those for second homes or investment properties.
  2. Lower Down Payment Requirements: The Family Opportunity Mortgage allows for down payments as low at 5%. Second Homes and Investment properies can require down payment over 20%. The lower down payment requirement reduces the overall cash required for closing.
  3. No Distance Requirments: The program recognizes the unique dynamics of supporting elderly parents or disabled adult children. As such, it requires no mimimum distance from the borrower's current primary residence like second homes. The house could be as close as next door.

Eligibility and Requirements

To qualify for the Family Opportunity Mortgage, certain conditions must be met:

  • Elderly Parents: The property must be intended for the borrower's elderly parents who are unable to afford a home on their own. In some situations, income documentation from the parents might be required to determine they are unable to qualify for the house. The parents do not have to be on the mortgage, but they must occupy the home as their primary residence.
  • Disabled Adult Children: The property can be purchased for a disabled adult child who is unable to work or has limited income. Similarly, as above, income documentation from the parents might be required to determine they are unable to qualify for the house. The child must live in the home as their primary residence.
  • Credit Score Requirement: Minimum of 620 for all borrowers of the mortgage
  • Qualify for both/all homes: Borrowers will need to qualify for their current residences + the proposed housing payment. The acceptable Debt to Income ratio should be under 45% to 50% of the borrower's gross monthly income.

Conclusion

The Family Opportunity Mortgage is a practical solution for families looking to provide housing for elderly parents or disabled adult children. This mortgage product allows family members to obtain primary residence interest rates and down payments without having to reside in the property themselves.

If you believe the Family Opportunity Mortgage could be the right fit for your family, reach out to me to explore your options and take the first step toward securing a home for your loved ones.


These blogs are for informational purposes only. Make sure you understand the features associated with the loan program you choose, and that it meets your unique financial needs. Subject to Debt-to-Income and Underwriting requirements. This is not a credit decision or a commitment to lend. Eligibility is subject to completion of an application and verification of home ownership, occupancy, title, income, employment, credit, home value, collateral, and underwriting requirements. Not all programs are available in all areas. Offers may vary and are subject to change at any time without notice. Should you have any questions about the information provided, please contact me.

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