How assumable mortgage loans work

If you’ve been thinking about buying a home and have been discouraged about interest rates you might be able to assume the seller’s mortgage. Think it’s too good to be true? It’s not. Here’s some information that you might need to know as it relates to assuming someone else’s mortgage when buying a home…

Let’s say you have an FHA mortgage right now at a historical mortgage rate of 3% that you picked up in the last couple of years. Your family has grown and now it’s time to sell the house. When you sell the house that loan gets paid off. The buyer of your home will need a new loan to purchase the home. If the buyer has the cash to assume the mortgage so they can bring in the difference between the amount owed and the purchase price.  The buyer of your home could do an assumption directly with your mortgage servicer.

How an assumption works on a VA mortgage

Similar to FHA loans, VA loans are also assumable. In order to get a VA loan you need to be an eligible military veteran. VA loans are only permitted for military personnel. VA loans require no down payment and no PMI. The assumption works the same as FHA. A VA mortgage assumption can be assumed by anyone including a non-veteran.  They would have to bring in the difference between the purchase price and the loan amount and they would be able to get a below-market interest rate.

The beauty of government loans is that they are indeed assumable. You work directly with the mortgage company holding the loan on the home you wish to purchase. This could be a handy tool to use when it comes to buying a home and getting an affordable mortgage payment.

Looking to buy a home? Get a no-cost quote on an assumable mortgage today!

 

 

RELATED MORTGAGE ADVICE FROM SCOTT SHELDON

Illustration of a house with a dollar sign on one side and a stack of investment charts on the other, representing the choice between paying off a mortgage and investing

Should you pay off your mortgage or invest the cash instead?

When you come into extra cash—whether from a bonus, inheritance, or years of disciplined saving—you…

Illustration of a parent holding a child and mortgage documents, symbolizing using child support income to qualify for a mortgage.

How to Use Child Support Income to Qualify for a Mortgage

For many homebuyers, every source of income matters when qualifying for a mortgage. If you…

Can You Use Section 8 Vouchers to Buy a Home? Yes — Here's How

Can You Use Section 8 Vouchers to Buy a Home? Yes — Here’s How

If you’re receiving Section 8 housing assistance and think that owning a home is out…

ustration of a house split into two halves—one side showing dollar bills representing cash flow and the other side showing an upward graph arrow representing property appreciation.

Should you buy rental property for cash flow or appreciation?

When you invest in real estate, one of the first decisions you face is whether…

View More from The Mortgage Files:

begin your mortgage journey with sonoma county mortgages

Let us make your mortgage experience easy. Trust our expertise to get you your best mortgage rate. Click below to start turning your home dreams into reality today!