what is a phfa homebuyers course

by Violet Lindgren 6 min read

PHFA offers homebuyers the opportunity to receive free homebuyer counseling and education through one of its approved counseling agencies. PHFA requires borrowers with a FICO credit score lower than 680 to complete a course in-person prior to closing on their loan.

Full Answer

Who can take the PHFA online homebuyer course?

Borrowers with a middle credit score at or above 680 may complete the PHFA Online Homebuyer course. Borrowers with a middle credit score lower than 680 are required to complete an in-person course at a counseling agency prior to closing on their loan. These services are paid for by PHFA, with the exception of the credit report fee that may be charged by the counseling agency.

What loan programs does PHFA offer?

May 04, 2017 · disadvantaged homebuyers in a tight-credit low-default housing market. 2016 Urban Institute Housing Finance Policy Center Research Report Counseling reduces the delinquency rate by 29% for first time homebuyers and by 15% overall. 2013 Freddie Mac study Counseled homeowners were 2.83 times more likely to

How do I get a home loan from PHFA?

Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) loan is a program that provides qualified residents in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with affordable homeownership options. Since its inception in 1972, the PHFA has funded over 167,400 single-family home mortgage loans for more than $13.1 billion.

Are the PHFA offices open to the public?

Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency's (PHFA) Online Homebuyer Education Course: A free online course that covers all major aspects of the home-buying process. Completion of the course is required for PHFA first-time homebuyer program eligibility. Philadelphia. Affordable Housing Centers of PA Homebuyer Workshop: Online interactive workshops held over Zoom …

What credit score do I need to get a home loan with PHFA?

PHFA requires borrowers with a FICO credit score lower than 680 to complete a course in-person prior to closing on their loan.

Is PHFA closed?

As a result, all PHFA offices are currently closed to the public.

Does PHFA offer refinancing?

PHFA offers home purchase and refinance loans to qualified borrowers throughout the Commonwealth. What you choose will depend on your individual situation.

pennsylvania resident?

Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency ( PHFA) loan is a program that provides qualified residents in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with affordable homeownership options. Since its inception in 1972, the PHFA has funded over 167,400 single-family home mortgage loans for more than $13.1 billion.

WE HAVE AN AFFORDABLE SOLUTION FOR YOU

Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency ( PHFA) loan is a program that provides qualified residents in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with affordable homeownership options. Since its inception in 1972, the PHFA has funded over 167,400 single-family home mortgage loans for more than $13.1 billion.

Know Your Credit Score

Lenders consider your credit score because it is a way of determining how big of a risk you are as a borrower. If you’re hoping to get approved for a conventional mortgage loan, aim to have a credit score of 620 or higher. You can still get approved for a mortgage loan with a lower score, but you may pay a higher interest rate.

Calculate Your Debt-to-Income Ratio

In addition to knowing your credit score, you should also calculate your debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To figure out your DTI, add up your monthly debts. This includes things like your credit card minimum payments, student loan payment, car payment, and your future monthly mortgage. Then take that number and divide it by your pre-tax monthly income.

Save Up for Down Payment and Closing Costs

Perhaps one of the biggest hurdles to buying a home is saving up enough money to cover a down payment and closing costs. Many people say that you need to put down 20 percent of the home’s purchase price, but first-time homebuyers can actually put as little as three percent down with the purchase of private mortgage insurance.

Take a First-Time Homebuyer Education Class

Once you’ve determined that you’re in a good position to purchase a home, you might want (or need) to sign up for a homebuyers education class. Completion of an approved course is required for most down payment and loan assistance programs, but they’re also helpful for general first-time homebuyers because they offer a crash course on the process.

Philadelphia

Affordable Housing Centers of PA Homebuyer Workshop: Online interactive workshops held over Zoom that educate prospective first-time homebuyers on the process and help them decide if homeownership is right for them.

Pittsburgh

NeighborWorks Western PA Homebuyer Education Course: Covers the basics of the home-buying process and fulfills requirements of certain assistance programs.

Allentown

Alliance for Building Communities Housing Education and Counseling: Offers financial education and pre-purchase counseling.

FHA

The FHA is a national agency that functions as a division of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Approved private lenders, not the authorities, provide the loans and perform all of the loan servicing. The FHA provides the mortgage insurance for mortgage loans produced by the approved lenders nationwide that follow their guidelines.

PHFA

The PHFA is a state agency for the sake of Pennsylvania residents. Participating private lenders also originate and finance PHFA loans. The PHFA program allows participating lenders to supply a variety of loans for borrowers. These loans can be any kind: conventional, FHA, VA or Rural Housing Service loans.

Down Payment

FHA loans require a minimum deposit of 3.5 percentage; 10 percent for borrowers with credit ratings under 580. This deposit has to be the borrower's funds, and can’t be borrowed from a lender. The PHFA Keystone Authorities Loan Program allows buyers to borrow payment funds using a Keystone Authorities Assistance Loan.

Education Classes

FHA borrowers are not required to take instruction courses so as to qualify for an FHA loan. PHFA borrowers utilizing the Keystone Authorities Loan Program, with a credit rating beneath 660, has to complete a home buyer education course.

Extra Loans

The PHFA offers several programs that aid with repairs, energy-efficiency improvements and home modifications to support those with disabilities. These loans are not refinances of the whole loan. They are additional loans secured by the home, for example home equity loans. Homeowners can borrow up to 120% of the value of their home.

What is a FHA homebuyer course?

About fha homebuyer education course fha homebuyer education course provides a comprehensive and comprehensive pathway for students to see progress after the end of each module. With a team of extremely dedicated and quality lecturers, fha homebuyer education course …

What is CalHFA counseling?

CalHFA firmly believes that homebuyer education and counseling is critical to the success and happiness of a homeowner, and requires homebuyer education and counseling for first-time homebuyers using a CalHFA program. Who has to take this Homebuyer Education and Counseling course …

What is action housing?

With the First Time Homebuyers Education program, ACTION-Housing now offers two options for education, free personal counseling sessions and a new online option. The first time home buyers program assists potential homeowners in the home buying process through credit repair, education …

What is a hometrek?

HomeTrek is a user-friendly homebuyer education course that will help you learn how to afford, buy and maintain a home. Certificate at Completion You’ll be able to print and email your certificate upon completion of the course .