Montana Mortgage Rates

Montana Mortgage Overview

If you're looking for wide-open spaces and incredible geographical features, you've found it in Montana with the Rocky Mountains and Great Plains. Home to just over 1 million people, the median home price is $230,600, making it an affordable place to live.

If you're thinking of living in Montana, here are your top loan options:

Montana FHA loans

Borrowers with a blemished credit history have good luck with the FHA loan. With a 580 credit score and 50 percent debt ratio, you can secure 97.5 percent funding. The 3.5 percent down payment can be from your funds or gift funds. If you have a 500 - 579 credit score, you need 10 percent down, but may still qualify. At least 3.5 percent of the down payment must come from your funds.

Montana VA loans

Veterans have a good chance at securing a VA loan, which is 100 percent financing. You need a 620 credit score and enough time served in the military (90 days during war and 181 days during peacetime). VA loans don't require mortgage insurance and have flexible underwriting guidelines, focusing mostly on your monthly disposable income to make sure you can afford your bills and the cost of living.

Montana USDA loans

If you don't qualify for an FHA or VA loan, look at the USDA possibilities. It's a program for low to moderate-income families. If you are eligible, you can get 100 percent financing, which means no down payment. You need a 640 credit score and a max 41 percent debt ratio. USDA loans have mortgage insurance, but the rates are low.

Montana conventional loans

Conventional loans are the traditional loans most people think of that requires a 20 percent down payment. They don't. First-time homebuyers need a 3 percent down payment and subsequent buyers need a 5 percent down payment. Everyone needs at least a 660 credit score to qualify. If you put down less than 20 percent, you'll pay PMI, but only until you owe less than 80 percent of the home's value.

First-Time Homebuyer Programs in Montana

Regular Bond Program

This Montana housing program provides first-time homebuyers with affordable financing. The 30-year term has below-market rates. You must meet the income limits for your area and take a homebuyer education course to qualify.

Down Payment Assistance

If you're eligible for the Regular Bond Program, you may also qualify for DPA. You may receive up to 5 percent of the sales price or $10,000. The Bond Advantage DPA is a 15-year repayable loan with low interest. The MBOH 0% Deferred DPA is a deferred loan for up to $6,500. You repay the loan when you sell the home or refinance.

80% Combined Program

If you're eligible for Montana Housing assistance, you may secure this FHA alternative. You get 100 percent financing, with the first mortgage at 80 percent so you avoid mortgage insurance. The second loan is for 20 percent and is from a non-profit agency.

Montana Veteran's Home Loan Program

Eligible veterans who don't qualify for a traditional VA loan may get help from the Montana Housing assistance program for Vas. The loan has an interest rate of 1 percent below the market rate.

Mortgage Credit Certificate

This provides eligible homebuyers with a tax credit for the mortgage interest paid each year equal to the lesser of 20 percent of the interest paid or $2,000 per year. This lasts for the entire loan term.