If you’re on the hunt for your next home, you may be curious about financing options. Outside a traditional home loan, some homebuyers opt for an assumable mortgage. Understanding what loan assumption is gives you a better idea of financing alternatives and in turn can land you the home of your dreams.
What is a mortgage assumption?
Mortgage assumption is the act of taking over the remaining balance of the previous property owner’s mortgage loan. All loan conditions will remain intact including interest rates, loan term and loan balance.
Do I need a down payment when assuming a mortgage?
The value of the home may have increased since the original owner purchased the property. The difference between the original value and current value will be the amount you’d pay on the down payment.
Which mortgage loan types are assumable?
As a standard, government-backed loans are applicable to be assumed. Conventional loans can be assumed, but this option is not the most ideal for most buyers as oftentimes, the lender will require the whole sum of the remaining balance be paid at the closing of the property.
FHA loans are a bit more lenient and in most cases only need approval from a lender. VA loans can be assumed, but come with a few extra stipulations and rules. These include:
- No approval needed or mortgages originating prior to March 1, 1988.
- Loans acquired after this date need lender approval.
- Borrower must be a veteran, active duty service member or an eligible spouse.
Loan assumption may be beneficial as it often comes with lower interest rates and less debt. However, with a higher down payment and additional fees, it pays to do research to figure out if this loan option is best for you.
About the Author
Kimberly Hering
Kimberly Hering's devotion to helping people achieve their real estate goals stems from her genuine enjoyment of the process. Whatever the task, Kimberly makes it her mission to get it done, however she can, without compromising her client's needs. Often, that means thinking outside the box. After working with Kimberly, clients describe her as being Trustworthy, Creative, Patient, Highly Skilled, Attentive to the Process and having a lot of Integrity.
After spending more than 15 successful years working on Wall Street, Kimberly transitioned into Real Estate, joining Alain Pinel Realtors, then moving to Zephyr, now Corcoran Global Living, in 2018. During her career on Wall Street, Kimberly was a Vice President working as an Institutional Equity Salesperson for Montgomery Securities for 10 years. She covered the top money managers throughout the US and Canada. She joined Jefferies & Co as a Senior Vice President managing the Western Region Institutional Sales group, while continuing to cover the top money managers.
Kimberly leverages her extensive experience selling equities to top money managers throughout the US and Canada, to successfully negotiating any Real Estate transaction seamlessly for her clients. Kimberly is well versed in Marin's neighborhoods, towns, cities, and education system.
Living in the Bay Area for 35 years, 25 years in Marin and having 2 sons in local Marin schools, Kimberly spends a lot of time volunteering in the community and serving on various local Boards. Kimberly has a collection of resources ranging from the best local breakfast spots to vetted contractors. With her reliable list of valuable resources, Real Estate experience and unsurpassed knowledge of Marin's many communities, Kimberly can guide her clients through every aspect of a Real Estate transaction seamlessly.
Relocating to Marin, downsizing, upsizing, first time home buying, final home purchase or sale, or a lot to build a dream home, no matter the undertaking, Kimberly works seamlessly until the job at hand is completed with 100% satisfaction.