What Counts as First-Time Home Buyer for Fannie Mae?

Fannie Mae considers a first-time homebuyer as someone who is purchasing the security property to live-in as their primary residence and has not had any ownership stake in a residential property for the past three years. Here are the criteria that Fannie Mae follows to determine first-time homebuyers:

The person must be purchasing the security property

The property must be intended to be the person’s principal residence

The person should not have had any ownership stake in a residential property in the last three years leading up to buying the property.

Meeting these criteria can qualify someone as a first-time homebuyer and potentially help them access certain benefits, like down payment assistance programs. So, if you are looking to buy a new home and meet these qualifications, it’s worth looking into these programs to see if you can get some additional help in the process.

How Fannie Mae Defines First-Time Homebuyer

When it comes to buying a home, Fannie Mae has particular criteria and requirements that must be met in order to be considered a first-time homebuyer. According to Fannie Mae, a first-time homebuyer is someone who is purchasing the security property for the first time, intends to live in the property as their principal residence, and has not owned any residential property (sole or joint) in the three years leading up to the purchase of the property.

The Importance of Buying a Principal Residence

Fannie Mae places significant importance on the purchaser’s intent to live within the property as their primary residence. This requirement is intended to discourage individuals purchasing a property with the intentions of strictly using the property as an investment opportunity. The principal residence requirement ensures that the property is occupied by a primary resident, improving the vibrancy of neighborhoods and communities.

Sole and Joint Ownership of Residential Property

For an individual to be considered a first-time homebuyer by Fannie Mae, they must not have owned a residential property, either solely or jointly, in the preceding three years from the purchase date. If a potential buyer has co-signed a mortgage or owned a prior property with their spouse, but were not listed as a co-owner, Fannie Mae will still consider the buyer as a first-time homebuyer.

Understanding Fannie Mae’s Three-Year Rule

The three-year rule establishes that a first-time homebuyer cannot have owned any residential property directly, indirectly, or through a partnership entity. This includes any residential properties owned by a spouse, whether jointly or singularly owned. Fannie Mae defines homeownership as possessing a legal title or beneficial interest in a residential property, regardless of whether they live in the property.

Exceptions to Fannie Mae’s First-Time Homebuyer Definition

While the three-year rule outlined by Fannie Mae is relatively stringent, there are certain exceptions to this definition. If a person is a displaced homemaker or a single parent that has only owned a property with a former spouse while still married, they may qualify as first-time homebuyers. Additionally, if the displaced homemaker or single parent previously owned a property with their former spouse but is now a long-term renter, they may still be considered a first-time homebuyer.

Advantages for Fannie Mae First-Time Homebuyers

Fannie Mae strives to make it easier for first-time homebuyers to purchase a home by providing advantages to qualifying buyers. One significant benefit is the ability to partake in the HomePath Ready Buyer Program. This program provides educational resources and guidance to first-time buyers, including homebuyer education and firearm training, that will help them navigate the home-buying process.

Financing Options for First-Time Homebuyers through Fannie Mae

Fannie Mae offers different financing options for first-time homebuyers, such as the HomeReady mortgage, designed to enable lower income-earning families to obtain a mortgage. The HomeReady mortgage offers more favorable terms, including a lower down payment requirement and lower monthly premiums. Additionally, Fannie Mae provides the option of a HomeStyle renovation loan, which allows borrowers to purchase or refinance a currently owned home and complete any necessary renovations using a single loan. In conclusion, understanding Fannie Mae’s definition of a first-time homebuyer and the requirements they impose is necessary to be able to qualify for the benefits they offer. Whether you are a first-time homebuyer or looking to refinancing an existing mortgage, Fannie Mae offers several financing options that cater to your needs. By utilizing Fannie Mae’s programs and options, homebuyers can achieve their dream of homeownership with little hassle.