The most commonly used Michigan mortgages today are Michigan FHA loans and Michigan Rural Housing loans. FHA requires a 3.5% down payment compared to the required 10% down payment for conventional mortgages. Michigan Rural Housing still allows for zero down and is the only zero down option available unless you are a veteran (in which case you can qualify for a me Loan).

The Michigan Rural Housing loan is a favorite of mine if you do not have a large down payment, because it also does not have any monthly mortgage insurance (PMI), making the payment more affordable. The next best thing in my opinion if you do not have a large down payment would be a Michigan FHA loan, because it only requires the 3.5% down payment and has a low amount of monthly mortgage insurance once again making the payment more affordable.

These loans also have more flexible credit guidelines than conventional, still allowing a minimum credit score of only 620. But keep in mind, getting a loan approved today with past credit blemishes is no picnic. You will have to provide letters explaining any collections, bankruptcies, foreclosures or even late payments in the past 24 months. Make sure you are working with an experienced mortgage loan officer and an experienced company so you can feel confident that your transaction will closes.

There are a good number of mortgage programs in Florida and sifting your way through the seemingly endless options could be a daunting task. For this, you may want to consider hiring a mortgage broker who is knowledgeable in all the good deals and could get you exactly what you have been looking for. But looking for a good mortgage broker in Florida is not an easy task. How do you know which one is the best?

Because it is the mortgage loan broker’s job to find the best mortgage deals and are expert on the ins and outs of the business, they are the best people to help you if you are planning on getting a mortgage. Over eighty percent of mortgage loans in Florida are transacted by mortgage brokers for consumers. Because of their experience, they have the capability to exhaust all options to find the most suitable deal for you.

When looking for a mortgage loan broker, one trait that you should look for is integrity mainly because there is money involved. Your broker should stay true to his or her word and should meet all promises. Read the fine print before signing any agreement with any broker. Make sure that your broker has your best interest in mind and does not push programs or deals that you do not really need. A good broker will assess your financial situation and put you in an appropriate program. It is also best to compare different rates of different brokers to find out if their fees are reasonable.

Fees vary widely depending on the rate of loan, terms, conditions, etc. Banks and brokers also profit in different ways. It could normally be categorized into three brackets: front end fees, back end rate and the combination of the two. Simply put, some brokers charge at the start of the term, others through a commission basis, and some through both. It is very important to be clear on all terms and fees before hiring a broker. Do not forget to sign an agreement stating all fees, as this will be an additional security for you in the long run.