Having good credit is a crucial aspect of financial power. It allows you to obtain loans and credit cards based on your ability to pay in the future. Building and maintaining a strong credit score can help you qualify for loans when necessary, such as for purchasing a car. However, not everyone has impeccable credit, and this can be a hurdle when trying to secure funding, including for a mobile home. If you find yourself in this situation, we are here to help. We can work with you to explore your options and find a solution that meets your needs, even if your credit is not perfect. By understanding the importance of credit and working to improve it, you can increase your chances of success in obtaining the financing you need.
Research Your Options
If you have less than ideal credit, it is unlikely that a conventional loan will be the most suitable option for you. While there may not be specific requirements for income, credit score, or down payment to qualify for a conventional loan, a credit score of at least 620 is generally necessary to be approved for this type of financing. This can be a challenge for individuals with lower credit scores, as they may not meet the minimum threshold for approval. It is important to consider all of your options and choose the one that best meets your needs and financial situation. If a conventional loan is not an option due to your credit score, there may be other options available that are more suitable for your situation.
Chattel Loan
A chattel loan is a type of financing that allows you to purchase a mobile home as personal property, rather than real estate. This means that the loan is secured by the mobile home itself, rather than the land it is situated on. As a result, interest rates for chattel loans tend to be higher than those for traditional mortgages, but the qualification requirements are typically less strict. Some chattel loan lenders may require a minimum credit score of 575, while others may have no minimum credit score requirement.
Minimum and maximum loan amounts may vary, with some lenders requiring a minimum loan amount of $35,000 and others offering loans up to $275,000. New single or multi-section manufactured homes may be eligible for chattel loans. Some lenders that offer chattel loans include 21st Mortgage Corporation, Cascade, Country Place Mortgage, Triad Financial Services, and Credit Human.
These lenders may have different terms and requirements, such as down payment requirements and maximum debt-to-income ratios. It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of any loan before committing to it.
Personal loans
If you have bad credit, a personal loan may be an option to consider for refinancing your mobile home. Personal loans are unsecured, meaning you do not have to provide collateral such as your home to secure the loan. This means that your home will not be at risk if you default on the loan. However, personal loans tend to have higher interest rates than other types of loans, and rates can range from 3% to over 30%, depending on your credit score.
To qualify for a personal loan, you will typically need a credit score of around 600. Personal loan terms can vary, with some lenders offering terms of up to 12 years. Some top personal loan lenders for bad credit include Upgrade, Upstart, RocketLoans, and Avant.
V.A. Loans
V.A. loans are a type of financing that is backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and are available only to military veterans and service members. These loans offer ultra-low interest rates and have a maximum loan term of 25 years. To qualify for a V.A. loan, you will typically need a minimum credit score of 620.
V.A. cash-out refinancing allows borrowers to obtain a loan amount or cash out equivalent to the appraised value of their home, which can be used for debt consolidation or other purposes. There is a fee for V.A. cash-out refinancing, which is 2.3% of the total loan unless it is not your first V.A. loan. For subsequent V.A. loans, the funding fee is 3.6%.
USDA Loans
USDA loans are a type of financing that is backed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and are designed to promote homeownership in designated rural areas of the United States. These loans are only available for properties located in these designated areas, and the mobile home must be less than one year old. To qualify for a USDA loan, you will typically need to meet certain eligibility requirements, such as income limits and credit score requirements.
FHA Loans
FHA loans are a type of financing that is guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). These loans offer flexible guidelines and a low down payment option, making them a good option for first-time homebuyers and repeat homebuyers. FHA loans have competitive interest rates and are available to borrowers with a minimum credit score of 580. Loan terms for FHA loans typically range from 20-25 years. To qualify for an FHA loan, you may need to meet certain requirements, such as having a stable income and a good credit history. It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of any loan before committing to it.
Conventional Loans for Bad Credit
Conventional loans are a type of financing that is backed by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. These loans generally require a minimum credit score of 620 and at least 5% equity in the home to qualify. However, some conventional lenders may have more lenient credit requirements and may offer loans to borrowers with bad credit.
Conventional loans can have fixed or adjustable interest rates and may offer cash-out refinancing options. Interest rates for conventional loans are generally comparable to other home loan options, and loan terms can be up to 30 years. It is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of any loan before committing to it.
What are Mobile Homes, Manufactured Homes, and Modular Homes?
There are three main types of homes that are built in a factory and then transported to a site for final construction. These include manufactured homes, modular homes, and mobile homes.
Manufactured homes are built in a factory and then transported to their final destination on a truck. They are placed on foundations, making them permanent structures. In order to have a manufactured home, you must own the land on which the home’s foundation is built.
Modular homes are also constructed in a factory, but they are transported to the site in pieces, where final construction is completed. Once built, modular homes cannot be moved.
Mobile homes are built in a factory on a permanently attached chassis and are then transported to the site by being towed or on a trailer. They can be left permanently or semi-permanently in one place, but they can also be moved. Mobile homes can be placed on land that is rented or owned.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, it is important to carefully consider your financing options when purchasing a mobile home. There are various types of loans available, including chattel loans, personal loans, V.A. loans, USDA loans, FHA loans, and conventional loans.
Each loan type has its own unique requirements and terms, so it is important to research and compare your options to find the best fit for your financial situation. It is also important to have a good credit score, as this can greatly impact the terms of your loan. By taking the time to carefully review your options, you can make an informed decision that helps you achieve your homeownership goals.