HomeReady Mortgage
Help put opportunity within reach for more homebuyers

Leverage HomeReady®, a dynamic mortgage solution that reduces the barriers to homeownership for low-income and very low-income borrowers. With the extension of the $2,500 credit* for eligible first-time homebuyers and the consideration of positive rent payment history in loan eligibility, HomeReady can be your key to expanding new opportunities for your borrowers — and for your business.
Through flexible funding options, more borrowers can achieve homeownership by using a variety of sources toward a down payment or closing costs. Plus, lenders can lock in margins, reduce hedging costs, and take advantage of an enhanced best-efforts commitment that offers pricing similar to a mandatory commitment. With so many innovative features, HomeReady is a comprehensive solution that is delivering certainty in lending.
*For whole loans purchased on or after March 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026, and for loans delivered into mortgage MBS with issue dates on or after March 1, 2025, to February 1, 2026.
Discover HomeReady
Ideal HomeReady Borrowers
- Low income
- First-time or repeat homebuyers
- Limited cash for down payment
- Supplemental boarder or rental income
- Looking to purchase or refinance
Homeownership Education Requirement
If all occupying borrowers are first-time homebuyers, then at least one borrower is required to complete homeownership education, regardless of LTV. Fannie Mae HomeView® can be used to satisfy the homeownership education requirement.
HomeReady Comparison
Benefits | HomeReady | FHA |
---|---|---|
Required down payment | 3% | 3.5% |
Cancellable mortgage insurance | ||
Immediate appraisal orders from lenders | ||
Free from geographic restrictions on loan amounts | ||
Day 1 Certainty® freedom from reps & warrants available |
Area Median Income Lookup Tool
Use this convenient interactive map to quickly identify income eligibility by area, property address, or Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) code.
If the tool determines that a property is in a high-needs rural region, the loan may be eligible for LLPA waivers under Duty to Serve. Learn more.
Discover Area Median Income Lookup Tool tips here. Income eligibility by county is also available by download (Excel).