Originating & Underwriting

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.

Learn more

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).

Go to AMI Lookup Tool

Area Median Income Lookup Tool map example