Additionally, you can browse through the U.S. Housing and Urban Development authority's list of approved housing counseling agencies for even more mortgage professionals (link below). In either case, it's best to contact several lenders to compare different mortgage quotes and also get an idea of who you might be more comfortable working with.

Special Mortgages and Home Loan Programs Found in Idaho

The Idaho Housing & Finance Association is an organization dedicated to providing homeownership opportunities through various programs. Individuals who complete the "Finally Home" education program will be eligible to receive downpayment and closing cost assistance and other benefits. Some lenders also have loan programs that allow for higher debt to income ratios for participants who complete the program.

Since 1999, over 14,000 students have completed the Finally Home program since its inception. Currently, the IHFA now sponsors over 200 classes statewide each year. In addition to these mortgage benefits, IHFA also provides various housing counseling services which cover topics such as foreclosure prevention, rental counseling, pre-purchase counseling, and reverse mortgages (HECM).

Secure The Lowest Rates in Idaho

Although there are special programs available in Idaho, remember that typical mortgage lenders will reserve the lowest mortgage rates for those most qualified. With that in mind, borrowers should review their credit history and household income documents to make sure there are no mistakes or inconsistencies that could potentially become a problem. In some cases, raising your credit score by just a few points could mean the difference of saving a few hundred dollars in interest every month.

For homebuyers planning to stay in Idaho, be sure to distinguish introductory ARM mortgage rates from long term interest rates. While introductory rates can be quite attractive, they eventually move with financial markets and thus lack the stability of their fixed rate counterparts. Remember, signing up for a mortgage with the lowest monthly payment or initial interest rate may not translate into the best mortgage available.

Additional Information and Mortgage Calculators

Homebuyers and existing homeowners should also take special advantage of our various online mortgage calculators. Homebuyers can easily compare different mortgage quotes by utilizing our mortgage rate comparison calculator and amortization calculator. Existing homeowners can take advantage of our refinance calculator and affordability calculator to help determine how much they can afford to spend, borrow, or refinance into a new mortgage.

In addition to these tools, below you will find a short list of links filled with mortgage related information specific to Idaho. The information ranges from general property tax information, first time homebuyer education, reverse mortgages, FHA home loans, government loans, and foreclosure avoidance tips.

Idaho Mortgage Resources & Homebuyer / Homeowner Information

• The Idaho Housing and Finance Association provides a generous first-time homebuyer program to eligible borrowers.
• The IHFA provides a number of homebuyer education classes available to the public in various communities.
• Residents of Idaho can find general property tax information on this government website.
• U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has a state specific resource page for Idaho located on this page.
• HUD's announcement concerning FHA loan limits affecting specific communities in Idaho.
• HUD approved housing counseling agencies in Idaho with necessary contact information.
• Idaho Housing & Finance Association provides a number of homeownership opportunities to first time homebuyers and eligible borrowers.
• The Community Development Incorporated organization offers an innovative "Sweat Equity" program to low and moderate income individuals.
• HUD's list of foreclosure avoidance counseling agencies located in Idaho.
• For more general information about Idaho, the latest U.S. Census Bureau report contains various detailed data and statistics.
• The Idaho Banker's Association has been dedicated to improving the banking industry and consumer relations since 1905.