We make sure the underserved in our communities don't get overlooked.

If you're looking for affordable loan options, there are several choices available to you, including low down payment options and flexible credit requirements, you can find the right fit for your needs and budget. These loans are designed specifically for those who may not qualify for traditional mortgage loans due to their credit score or lack of access to financing options. 

Homeowners Improvement Loan

Benefits of a Homeowners Improvement Loan:

  • Terms available up to 60 months
  • Loans up to $15,000
  • Credit score is not considered
  • Value of the home will not be considered

Option for those who:

  • need a home improvement loan but lack credit history for a traditional loan.
  • have non-traditional credit.
  • are looking for affordable payment plans.
  • do not have a maximum debt-to-income ratio that exceeds 55%.

Request information

*Terms and conditions apply.

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HomePride Plus Loan

Benefits of a HomePride Plus Loan:

  • Fixed-rate or 10/1 year adjustable rate.
  • Up to 99% loan-to-value (LTV) financing.
  • Up to $7,500 Horizon Bank down payment assistance towards closing costs and down payment funds for qualified applicants.*
  • Down payment can be from a gift, down payment assistance program, or borrower's own funds.
  • No private mortgage insurance (PMI) requirement.

Option for those who:

  • are purchasing a home in a designated low-to-moderate-income area.
  • have a credit score of 560+.
  • have non-traditional credit.
  • take the Fannie Mae HomeView™ course to prepare for sustainable homeownership. to prepare borrowers for sustainable home ownership.

*While grant funding is available. Other terms and conditions apply.

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As a little girl, I often dreamed of owning and decorating my home. I would also dream of hosting holiday dinners, birthday parties, and baby showers at my house that will be filled with love and peace. I'm now a blessed homeowner with lots of love and respect for Horizon Bank. 
LaToya

Low Credit? No Problem.

Everyone deserves their dream home. We want to help make that dream a reality.   By working with a lender who specializes in these options tailored for you and what your finances can handle, you can get the guidance and support you need to make the right financial decisions for your future. 

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Fresh Start Loans

With a Fresh Start Loan, a new beginning is possible. This program can be used to establish credit if you do not have a documented credit history, or it can help you reestablish your credit.

How Does The Fresh Start Loan Program Work?

  • Your loan amount goes directly into a certificate of deposit (CD) to secure payment back to Horizon. Since the Bank will rely on the money in the CD to secure 100% of the loan amount, your credit score will not be considered for underwriting.
  • Loan advances are available from $1,000 to $10,000.Your ability to repay will determine your actual loan amount. Compared to your income, the maximum overall debt you have cannot exceed 50%.

When the loan is paid off, the money in the CD will be available to you.

Find a mortgage advisor

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Homeownership Opportunity Program (HOP) Grant

The Homeownership Opportunities Program (HOP) is a grant to help first-time homebuyers with down payments and closing cost assistance. Since these funds are  available through this grant program, it may make them fully forgiven! No interest  accrues and there are no payments to make on the grant.

 

Benefits of HOP Grant:

  • A $20,000 grant for qualified homebuyers becomes available in April, so now is the time to inquire to be ready when the funds arrive.
  • Funds for this grant typically run out by the end of June, so if you are looking for a home in March and closing in April, you would be the first in line.

Learn more Find a mortgage advisor

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Michigan State Housing Development Authority Grant 

We are committed to providing financial resources to the communities we serve to make it easier to buy a home, and we’re proud to partner with many organizations that share our mission to provide assistance to those in need.

One of the programs is available through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) to help with down payment assistance.

With this down payment assistance program, you may qualify for up to $10,000 to assist with a down payment to buy a house, closing costs, and/or the prepaid finance charges required at closing. Terms and conditions do apply, the loan is 0% interest and no monthly payment.

This program allows you to reduce the out-of-pocket cash required to close on a home loan. This means your savings can remain intact to pay monthly bills or build an emergency fund.

Learn moreFind a mortgage advisor

 

 

Finding the best loan that fits your needs starts with knowing how much you can afford.

By knowing the rates available, you can calculate your monthly payment to understand what will fit into your budget.  Speak to one of our lenders to guide you through the process or get prequalified with our online application.

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Browse Government Loan Options

FHA (Federal Housing Administration) Loans

FHA loans, offered through the Federal Housing Administration, assist homebuyers in overcoming many of the obstacles of owning a home. This loan is a great option if you have limited funds for a down payment, have "less than perfect" credit, or need to complete repairs on a  home that is being purchased or currently owned.

Benefits of FHA Loans:

  • Low down payment requirements1
  • Flexible qualification guidelines
  • Fixed-rate, fixed-term mortgages insured by the government
  • Allows a co-applicant to help you qualify even if the person doesn't live in the home

VA (Veteran's Affairs) Loans

A VA loan is an option for those who are on active duty, reservists, or veterans. Also an option for those who are  eligible family members of a former service member. 

Benefits of VA Loans:
  • Little or no down payment
  • Up to 100% financing
  • No mortgage insurance (PMI)
  • Fixed-Rate, fixed-term loans
  • Option to reduce interest rate in the future with Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan (IRRRL)

USDA/Rural Development Section 502

USDA/Rural Development loans are ideal if you are looking to buy or refinance a primary residence located in an eligible rural area,  have "less than perfect" credit, or have limited funds for a down payment.

Benefits of USDA Loans:

  • "Zero Down" down payment options1
  • Closing costs can be financed with a loan
  • A loan guaranteed by U.S. Government
  • Competitive rates with fixed terms
  • No maximum purchase price

1For down payments of less than 20% on conventional loans, private mortgage insurance (PMI) is required and PMI charges apply. All home lending products are subject to credit and property approval. Rates, program terms, and  conditions are subject to change without notice. Not all products are available in all states or for all amounts. Other
restrictions and limitations apply.

Low Down Payment Loan Options


HomeReady® Mortgage (Fannie Mae)

 Benefits of HomeReady Loan

  • Affordable conventional financing with a minimum down payment of 3%
  • Supports manufactured homes up to 95%
  • Combine loan-to-value of 105% with down payment assistance
Option for those who
  • are creditworthy low- to moderate-income borrowers with expanded eligibility for financing homes in designated low-income, minority, and disaster-impacted areas.
  • have a credit score of 620+.
  • have non-traditional credit.
  • take the Fannie Mae HomeView™ course to prepare for sustainable homeownership.

Learn more Find a mortgage advisor

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HomeStyle® Renovation Mortgage (Fannie Mae)

Benefits of HomeStyle Loan

  • Permits borrowers to include financing for home improvements in a purchase or refinance of the existing home which means lower closing costs and typically a lower interest rate on a first mortgage
  • 15- and 30- year Fixed-rate mortgage
  • One loan closing
  • Up to 97% loan-to-value owner-occupied and up to 90% loan-to-value 2nd home (both single-family residence)
Option for those who
  • are in need of moderate repairs and renovations.
  • have a credit score of 620+.

Learn more  Find a mortgage advisor

Explore Speciality Home Loan Programs

  • Homeowners Improvement Loan

    Have a need for home improvement but without the credit history to obtain a traditional loan? This program was developed to allow you to fulfill those needs. 
    Request information

     

  • Starter Overdraft Protection

    This program is for customers who are looking to establish a credit history as well as protect their checking account. 
    Request information

  • Homeowner Ready Cash Program

    A loan that provides immediate cash for the immediate home improvement needs that families and individuals find to confront them every day. A loan with immediate cash and affordable payments.  
    Request information

5 Important Questions When Choosing Your First Home

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Moving into your own place can be exciting and frightening at the same time. The American Bankers Association suggests considering the following questions when choosing your own home.
 

1. How much money do you have saved up?​

Start with an evaluation of your financial health. Figure out how much money you have for a down payment or deposit on a rental. Down payments are typically 5 to 20 percent of the price of the home. Security deposits on rentals are usually about one month of rent and more if you have a pet. But be sure to keep enough in savings for an emergency fund. It’s a good idea to have three to six months of living expenses to cover unexpected costs.
 

2. How much debt do you have?
Consider all of your current and expected financial obligations like your car payment and insurance, credit card debt and student loans. Make sure you will be able to make all the payments in addition to the cost of your new home. Aim to keep total rent or mortgage payments plus utilities to less than 25 to 30 percent of your gross monthly income. Recent regulatory changes limit debt to income (DTI) ratio on most loans to 43 percent.
 

3. What is your credit score?
A high credit score indicates strong creditworthiness. Both renters and homebuyers can expect to have their credit history examined. A low credit score can keep you from qualifying for the rental you want or a low interest rate on your mortgage loan. If your credit score is low, you may want to delay moving into a new home and take steps to raise your score.

4. Have you factored in all the costs? 
Create a hypothetical budget for your new home. Find the average cost of utilities in your area, factor in gas, electricity, water and cable. Find out if you will have to pay for parking or trash pickup. Consider the cost of yard maintenance and other basic maintenance costs like replacing the air filter every three months. If you are planning to buy a home, factor in real estate taxes, mortgage insurance and possibly a home owner association fee. Renters should consider the cost of rental insurance. 
 

5. How long will you stay? 
Generally, the longer you plan to live someplace, the more it makes sense to buy. Over time, you can build equity in your home. On the other hand, renters have greater flexibility to move and fewer maintenance costs. Carefully consider your current life and work situation and think about how long you want to stay in your new home.

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