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.

Find a mortgage advisor

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

7 Questions to Ask Before Refinancing

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For many homeowners, refinancing can be a smart move. However, before you decide to refinance your mortgage, ask yourself the following:

1. What are my goals for refinancing? Are you trying to lower your total monthly payment? Pay off your mortgage sooner? Get access to accumulated equity? Your goals will help you determine what terms and interest rate to look for.

2. What's the value of my home? You can find out approximately what your home is worth by checking out the sale prices of comparable homes in your neighborhood.

3. What is my equity? Check your latest mortgage loan statement to find your outstanding balance. Subtract the outstanding balance from your home's current value. For example, if you owe $250,000 on a home worth $300,000, you have $50,000 in equity. (You may have a harder time refinancing if, due to economic pressures, your home is worth less than the amount you owe.)

4. Do I have other liens against my home? If you have a home equity loan or line of credit, the outstanding balance will be deducted from your equity.

5. How long do I plan to stay in my home? If you expect to stay in your home for at least several more years, refinancing may make sense. If you plan to move soon, you may not have time to recoup the costs involved in refinancing the mortgage.

6. What are the current interest rates? Generally speaking, you may want to consider refinancing if you can get an interest rate at least 2% below your original loan rate. However, you may also want to refinance if you have an adjustable-rate loan, are concerned about future rate increases and want to switch to a fixed-rate loan – even if the new rate is the same or slightly higher. You can estimate your monthly payments and interest charges using the mortgage calculators at www.horizonbank.com.

7. What fees are involved in refinancing? Find out about closing fees, appraisal fees, etc.

Contact a mortgage loan officer at Horizon Bank who can help you review your options and determine whether refinancing makes sense for you or call 888-873-2640 for a branch near you.

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