FHFA First-Time Home Buyer Mortgage Rate Discount: Explained

Since late 2022, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has automatically applied mortgage rate discounts for eligible first-time buyers who use a conventional mortgage.

This post covers the details of the FHFA First-Time Home Buyer Mortgage Rate Discount program, its eligibility requirements, and other available mortgage discounts for first-time buyers.

How the FHFA Mortgage Rate Discount Works

The FHFA Mortgage Rate Discount waives loan-level pricing adjustments (LLPAs) on conventional mortgages made to first-time buyers.

LLPAs are small interest rate adjustments based on a buyer’s credit profile. Along with broader factors like inflation rates and U.S. housing trends, LLPAs explain why different buyers may receive different mortgage rate quotes from the same lenders.

Eight key factors can affect conventional mortgage rates through LLPAs:

1. The home buyer’s credit score
2. The home buyer’s loan-to-value
3. Whether the buyer uses an adjustable-rate mortgage
4. Whether the buyer’s home is a primary residence
5. Whether the buyer’s home is a multi-unit property
6. Whether the buyer’s home is a condominium
7. Whether the buyer’s home is a manufactured home
8. Whether the buyer uses a subordinate lien

With the FHFA First-Time Home Buyer Mortgage Rate Discount, there are no LLPA micro-adjustments. This can result in mortgage rates up to 1.75 percentage points lower for eligible buyers.

Check your eligibility and begin your application now.

FHFA First-Time Home Buyer Mortgage Rate Discount

Credit Score	Down Payment	Loan Type	Mortgage Rate Discount
620	3%	Fixed	1.75%
640	3%	Fixed	1.50%
660	3%	Fixed	1.25%
680	3%	Fixed	0.50%
700	3%	Fixed	0.50%
720	3%	Fixed	0.25%
740	3%	Fixed	0.25%
760	3%	Fixed	0.25%

Assumptions: 50 bps loan-level pricing adjustment ~ 0.25% mortgage rate
Source: Fannie Mae LLPA Matrix, Homebuyer.com

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Who Qualifies for the FHFA First-Time Home Buyer Mortgage Rate Discount

Eligible buyers automatically receive the FHFA First-Time Home Buyer Mortgage Rate Discount. There is no separate application or additional qualification process.

Here are the five key qualifying criteria:

You must be a first-time buyer

The definition of a first-time buyer is any person who has not owned their primary home in the past three years. Exceptions may apply to displaced homemakers or single parents if their previous residence was jointly owned with a spouse, and they owned no other properties.

Your home must be your primary residence

The FHFA mortgage rate discount applies only to primary residences, meaning the buyer must live in the home more than 180 days per year and use its address as their official residence. Vacation homes, and short- and long-term rentals are not eligible.

You must move in within 60 days of closing

Home buyers must occupy the home within 60 days of closing. If repairs are needed before moving in, the home must still be habitable within this timeframe. Exceptions are made for deployed active-duty military members.

You must be a low- or middle-income wage earner

The FHFA restricts its discount to low- and middle-income earners. To qualify, the buyer’s income must be below the area’s median income, with some exceptions in high-cost areas.

You must use a conventional loan

The FHFA governs Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, so the discount applies to conventional mortgages. It is unavailable for buyers using FHA, VA, or USDA loans.

Common Questions About the FHFA First-Time Home Buyer Mortgage Rate Discount

How do I apply for the FHFA mortgage rate discount?

There is no application process. Eligible first-time buyers automatically receive the FHFA mortgage rate discount when using a conventional mortgage.

Am I eligible as a first-time buyer if my spouse owned a home previously?

The FHFA’s definition of a first-time buyer requires that neither applicant on the mortgage have owned a home within the past three years. If a spouse is included on the mortgage and has owned a home recently, the discount cannot be applied.

Am I eligible for the program if I’m buying a mobile home?

Yes, buyers of mobile homes can still qualify for the FHFA First-Time Home Buyer Mortgage Rate Discount.

Does the discount apply if I’m currently closing on a home?

Yes, the discount applies to loans that close on or after December 1, 2022. Since today is December 21, 2024, the discount applies to your closing if it occurs on or after that date.

When will the FHFA mortgage rate discount program become law?

The FHFA is a government agency and does not require Congressional approval to enact its programs. As such, the discount program has been in effect since December 1, 2022.

Does the FHFA mortgage rate discount remove guarantee fees?

No, the FHFA discount does not eliminate guarantee fees (g-fees), which cover administrative costs associated with servicing the loan.