Idaho Mortgage and Home Loans
Idaho homebuyers can secure mortgages with as little as 0% down (VA/USDA) or 3–3.5% down (conventional/FHA) if they meet minimum credit score requirements (typically 580–620+). The statewide median home price is around $450,000, with mortgage rates averaging ~6% for a 30-year fixed. Expect about 30–45 days to close on a home purchase. Idaho Housing (IHFA) programs offer down payment assistance up to 7% of the loan for eligible buyers, making homeownership more accessible when you work with an approved lender like Truss Financial Group.
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Key Takeaways
- Credit Score Requirements: Idaho lenders generally require a 620+ FICO for conventional mortgages, around 580 for FHA (3.5% down) and flexible minimums for VA/USDA (often ~600+, though no official hard cutoff). Higher scores can help you secure better rates and easier approvals.
- Minimum Down Payments: You can buy a home in Idaho with 0% down if you qualify for VA or USDA loans. FHA loans require 3.5% down (with 580+ credit), and conventional loans as little as 3% down for first-time buyers. A 20% down payment is ideal to avoid PMI, but many Idaho buyers put down 5–10%.
- Mortgage Rates: Mortgage rates in Idaho are in line with national averages. As of late 2025, a 30-year fixed rate is around 6.0%–6.3% for well-qualified borrowers. Rates vary by loan type (FHA/VA rates are similar to conventional, while jumbo or non-QM loans may be higher). Shopping with a broker like Truss can help you find the most competitive rate.
- Home Prices: Idaho’s housing market has seen rapid growth. The median home price is roughly $450,000 statewide, higher in hot markets like Boise and Coeur d’Alene (often $500K+), and lower in areas like Idaho Falls or Pocatello. Home values are elevated after recent population influx, but price increases have moderated in 2025.
- Closing Timeline: The typical closing time for a home purchase in Idaho is about 30–45 days from accepted offer to finish. This includes loan approval, appraisal, and title process. Truss Financial Group’s efficient process can often close loans faster when needed. Be prepared for about 2–5% of the purchase price in closing costs (though Idaho has no state transfer tax, helping keep costs down).
- IHFA Programs: The Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA) offers special loan programs with down payment and closing cost assistance statewide. Qualifying first-time or income-limited buyers can get assistance up to 7% of the loan amount to cover down payment or fees. IHFA loans require homebuyer education and a minimum 620 credit score in most cases. Truss Financial Group is an IHFA-approved partner, helping Idaho borrowers access these programs easily.
Idaho Mortgage Quick Facts
| Metric | Idaho Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | ~$450,000 (statewide average; higher in Boise/Valley, lower in rural areas) |
| 30-Year Fixed Rate | ~6.0%–6.3% average (late 2025) for prime borrowers (rates change daily) |
| Conforming Loan Limit | $806,500 (baseline 1-unit limit in all counties; up to $1,209,750 in high-cost Teton County) |
| FHA Loan Limit | $524,225 (standard floor in most counties; up to $586,500 in Boise/Ada; $1,209,750 in Teton County) |
| VA Loan Limit | No official cap; generally follows $806,500+ with zero down for full entitlement |
| USDA Loan Limit | No set dollar limit (depends on repayment ability); household income limit ~ $115,000 for most areas |
| Min. Credit Score | 620 (Conventional/VA/USDA); 580 FHA (3.5% down); IHFA requires ~620 |
| Min. Down Payment | 0% (VA & USDA); 3.5% (FHA); 3% (Conventional first-time); 20% (jumbo loans) |
| Avg. Mortgage Payment | ~$2,000/month on a $450K home (30-yr fixed, ~6% rate, 10% down). Varies by taxes (Idaho ~0.5%). |
| Typical Closing Time | ~30–45 days (loan application → funding) |
(Data above is approximate and for general guidance in 2025. Consult a Truss mortgage advisor for personalized quotes.)
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What Are the Areas We Serve in Idaho?
We provide mortgage services across the entire state of Idaho, covering major cities, suburbs, and rural communities. Our team at Truss Financial Group assists homebuyers in Boise, Meridian, Nampa, Idaho Falls, Coeur d’Alene, Twin Falls, Pocatello, Caldwell, Eagle, and Post Falls, among other locations. We’re familiar with housing trends in the Treasure Valley, the Boise metro, North Idaho (Coeur d’Alene area), and Eastern Idaho markets.
Importantly, we also serve clients looking in USDA-eligible rural areas throughout Idaho. Whether you’re buying a home in a Boise suburb or a farm property in Gem County, we have loan options to fit your needs. Truss Financial Group is your partner across the Gem State, from the capital city to the Canadian border.
Whether you’re purchasing a starter home in the Boise area, a luxury cabin in Sun Valley (Ketchum), or a ranch property in rural Idaho, our local expertise ensures you get the right mortgage solution for your area. USDA Rural Development loans are widely utilized in Idaho’s small towns and unincorporated areas, and we can help determine if a property falls in an eligible zone.
How Do Idaho Home Loans Work?
Idaho home loans follow the same basic process as in any other state: pre-approval, home shopping, application, underwriting, appraisal, and closing.
Once you have an accepted offer on a house, it typically takes around 30 to 45 days to close the transaction, assuming your financing, inspection, and appraisal move smoothly. Here are a few Idaho-specific things to keep in mind during the mortgage process:
Closing Costs:
Budget about 2%–5% of the purchase price for closing costs (lender fees, title insurance, escrow, etc.). The good news is Idaho does not charge any state real estate transfer tax, which helps keep buyer closing costs lower. You may still encounter small county recording fees, but they are minimal compared to states with high transfer taxes.
Property Taxes & Insurance:
Idaho’s property taxes average roughly 0.5% of home value – among the lowest rates in the nation. For example, a $400,000 home might have an annual tax bill of ~$2,000. Homeowners insurance costs in Idaho are about average; however, if you’re buying in a wildfire-prone area (forested regions) or near a floodplain (close to rivers), insurance premiums could be higher. Always get an insurance quote during your purchase due diligence.
Homeowner Associations:
Many homes in Idaho (especially newer subdivisions around Boise, Meridian, and Coeur d’Alene) may have HOA fees for community maintenance. While not as ubiquitous or high-cost as some Arizona or California HOAs, plan for potential monthly dues if your property is in a governed community.
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Appraisals and Inspections:
Given Idaho’s mix of urban and rural properties, appraisal timelines can vary. In competitive markets like Boise, appraisals are typically completed within 2–3 weeks. In remote rural areas, it might take a bit longer to schedule an appraiser. Likewise, always get a home inspection – Idaho homes can face extreme weather (snow, ice, summer heat) so you want to ensure the property is in good shape.
USDA, FHA, VA, and IHFA programs make Idaho homeownership accessible with lower down payments. For instance, USDA Rural Development loans offer 100% financing (zero down) for homes in eligible small towns and rural regions. Large portions of Idaho outside the Boise and Coeur d’Alene metro areas qualify for USDA financing (even some outskirts of Boise and Nampa are eligible). Meanwhile, FHA and VA loans provide affordable paths for first-time buyers and veterans statewide.
Idaho Housing (IHFA) down payment assistance can be a game-changer as well. IHFA allocates a set amount of funds for its down payment and closing cost assistance programs each year – these funds can run out and renew periodically, so timing can matter. If you’re considering using Idaho Housing’s assistance, it’s wise to get pre-approved early and lock in your funds so you don’t miss out if a funding round is exhausted.
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How Do I Qualify for a Home Loan in Idaho?
To qualify for a home loan in Idaho, you’ll need to meet certain credit, income, and debt criteria similar to national standards:
Credit Score:
Aim for a 620 or higher credit score for conventional, VA, and USDA loans. FHA loans are more flexible, requiring 580+ for the 3.5% down program (and FHA can go down to 500 if you have 10% down, though few lenders offer this). Most Idaho Housing (IHFA) programs also require ~620+, so consider 620 the key benchmark for most mortgages. Higher scores (700+) will get you better interest rates and may allow higher debt ratios.
Down Payment and Assets:
Prepare the minimum down payment for your loan type (0% for VA/USDA, 3.5% for FHA, 3%–5% for many conventional programs). You’ll also need funds for closing costs or potentially an IHFA assistance program to cover those. Lenders like to see that you have some cash reserves after closing – a couple of months of mortgage payments in savings is a common requirement for conventional loans, especially if you’re an investor or using a non-QM loan.
Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI):
Your DTI measures monthly debt payments versus income. Generally, keep your DTI at 43% or lower for an easier approval. This means if your gross monthly income is $5,000, total debts (including the new mortgage, car loans, student loans, etc.) should not exceed ~$2,150. Some programs and automated approvals allow higher DTIs (FHA and VA often approve into the 50% range with compensating factors), but staying under 45% is a good target. IHFA’s guidelines also adhere to standard DTI limits (around 45% typically) unless an exception is made.
Income and Employment:
You must demonstrate stable income to support the loan. Idaho lenders will verify at least 2 years of employment or consistent income (via W-2s or tax returns). Self-employed borrowers can qualify too; you’ll usually provide 2 years of tax returns or use alternative documentation like bank statement programs if traditional income proof is insufficient. Truss Financial Group offers Bank Statement loans and DSCR loans for Idaho borrowers who fall outside standard employment norms (great for business owners, gig workers, or real estate investors).
Homebuyer Education (for IHFA):
If you utilize Idaho Housing (IHFA) down payment assistance, a homebuyer education course is required. This is usually an online class that takes a few hours and helps prepare you for the responsibilities of homeownership. It’s a small step that opens the door to thousands of dollars in assistance.
If you’re unsure about whether you qualify, don’t be discouraged. Truss Financial Group will help you review your credit, income, and budget to identify the best loan options. We often pre-approve borrowers even if they have past credit issues or higher DTIs by finding creative solutions – for example, switching to an FHA loan for its more forgiving credit stance, or using a cosigner in some cases. Our goal is to match you with an Idaho mortgage program that fits your financial situation.
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Our Idaho Mortgage Programs
Homebuyers in Idaho have access to a full spectrum of mortgage programs to suit different needs. At Truss Financial Group, we offer the complete range of home loan solutions available in Idaho. Whether you’re a first-time buyer in Boise, a seasoned investor in Coeur d’Alene, or looking to refinance in Idaho Falls, we can connect you with the ideal financing. Here are the most popular Idaho mortgage programs and their key features:
Conventional Loans
These are standard mortgages (conforming to Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac guidelines) ideal for borrowers with decent credit and some down payment saved. In Idaho, you can get a conventional loan with as little as 3% down if you’re a first-time buyer, or 5% down otherwise.
You’ll generally need a 620+ credit score. Conventional loans work well for homes up to the conforming loan limit of $806,500 in Idaho (higher in Teton County). They tend to offer competitive rates, and if you put 20% down, you won’t pay PMI (private mortgage insurance). Many Idaho buyers in cities like Meridian and Idaho Falls use conventional loans when they have solid credit profiles.
FHA Loans
Very popular with first-time homebuyers or those with moderate credit. FHA loans in Idaho require just 3.5% down (on loans up to the local FHA limit, which is $586,500 in Ada County (Boise). Credit score requirements are lenient: 580 FICO gets you 3.5% down, and even scores down to 500 can qualify with a 10% down payment. FHA loans do require mortgage insurance (MIP), but their flexibility helps many renters become homeowners. For example, in places like Nampa or Pocatello, an FHA loan can bridge the gap for a family that hasn’t saved 20% down or has a few credit blemishes.
VA Loans
Designed for veterans, active-duty service members, and eligible spouses, VA loans are a fantastic benefit for those who have served. 0% down payment is required (you can finance 100% of the purchase), and there’s no monthly PMI. Credit guidelines are flexible – many VA lenders will go down to 580–600 FICO as long as other aspects (income, DTI) are solid.
Idaho has a strong military community around Mountain Home Air Force Base and many National Guard members; VA loans are commonly used there and statewide by vets. There’s technically no loan limit for VA (with full entitlement, you can exceed $806K), though loans above the conforming limit may require stronger qualifications. VA loans often have lower rates than conventional and are one of the best deals if you’re eligible.
USDA Rural Development Loans
Perfect for buying a home in Idaho’s many rural areas or small towns. USDA loans offer 100% financing (zero down) for eligible properties and income-qualified buyers. These loans are backed by the USDA and aimed at encouraging homeownership in rural communities. In Idaho, vast areas outside the Boise metro, Coeur d’Alene, and a few larger cities are USDA-eligible.
For example, towns like Blackfoot, Jerome, Mountain Home (outside the Air Force Base), and lots of parts of Canyon County qualify. There are income limits (around $115,000 for a household of up to 4, higher for larger families) and the property must fall within USDA’s geographic maps. We help clients check USDA eligibility maps, you might be surprised that even some suburban-like areas on Boise’s fringes qualify. If you want a zero-down loan and aren’t VA-eligible, USDA is the go-to. Keep in mind USDA loans have a modest upfront guarantee fee and a small monthly fee, but even with that, the effective cost is low.
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Idaho Housing (IHFA) Loan Programs
In Idaho, many borrowers take advantage of Idaho Housing and Finance Association programs. IHFA doesn’t replace your mortgage; rather, it works with loans like FHA, VA, USDA, or conventional. Through participating lenders (like Truss), IHFA offers first mortgage rates that are very competitive and can bundle in down payment/closing cost assistance.
For instance, an IHFA borrower might get an FHA loan at a special rate and a second mortgage for down payment of, say, 5% of the price. That second loan might be 0% interest and deferred (no payments) or repaid over 10 years depending on the option. Minimum credit is 620 and income and purchase price limits apply (vary by county and family size).
These programs are often aimed at first-time buyers (defined by IHFA as not owning a home in last 3 years) but some programs allow repeat buyers in certain areas. IHFA loans are a key resource for Idahoans who can afford a mortgage payment but struggle with the upfront cash – effectively letting you buy a home in Boise or Caldwell with almost no money out-of-pocket.
Jumbo Loans
When home prices exceed the conforming limit ($806,500 in most of Idaho), a jumbo loan is necessary. This might come into play if you’re buying a luxury home or a large property in areas like Sun Valley (Blaine County), where home prices in Ketchum often exceed $1M, or a high-end home in Eagle or Coeur d’Alene’s waterfront.
Jumbo loans typically require 10–20% down (20% is common to avoid any jumbo PMI) and a stronger credit profile (700+ usually). Rates on jumbos can be slightly higher than conforming, though the spread isn’t huge in 2025. Truss offers jumbo financing for primary residences, vacation homes, and investment properties. We’ll help you navigate any extra steps, like possibly needing two appraisals (which sometimes happens on multi-million-dollar homes).
Non-QM Loans
These are “non-Qualified Mortgage” loans, used when traditional guidelines don’t fit. Idaho’s growing economy includes many self-employed entrepreneurs, gig economy workers, and real estate investors who might not show enough income on tax returns to satisfy conventional lending. Non-QM loans fill this gap.
Examples include Bank Statement Loans (qualify based on cash flow in personal or business bank statements rather than W-2s), DSCR Loans (for rental properties – qualify based on the property’s cash flow, debt-service coverage ratio, instead of your personal income), and Stated Income or Asset Depletion programs (qualify based on assets). Non-QM loans often allow lower credit scores and higher DTIs, but come with higher interest rates and larger down payments (usually 20-30% down).
They are popular for purchasing investment cabins in resort areas or financing flips, or for recent immigrants and others without U.S. credit. Truss Financial Group specializes in these alternative loan options, ensuring that even if you don’t fit the cookie-cutter mortgage mold, you have a path to financing.
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Renovation Loans
If you’re eyeing a fixer-upper in Idaho – perhaps an older home in Boise’s North End or a farmhouse that needs TLC – renovation financing can help. FHA 203(k) and Fannie Mae HomeStyle renovation loans let you finance the purchase plus renovation costs into one loan. For example, you find a $300,000 home in Nampa that needs $50,000 in repairs; a renovation loan would base the mortgage on the future improved value and cover the rehab budget.
These loans have some additional steps (you’ll get contractor bids and appraisals on as-completed value) but can be incredibly useful in Idaho’s competitive market where buying a home that needs work is one way to save money. We can walk you through the process and requirements (like hiring licensed contractors and getting appraisal inspections).
Reverse Mortgages
For Idaho homeowners aged 62+ looking to tap home equity, a reverse mortgage is an option. This is more common for those who have significant equity in their home and want to eliminate mortgage payments or receive income streams. Idaho’s retirement communities – from Boise to Coeur d’Alene and quiet towns like Sandpoint – have seen increased reverse mortgage use as home values jumped.
A HECM (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage), insured by FHA, allows you to convert equity into cash while no monthly mortgage payments are required (you remain responsible for taxes and insurance). It’s a niche program, but Truss offers consultations on reverse mortgages if you or a family member is interested in aging in place and utilizing your home’s value.
As you can see, there is an Idaho mortgage program for virtually every situation, and Truss Financial Group offers all of the above. We’ll compare these options side by side for you, so you can make an informed decision. Often, we pre-approve clients for multiple programs (say, both FHA and conventional) and then decide which is the best route after discussing the pros and cons.
Buying a House in Idaho
Buying a home in Idaho in 2025 means navigating a market that has grown pricier in recent years yet remains highly attractive. Idaho’s strong population growth (nearly 7% increase from 2020–2023) led to high demand and rising prices, particularly in the Boise metropolitan area.
The frantic price surges of the 2020–2022 period have cooled, but home prices are still near record highs statewide.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Market Overview | Idaho grew ~7 percent from 2020–2023. Demand is strong. Prices cooled from peaks but remained high. |
| Median Home Prices | Statewide ~$450K. Boise metro ~$540K. Eagle, Ketchum, Coeur d’Alene often $800K+. Pocatello and Twin Falls mostly cost $300Ks. |
| Affordability | To afford a $450K home, income typically ~$75K–$90K depending on down payment, rate, and DTI. Idaho median income is ~ $80K, so programs like IHFA often help. |
| Property Taxes | Low at ~0.5 percent. A $450K home pays roughly $2,250 annually. Rates vary by county. |
| Insurance and Utilities | Insurance moderate; higher in wildfire zones. Expect an extra ~$100–$200 monthly for insurance + utilities. |
| Closing Costs | Usually 2–5 percent. On a $400K home, 3 percent = $12K. Seller credits common. IHFA 5 percent assistance (~$20K) can cover down payment and part of closing costs. |
| HOAs and Assessments | Many single-family homes have low/no HOA. Condos, townhomes, and new subdivisions vary. Some rural areas have special assessment districts. |
| Market Conditions | Cooler than 2021. Fewer bidding wars. Popular areas like Meridian and Coeur d’Alene are still competitive. |
| How to Compete | Get pre-approved. Use clean offer terms, strategic timelines, and seller concessions instead of overbidding. |
- Home Prices: As of 2025, the median home price in Idaho is around $450,000. By comparison, the national median is about $411,000, so Idaho is above average. In Boise, the median price is even higher (roughly $540,000 in mid-2025 for the Boise metro). Desirable locations like Eagle, Ketchum, and Coeur d’Alene see many homes in the $600K+ range. On the other hand, smaller cities like Pocatello or Twin Falls often have more affordable homes in the $300Ks. It’s important to research your target area: Idaho is a large state with regional price differences (the resort/tourist hubs and Boise area commanding the most premium).
- Affordability: With prices high, you might wonder what income is needed. To comfortably afford the median $450K home, a household typically needs an income around $75,000–$90,000+ per year (assuming ~5% down, a 30-year loan around 6%, and keeping the payment under ~30% of income). The median household income in Idaho is much lower (around $60K), which underscores why programs like IHFA assistance or creative loan solutions are so critical – they bridge the gap for families in a high-cost market. We often help clients structure loans to qualify within their income (for example, paying off a small car loan to reduce DTI, or choosing a slightly cheaper home to fit the budget).
- Property Taxes: Idaho’s property taxes are relatively low (about 0.5% effective rate). For instance, a $450,000 home might have annual taxes of ~$2,250 (0.5%), whereas in a high-tax state that could be double or triple. This helps reduce your overall monthly payment compared to similarly priced homes in states like Texas or Illinois. Keep in mind tax rates vary by county and city; if you buy in Boise (Ada County) versus a rural county, the rates can differ slightly (urban areas often have higher levies for city services). Overall, Idaho is considered property-tax friendly for homeowners.
- Insurance & Utilities: Homeowner’s insurance in Idaho is moderately priced – lower than coastal states (no hurricanes here) but you should factor in the specific location. If your home is in a wildfire interface zone (e.g., near forests in Boise’s foothills or North Idaho timber areas), insurance could be higher. Similarly, winter heating costs (natural gas or electric) will be a factor especially in northern and eastern Idaho with cold climates. When determining what you can afford monthly, consider an extra ~$100–200 for utilities and insurance on top of the mortgage escrow for taxes.
- Closing Costs and Other Fees: As mentioned, plan on ~2–5% in closing costs. On a $400,000 home purchase, 3% would be $12,000. This includes lender fees, appraisal (maybe $600–$800 in Idaho), title company fees, recording fees, and any upfront insurance or interest. Seller-paid closing costs are not uncommon in Idaho, especially if a home has been on the market a while – we sometimes negotiate the seller to cover, say, $5,000 of your closing costs. Also, if you use IHFA’s assistance, that second mortgage can cover some of these costs. For example, an IHFA 5% assistance on a $400K loan is $20,000, which might cover your entire down payment and a portion of closing costs.
- HOA & Special Assessments: Outside of some neighborhoods and condo communities, HOAs are not a huge factor for single-family homes in Idaho. However, if you’re buying a townhouse or condo in Boise, Coeur d’Alene, or a 55+ community, confirm the HOA dues and what they include (often exterior maintenance, sometimes water/sewer, etc.). Some new subdivisions have minimal HOAs just to maintain common areas (often under $50/month). Special assessment districts (for example, water/sewer LIDs in some rural subdivisions) are worth checking too, as they can add a yearly fee on your tax bill.
Overall, purchasing in Idaho requires balancing your budget with the home features and location you need. The market in 2025 has cooled slightly from the frenzy of a couple years ago, giving buyers a bit more breathing room and bargaining power. We’re seeing fewer bidding wars, so you might not have to offer way above asking price like in 2021.
That said, well-priced homes in popular areas (like a nicely updated house in Meridian or a waterfront home in Coeur d’Alene) can still go quickly. Being pre-approved with Truss will make your offer stronger, and we can help your real estate agent tailor offers (for example, by adjusting closing date or seller concessions) to win deals without overpaying.
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What Is the Minimum Down Payment for a House in Idaho?
Down payment requirements vary by loan type. Here are the minimum down payments for common loans in Idaho:
- VA Loans: 0% down for eligible veterans and active-duty (and some surviving spouses). You can finance 100% of the home price with a VA loan – one of the only programs that allows this aside from USDA. This is a huge benefit if you have military service; many Idaho veterans buy without needing any down payment at all.
- USDA Loans: 0% down as well. If the home is in a USDA-eligible rural area and you meet income requirements, you don’t need a down payment. This is excellent for Idaho buyers in small towns or rural counties. Note: you’ll still need to cover closing costs, but those can sometimes be negotiated for the seller to pay or covered by a slight increase in loan amount if the appraisal comes in higher than sale price.
- FHA Loans: 3.5% down is the minimum (with credit 580+). On, say, a $300,000 home, 3.5% is $10,500. If your credit score is 500–579, FHA requires 10% down (which would be $30,000 on a $300K home). The vast majority of Idaho FHA buyers use the 3.5% down option. This low down payment is a big reason first-timers choose FHA. Keep in mind, the down payment can be entirely gifted by a family member or provided via an IHFA second mortgage – you don’t necessarily need to save it all yourself.
- Conventional Loans: 3% down is enough if you’re a first-time buyer (or if it’s a Fannie Mae HomeReady or Freddie Mac Home Possible loan and you meet income limits). Otherwise, the standard minimum is 5% down for conventional. So on a $400,000 home, first-timers could put $12,000 (3%) down. Conventional loans with low down payments will require PMI. One advantage over FHA is that PMI can eventually fall off once you have 20% equity. Also, conventional allows the 3% down to be a gift in many cases – so again, help from family or assistance programs can cover it.
- Jumbo Loans: 10%+ down is typically required (some jumbo programs want 20%). If you’re buying above ~$806k and it’s not a VA loan, be prepared to put a significant amount down. Jumbo lenders often have tiered pricing: e.g., 15% down might get a better rate than 10% down.
- Idaho Housing (IHFA) Assistance: With IHFA’s down payment assistance, effective down payment can be $0 from the buyer’s own pocket. For example, IHFA’s Second Loan program can provide 3.5% to match an FHA down payment, meaning you as the buyer don’t have to come up with that money upfront (you’re borrowing it as a second mortgage). They also have a grant in some cases (forgiven after a period). So, if you have little savings, exploring IHFA options is key – you might buy a house with virtually no money down if you combine a 0% loan (VA/USDA) or low-down loan with assistance.
In summary, Idaho home loans can be very attainable even if you don’t have a 20% down payment. Most buyers put far less down. Even move-up buyers often only put 5-10% down so they can keep cash for reserves or home improvements. We will tailor your loan to whatever down payment you’re comfortable with – and ensure you’re aware of any mortgage insurance costs or second loan payments that come with that choice.
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How to Apply for an Idaho Home Loan
Applying for a mortgage in Idaho is straightforward when you have the right team guiding you. Here’s how the process works with Truss Financial Group:
- Get Pre-Approved: Start by getting a pre-approval from Truss. This involves a quick application (you can do it online in minutes) where we gather your financial info – income, assets, credit, etc. We’ll then issue a pre-approval letter showing how much you can afford. Sellers in Idaho will take your offer more seriously if you’re pre-approved. Our pre-approvals are thorough, so you can shop with confidence knowing your financing is solid.
- House Hunting: With your budget and loan program in hand, you (and your real estate agent) find the right home. Whether it’s a downtown Boise condo or a farmhouse in Madison County, once you have an accepted offer, you come back to us to finalize the loan.
- Loan Processing: We update your application with the property details and any final documents. At this stage, we’ll lock your interest rate (you and your loan officer will pick the optimal time and term to lock). An appraisal will be ordered to confirm the home’s value. We’ll also set up title and escrow through a local title company (common ones in Idaho include First American, TitleOne, etc., depending on the region).
- Underwriting: Truss’s lending partners underwrite the loan – basically a detailed review to ensure all guidelines are met. Because we likely ran your loan through an automated system early on, there shouldn’t be many surprises. You’ll provide any remaining documents requested (like perhaps an updated pay stub or bank statement). Our team communicates with you at each step so you’re never in the dark.
- Closing: Once the loan is approved and the appraisal/title are clear, we schedule your closing. In Idaho, closings are often done at a title company office where you sign the final documents. One thing to note: Idaho is a community property state if you’re married. That means if you’re married, your spouse may need to sign some documents even if they’re not on the loan (they won’t be responsible for the loan, but it’s about acknowledging the transaction). We’ll prepare you for that. At closing, you’ll bring your ID and any funds needed (usually wired to the title company beforehand). After signing, the deed and mortgage get recorded with the county – and then you get the keys to your new home!
A pre-approval letter from Truss Financial Group not only lets you know your price range, but also strengthens your offer. Sellers and agents recognize Truss as a reputable lender, and our pre-approval means your financing has been vetted. We often hear from listing agents that they chose our client’s offer because the financing was solid and could close on time.
Speed: We know timing can be critical. Our team can often close loans faster than the typical 30-day cycle. Need to close in 21 days or even 14 days? If your situation allows (e.g., you have your documents ready and the appraisal can be rushed), we will push to meet the deadline. Buying a home can be stressful, but our job is to handle the heavy lifting and keep things on track so you can focus on packing and planning your move.
Licensed in Idaho: Truss Financial Group, LLC is fully licensed to originate mortgages in Idaho (Idaho Mortgage Broker/Lender License #MBL-2082006915, NMLS #2006915). We comply with all state and federal lending regulations, ensuring your Idaho loan is handled with transparency and professionalism. From Boise to Bonners Ferry, we have Idaho covered.
Once you’re ready to begin, you can apply online or give us a call. There’s no commitment to just see what you qualify for. We’ll present you with a Loan Estimate outlining the rate, payment, and closing costs for the loan options you’re interested in. Our goal is to empower you with information so you can make a confident decision.
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