No matter your age, becoming a real estate investor is frequently regarded as one of the universal signs of financial success. Although technically, in the U.S., even though there is no upper age limit for mortgage approval, there may be some age-related home-buying considerations you should be aware of.
What’s the maximum age to qualify for a mortgage?
Some people may wonder if there are age restrictions because a mortgage is a legally binding agreement that enables you to spread out the cost of a home. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average life expectancy in the United States is 78.16, so could a lender forbid you from obtaining a 30-year mortgage, for instance, if you’re 75?
What makes the U.S. a unique mortgage market? It is illegal for a mortgage lender to discriminate against you based on age, which is good news for real estate investors regardless of age. A lender cannot refuse you credit based on your age or any other factors, including your race, color, religion, national origin, sex, or marital status, according to the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA), which was created as a result of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Even more, safeguards are provided by the Fair Housing Act of 1968, which makes it illegal to discriminate in any residential real estate transaction. This law covers both U.S. citizens and foreign national real estate investors.
What is the takeaway; regardless if you are 19 or 99, you can still take advantage of a 30-year fixed mortgage. This gives the savvy investor absolute assurance of what their monthly mortgage payment is and likely the opportunity for higher yields.
What’s the minimum age to qualify for a mortgage?
If you’re closer to high school graduation age than retirement, can age be a deterrent when it comes to getting a mortgage? Lenders can’t deny a mortgage application solely because of age, but states have laws determining the age at which a contract can be negotiated. However, in most U.S. states, at 18 years of age, you are able to sign a binding contract, such as a mortgage. What this means for non-resident U.S. investors is once you’re 18, and assuming you can qualify for a mortgage based on the lenders’ guidelines and requirements, the U.S. could be your first opportunity to become a real estate investor.
Keep in mind, as a non-resident U.S. real estate investor, the minimum down payment is usually 25-30%. America Mortgages has mortgage loan programs for Foreign National Investors at 30% down payment and U.S. Expats at only 25% down payment.
What are the advantages of a 30-year fixed U.S. mortgage, regardless of your age?
• Mortgage interest deducibility: One of the best tax benefits of U.S. real estate investing is that your mortgage interest is considered a business expense and, therefore, deductible when your property is being used as an investment/rental.
• Predictability: With a 30-year mortgage, you have the comfort and safety of knowing what your mortgage payment will be over the next 30 years. As rental prices increase over time, so will your yield.
• No limitations on refinancing: Although some investment mortgages may have short lock-in periods; in general, as long as the property qualifies, there are no restrictions on refinancing to a lower rate if interest rates decrease.
Why America Mortgages
At America Mortgages, we understand that the mortgage process can be confusing and overwhelming. That’s why we’re here to help. Our team of experienced mortgage professionals can guide you through the entire process, from pre-approval to closing. We work with a panel of vetted lenders that know foreign national and U.S. expat lending. This allows our team to find the best mortgage solutions for our clients, regardless of their age or financial status.
We can also help you understand the different types of mortgages available, such as fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages, and help you choose the best one for your needs. We make the mortgage process as easy and stress-free as possible, so you can focus on finding your dream home.
In conclusion, there is no age limit for getting a mortgage in the U.S. At America Mortgages; we’re here to help you navigate the process and find the best mortgage options for your needs. Whether you’re a foreign national, U.S. expat, self-employed entrepreneur, or a salaried investor, we can help you achieve your homeownership goals. Contact us today to learn more at [email protected].
