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Personal Banking      Borrowing      FHA/VA/USDA Home Mortgages

FHA, VA & USDA Home Mortgages

Looking for a mortgage option with low down payment requirements?

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Understanding FHA, VA, and USDA Loans

At Cogent Bank, we are proud to partner with the Federal Housing Administration (FHA), US Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) and the US Department of Agriculture to provide low and/or no down payment options to our customers. Guaranteed by the FHA, VA and USDA, these loans offer more flexible borrowing terms and qualifications, making homeownership more accessible and affordable. 

FHA Home Loans 

FHA mortgages are popular among first-time homebuyers with limited funds for down payments, but available to all borrowers. While requiring an upfront fee (Mortgage Insurance Premium). The benefits of an FHA loan include:  

  • Competitive interest rates 
  • Down payments as low as 3.5% 
  • More flexible income and credit requirements 
  • Low monthly Mortgage Insurance Premium fee 
  • No maximum income restrictions 
  • Ability to refinance with limited or no requalification

VA Home Loans 

VA mortgages are available for retired and active service members and their spouses who meet eligibility requirements. Similar to FHA loans, VA loans require an upfront fee (Funding Fee). The benefits of a VA loan include: 

  • Competitive interest rates 
  • No down payment required 
  • More flexible income and credit requirements 
  • Option to roll Funding Fee into the loan balance and reduce upfront costs
  • Ability to refinance with limited or no requalification

USDA Home Loans

USDA mortgages provide affordable financing opportunities for low-income borrowers looking to purchase a home in designated rural areas. Similar to FHA & VA loans, USDA loans require an upfront fee (Guarantee Fee). The benefits of a USDA loan include:

  • Competitive interest rates 
  • No down payment required 
  • More flexible income and credit requirements 
  • Option to roll Guarantee Fee into the loan balance and reduce upfront costs

How Do I Apply for an FHA, VA, or USDA Home Loan?

We’ll always go the extra mile for our client relationships, and ensure we’re acting in their best interest.

Meet the Residential Lending Team

Cogent Bank’s NMLS# 402296

Manuel Aldana
Manuel Aldana Residential Mortgage Loan Originator
NMLS# 561800
Location: Orlando
Joelle Balotin
Joelle Balotin VP, Residential Lending Sales Manager
NMLS# 1234900
Location: Jacksonville
Christy Brucksieker
Christy Brucksieker Residential Mortgage Loan Originator
NMLS# 2460773
Location: Bradenton
Randy Butler
Randy Butler VP, Residential Lending
NMLS# 690802
Location: Orlando
Lisa Dubiel
Lisa Dubiel VP, Portfolio Lending Relationship Manager
NMLS# 1319424
Location: Orlando
Raphael Espejo
Raphael Espejo Residential Sales Manager
NMLS# 1397225
Location: Orlando
Mark Falcone
Mark Falcone Residential Mortgage Loan Originator
NMLS# 243358
Location: Orlando
Grace Fedroff
Grace Fedroff Residential Mortgage Loan Originator
NMLS# 1613614
Location: Bradenton
Rick Grow
Rick Grow Senior Residential Mortgage Loan Originator
NMLS# 894423
Location: Ocala
Jeff Middlekauff
Jeff Middlekauff VP, Residential Sales Manager
NMLS# 249086
Location: Jacksonville
Tim Pollard
Tim Pollard VP, Residential Lending Manager
NMLS# 554005
Location: Orlando
Brandon Roth
Brandon Roth EVP, Residential Lending
Location: St. Petersburg
Ryan Salem
Ryan Salem Residential Mortgage Loan Originator
NMLS# 1182429
Location: Jacksonville
Tom Vellela
Tom Vellela VP, Residential Lending Manager
NMLS# 434315
Location: Bradenton

Apply for an FHA, VA, or USDA with Cogent 

Our team makes the process simple and easy. Connect with a Loan Originator to learn more about our FHV, VA & USDA mortgage options.  

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FHA, VA & USDA Home Mortgages – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between FHA, VA, and USDA home loans?

FHA, VA, and USDA home loans are government-backed mortgage programs designed to make homeownership more accessible. FHA loans are popular with first-time homebuyers and those with lower down payments, VA loans are available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and qualifying spouses, and USDA loans help eligible borrowers purchase homes in designated rural areas. Each program has different eligibility requirements, benefits, and fees.

Which government-backed mortgage is right for me?

The right mortgage depends on your financial situation, military service, property location, and homeownership goals. FHA loans offer flexible credit and down payment requirements, VA loans provide eligible borrowers with no down payment options, and USDA loans can help qualified buyers purchase homes in eligible rural communities with no down payment required. Speaking with a Cogent Bank mortgage professional can help determine which program best fits your needs.

What is the minimum down payment for an FHA loan?

FHA loans may allow qualified borrowers to purchase a home with a down payment as low as 3.5%, making them an attractive option for buyers who have limited funds available upfront. FHA loans also offer flexible income and credit qualification requirements compared to many conventional loans.

Do VA home loans require a down payment?

For eligible borrowers, VA home loans generally do not require a down payment. They also offer competitive interest rates and may allow the VA Funding Fee to be rolled into the loan balance, reducing upfront costs.

Who qualifies for a VA home loan?

VA home loans are available to eligible active-duty military members, veterans, certain National Guard and Reserve members, and some surviving spouses. Eligibility is determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs based on military service requirements.

What is a USDA home loan?

A USDA home loan is a government-backed mortgage program designed to help eligible low-to-moderate-income borrowers purchase homes in qualifying rural areas. USDA loans feature competitive interest rates and may not require a down payment for qualified applicants.

Do USDA loans require a down payment?

Qualified USDA borrowers can often finance 100% of a home’s purchase price, meaning no down payment is required. USDA loans also allow eligible borrowers to finance the program’s Guarantee Fee into the loan balance.

Are FHA, VA, and USDA loans only for first-time homebuyers?

No. While FHA loans are commonly used by first-time homebuyers, they are available to qualified repeat buyers as well. VA and USDA loans are also available to eligible borrowers who meet each program’s specific requirements, regardless of whether they’ve owned a home previously.

Can I refinance an FHA, VA, or USDA loan?

Yes. Depending on the loan program and your eligibility, refinancing options may be available with limited or simplified qualification requirements. Your Cogent Bank mortgage lender can help determine which refinance option is appropriate for your situation.

Do FHA, VA, and USDA loans require mortgage insurance or fees?

Each program has its own costs. FHA loans require Mortgage Insurance Premiums (MIP), VA loans typically require a Funding Fee, and USDA loans include a Guarantee Fee. In some cases, VA and USDA fees may be financed into the loan amount to reduce upfront expenses.

What documents do I need to apply for an FHA, VA, or USDA mortgage?

Your mortgage lender will explain the documentation required during the application process. Depending on your loan program, this may include income verification, tax documents, bank statements, identification, employment information, and other financial records needed to evaluate your application.

Can I use an FHA, VA, or USDA loan to purchase my primary residence?

Yes. Government-backed mortgage programs are generally intended for owner-occupied primary residences, although eligibility requirements vary by program. Your mortgage lender can help determine whether the property you wish to purchase qualifies.

How can Cogent Bank help with my home financing?

Cogent Bank offers experienced residential mortgage professionals throughout Florida who provide personalized guidance throughout the home financing process. Whether you’re purchasing your first home or exploring government-backed loan options, the team can help you understand your choices and navigate the application process.

How do I know how much home I can afford?

Before applying for a mortgage, it’s helpful to estimate your buying power based on your income, monthly expenses, and expected down payment. Cogent Bank offers online mortgage calculators that can help estimate affordability, monthly payments, refinancing savings, and mortgage payoff scenarios.

How do I apply for an FHA, VA, or USDA home loan with Cogent Bank?

Getting started is simple. Contact one of Cogent Bank’s Residential Mortgage Loan Originators to discuss your goals, review available loan programs, and begin the application process. A lending specialist will help you determine which mortgage option best fits your financial needs.