Purchaseworkshop PDF
Purchaseworkshop PDF
Purchaseworkshop PDF
NACA has a streamlined mortgage process. We work to close loans within 28 days from the executed
purchase and sales contract (“P&S Contract”). You will have a professional NACA staff member assigned
to you at each step of the process through closing. It is important that you respond to each point of
contact the same day or no later than within 24 hours.
NACA
NACA
3. Housing Search:
NACA’s Real Estate Department (“RED”) can assist you with any issues relating to your housing
search and R.E. Agent issues. You may contact RED at 425-519-6222 or RED@naca.com.
4. Property Selected:
Before signing any Purchase & Sales contract, contact your MC or Office Manager to obtain a
Property Specific Letter (“PSL”). This should be provided to the seller or Listing Agent to verify that
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you qualify for a particular property taking into account interest rate changes, your current financial
circumstances, interest rate buy-down, and other factors.
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America’s
BestBest
Mortgage
Mortgage
5. Executed Purchase & Sale Contract:
Once you have executed the P&S Contract, provide the contract to your MC within 24 hours of it
NACA
NACA
PURCHASE
PURCHASE
WORKBOOK
WORKBOOK
being signed by you and the seller. You need to work with your MC to submit the mortgage application
within ten days of your executed contract.
6. Mortgage Process:
Closing Coordinator is assigned to you once the bank application is submitted to a participating lender
and s/he is your primary point of contact throughout the mortgage process including coordinating BECOME
BECOME
A HOMEOWNER
A HOMEOWNER
the closing. After submitting your mortgage application, you will receive an email from your assigned WITH NACA’S
WITH NACA’S
BEST BEST
IN AMERICA
IN AMERICA
MORTGAGE
MORTGAGE
Closing Coordinator with his/her contact information which you can also access in your Web-file.
7. Settlement Agent:
The Settlement agent will tell you how much to bring to the closing and will review all closing MEMBER’S
MEMBER’S
NAME _________________________________________________
NAME _________________________________________________
documents with you at the NACA office where the closing will occur.
8. Post Purchase: DATE OFDATE
WORKSHOP
OF WORKSHOP
____________________________________
____________________________________
MAP Advocate is assigned as your primary point of contact after you close. If you are having any
difficulties in making your Monthly Mortgage Payment your MAP Advocate can assist you with NACA IDNACA
# ________________________________
ID # ________________________________
different types of solutions including financial assistance. Also s/he will coordinate your continued
participation in support and NACA’s mission as well as provide access to other services and products
provided through NACA. To contact your MAP Advocate call (281) 968-6222 or MAP@naca.com.
9. Questions & Concerns:
If you have any other questions not addressed by any of the above contacts, please contact NACA’s
Member Services at 425-602-6222 or Services@naca.com.
Housing
Housing Mortgage
Mortgage Closing
Closing
We look forward to making your dream of homeownership a reality Search Search Process
Process
with the best mortgage in America
WWW.NACA.COM
WWW.NACA.COM
WWW.NACA.COM
Version: 18.2 Copyright NACA 2018
Maintaining Your NACA Qualification Day 16:
Congratulations on being NACA Qualified! Remember to use your Web-file to submit your documents. • If seller repairs, you must schedule re-inspection.
Until closing you must maintain the following. • You receive a change of circumstance notice if loan amount or other mortgage terms change.
þ MINIMUM REQUIRED FUNDS / SAVINGS – Maintain and increase the minimum amount required Day 17 - 18:
to complete your desired purchase and required reserves after closing. • If Seller negotiated repairs, all repairs completed and re-inspection scheduled with initial property
þ PAYMENT SHOCK – Continue saving your payment shock each month. Document and be prepared inspector.
to explain all large withdrawals and non-payroll deposits. • Your last day to address lender conditions.
þ DEBT – Do not open any new credit accounts or increase debt balances. Submit updated statements • You will receive a Change of Circumstances notice if there is a Repair Escrow or negotiated price
for all debt obligations including your credit cards and student loans. change.
þ ON-TIME PAYMENTS – Continue to pay rent and all obligations on time each month. Day 19:
• You receive re-inspection confirming satisfactory completion of seller repairs to be HAND Cleared.
þ INCOME – Notify your Mortgage Counselor (“MC”) if any source of your documented income changes
or ends. Leaves of absence may affect your NACA Qualification. Day 22:
þ RENT – Continue to document your on-time rent payments by submitting monthly verification. Pay • You verify with your Closing Coordinator that the loan is on pace to close by the agreed upon closing
rent in a way it can be seen coming from your bank account. date.
þ NEW DOCUMENTS – Submit every paystub, bank statement, rental payment, credit card statement, • Your Closing Coordinator verifies the scheduled closing date, time and location at the NACA office.
student loan statement, and alternative credit documents to your Web-file as you receive them. Day 23:
Remember to retain your original documents. • You receive initial closing disclosure from lender and confirms date and time of closing to take place at
the NACA office. You contact your Closing Coordinator to address any questions.
Your Next Steps
Day 24:
þ VIEWING HOMES – Prior to viewing any home, make sure it is within your affordability range as
stated in your Qualification Form. When looking at homes, pay attention to other potential costs such • You sign the Closing Disclosure if an initial closing disclosure was not sent and early acknowledgement
as structural, safety or code issues that may affect property approval and affordability. is required.
þ PROPERTY SPECIFIC LETTER – Once you have identified a home, contact your Mortgage Day 25:
Counselor to obtain a Property Specific Letter to verify that you qualify for that home. Often the • You verify with the R.E. Agent and HAND that seller repairs are completed or on pace to be completed
Listing Agent or seller requests this letter. prior to your walk-through.
þ PURCHASE & SALE CONTRACT (P&S Contract) – Once you and the seller have signed a Day 26:
purchase and sale contract, submit the fully executed contract to NACA within 24 hours. • You verify with your Closing Coordinator that the loan is clear to close.
þ INSPECTIONS – Complete a property inspection and pest inspection within three days of executing • You receive the final closing disclosure with the amount you need to bring to closing.
your P&S Contract (this requirement does not apply to new construction properties). Day 27:
þ CREDIT ACCESS – Immediately after executing the Purchase & Sale Contract, provide updated • You do property walk-thorough. You contact HAND if there are any “new” property issues.
documents to your Mortgage Counselor, using your Web-file or schedule an appointment to give the
documents in-person, so your application for Credit Access can be submitted and approved. • You obtain certified funds for closing and make final plans to move in.
Day 28:
þ BANK APPLICATION – After Credit Access approval, you must complete the application and sign
associated documents. Your loan package must be submitted to the participating lender no later than • You, your R.E. Agent, seller (Listing Agent may represent seller), and settlement agent attend closing
ten days from the P&S Contract execution. at the NACA office.
þ NACA REPAIR LIST – Review HAND repair requirements for property approval and negotiate final • Loan Closes – Congratulations!
seller concessions, if applicable. • Complete testimonial and pictures/videos.
þ AMENDMENTS TO PURCHASE & SALE CONTRACT – Submit any additional amendments to
your P&S Contract once signed by you and the seller. Congratulations, you are now a NACA Homeowner
þ FINAL REHAB BUDGET – If you will be completing required repairs after closing, obtain bids,
evaluations and/or work write-ups. Submit these to NACA HAND Department immediately upon receipt. with America’s Best Mortgage Program
þ RE-INSPECTION – Complete re-inspection of seller negotiated repairs by the same property
inspector who conducted the initial inspection. Note: The materials contained in this workbook are designed for guidance only. They are not designed to be, and should not be used as, a
substitute for professional services. NACA makes no warranties or representations of any kind that the materials contained in this book will
þ Home Owner’s Insurance – Obtain quotes and secure Home Owner’s Insurance policy. Submit the
necessarily apply to, or be effective in all or particular situations.. NACA reserves the right to change any requirements or policies at any time
insurance binder to NACA through your Web-file or to your Closing Coordinator. and to make exceptions in NACA’s sole discretion.
þ CLOSING – Address any lender conditions through your Closing Coordinator and close on your home
within 28 days of the P&S Contract.
INDEX Page
• Welcome Letter 2
NACA MORTGAGE 3
• Interest Rate Buy-Down 3
• 15-Year Wealth Builder Mortgage 4
• Eligibility Requirements for the NACA Mortgage 6
• Types of Property 6
• Types of Construction 8
NACA QUALIFICATION 9
• NACA Qualification Letter 9
• NACA Qualification Form 9
MAXIMUM MORTGAGE AMOUNT 10
• Limiting Factor - Maximum Acquisition Cost 10
• Mortgage Amount Calculation 10
• 30-Year Mortgage Amount Calculation – Single Family 12
• 15-Year Mortgage Amount Calculation – Single Family 13
WEB-FILE 14
GRANTS & NON-PROFIT FUNDS 15
STAGE 1: REAL ESTATE AGENT 16
• NACA’S Real Estate Department (“RED”) 16
• Types of Real Estate Agents 16
• Real Estate Agent Responsibilities & Compensation 17
• Selecting R.E. Agent & Contract 18
STAGE 2: HOUSING SEARCH 20
• Housing Search Preparation 20
• Property Evaluation 21
• Property Evaluation Form 22
• Housing Search 23
• Housing Search Diary 24
STAGE 3: PROPERTY SPECIFIC LETTER 25
STAGE 4: PURCHASE & SALE CONTRACT 26
STAGE 5: PROPERTY CONDITION REQUIREMENTS 28
• NACA’S HAND Department 28
• Property Inspection 28
• NACA Repair List 29
• Repair Responsibilities 29
• Contractors 31
• Post Close Renovations 32
STAGE 6: MORTGAGE PROCESSING & CLOSING 33
• NACA Credit Access & Bank Application - Mortgage Counselor 33
• How Much Money Will You Need To Buy a Home? 35
• Mortgage Processing & Underwriting - Closing Coordinator 36
• Mortgage Closing 36
STAGE 7: POST PURCHASE & PARTICIPATION (MAP) 38
TIMELINE: 28 DAYS FROM P&S CONTRACT TO CLOSING 39
• Mortgage Prep - P&S Contract to Bank Application (Days 1 to 10) 39
• Mortgage Process - Bank Application to Closing (Days 11 to 28) 40
Dear NACA Qualified Member,
Congratulations on being NACA Qualified and attending the NACA Purchase Workshop. This means
that you have worked hard to be pre-approved for NACA’s Best in America mortgage and are ready to
begin your housing search. If you continue with the NACA process and adhere to our requirements and
timelines you will have the opportunity to become a homeowner.
NACA’s Purchase Workshop is presented by local office staff members and often a NACA In-House
Agent every Thursday from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the local NACA office. Members are welcome to bring
their real estate agent (“R.E. Agent”), especially if their R.E. Agent is unfamiliar with the NACA process.
This workshop will prepare you and your R.E. Agent to understand and meet NACA’s requirements. This
includes finding a home that meets your needs, is affordable based on your NACA Qualification, is at a
fair price, and will have any repairs addressed.
This Purchase Workbook is your resource guide that details the housing search and mortgage process.
NACA has established several requirements to ensure that the home you purchase is affordable over
the long term and that repairs are made to eliminate future difficulties and costs. NACA’s Home and
Neighborhood Development department (“HAND”) will assist you in identifying code, safety and health
issues that require repairs for the property to be approved for purchase.
NACA will work with you throughout the home buying process. This is one of the most important, complicated
and therefore often the most stressful purchases you will ever make in your life. Remember that at any time
during this process you have access to our professionals to assist you. NACA is committed to helping you
achieve your goals based on your best interests. If you follow the process and timeline stated herein you
should be able to close on your home within 28 days from your executed Purchase & Sale Contract.
I want to remind you about our nationwide mission. We need you to participate in promoting economic
justice, revitalizing communities, affordable homeownership, and fighting financial exploitation and
discriminatory lending practices. This includes accessing local grants and city programs to help increase
purchase options for low-and-moderate income households. Keep us informed about any predatory
or discriminatory practices or any roadblocks you encounter that may limit or prevent homeownership,
financial or other opportunities for you or your community.
We look forward to helping you become another successful NACA homeowner. I hope to meet you in
the future as we work to make the NACA standard the national standard and as we continue the fight for
economic justice.
Sincerely,
Bruce Marks
NACA Founder and CEO
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NACA MORTGAGE
You are now NACA Qualified. This means that you are pre-approved for NACA’s Best in America
mortgage. You have accomplished or overcome three of the largest roadblocks to owning a home: 1)
obtaining a qualification for a Monthly Mortgage Payment you can afford; 2) having the necessary assets
to close on a home; and 3) working with a lender offering a mortgage product with the best terms at a low
interest rate. This puts you in the strongest position when shopping for a home.
The extraordinary terms of the NACA mortgage are as follows:
• NO down payment required
• NO closing costs – paid by lender
• NO fees – paid by lender
• NO points
• NO Private Mortgage Insurance (“PMI”)
• Term – 30-year or 15-year
• Interest Rate – Below market fixed rate for a 15 or 30-year term
• Interest rate buy-down – the most effective way of obtaining an affordable payment or increasing the
affordable purchase price
• Renovations/Repairs – funds for renovations can be provided as part of the mortgage
Your NACA Qualification is good for both NACA’s conventional 30-year mortgage and the 15-year Wealth
Builder Mortgage. The Wealth Builder Mortgage empowers you to become free from debt and build wealth
quickly. The 15-year rate starts at a lower interest rate than the 30-year mortgage, around one-half to three-
quarters of a percent lower. Although the 15-year term does have a higher principal and interest payment
each month, more of your payment will go towards the principal, increasing your net worth much faster
rather than paying interest to a lender. If your budget allows, selecting a 15-year term is the fastest way to
build equity and wealth.
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a greater amount of your income for a Monthly Mortgage Payment (i.e. higher housing ratio) up to a
maximum 35%.
The benefits of this revolutionary 15-year Wealth Builder Mortgage are the following:
• Have your Monthly Mortgage Payments largely and immediately go towards growing your net worth.
• Build generational wealth.
• Pay very little mortgage interest each month.
• Become mortgage debt free in the home of your dreams before retirement.
• Have the freedom to afford your children’s college or post-high school tuition.
• Live out retirement free from debt and leave the next generation a house rather than a mortgage.
• Purchase a starter house today and rapidly build vast amounts of equity in a short amount of time,
providing a large down payment to purchase a home that meets your changing family or other needs.
In 10 years: In 10 years:
Interest paid = $32,964 Interest paid = $2,524
Principal Paid = $ 38,196 Principal Paid = $ 99,356
Equity Percentage: 25% Equity Percentage: 66%
Loan balance = $111,804 Loan Balance = $ 50,644
In 15 years: In 15 years:
Interest paid = $45,556 Interest paid = $2,846
Principal Paid = $61,184 Principal Paid = $150,000
Equity Percentage: 41% Equity Percentage: 100%
Loan balance = $88,816 Loan Balance = $0
Principal & interest payment = $593 for 15 more years Principal & interest payment = $0
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Eligibility Requirements for the NACA Mortgage
You must comply with the following NACA eligibility requirements:
• Owner Occupancy – you must occupy the property during the life of the loan.
• Other Property Ownership – NACA is not an investor program or available to investors. If you own other
property you must sell it prior to closing on a NACA loan. You may purchase other properties after closing
on the NACA Mortgage, but you must live in the property you bought with the NACA mortgage.
• Volunteer in five actions or activities a year in support of NACA’s mission in whatever way you feel
comfortable. This can include participating in NACA’s campaigns for economic justice as well as
volunteering and providing a testimonial during upcoming workshops.
• Register to Vote – unless prohibited by law or religious belief, you must register to vote.
• You agree to all NACA policies and guidelines.
Types of Properties
NACA provides a mortgage product with financing for a wide range of property types. The eligible properties
are described below:
Single Family
These are residential homes permitted for single-family use. There can be no additional separate units
with a kitchen/cooking source, such as a Mother-In-Law suite. In some areas, a Homeowner’s Association
(“HOA”) may be active and fees may apply (i.e. Planned Unit Development).
Condominium/Townhome
A condominium or townhouse is a building or complex of buildings containing several individually owned
apartments or units sharing common areas or individual residences attached to land owned in common. All
owners collectively “share” ownership of all building exteriors and common areas such as hallways, yards,
walkways and parking areas. Other amenities such as shared utilities, mechanical systems, elevators,
laundry rooms, gyms, pools and recreational areas located on property may also be owned in common.
A condominium or townhome project is managed by an HOA which often includes a mandatory
membership and monthly assessment. HOA fees are in addition to your Monthly Mortgage Payment
and will affect what you can afford. Speak with your Mortgage Counselor to determine how this impacts
your affordable price range.
The Condo must meet some minimum requirements including:
• Condominium Financial Strength - At least 50% of the total number of condominium units must be
owner occupied or the condominium association must be financially sound. Evaluation of the condo
association financials will be based on the ability to meet future obligations over the next twelve (12)
months, taking into the account the potential impact of adding new condo association members.
• HOA Fees Delinquency - No more than 10% of the homeowners can be late on payment of their HOA fee.
• A Condominium questionnaire form is required when making an offer to purchase a condo which
may include a non-refundable application fee. It is to be completed by the HOA or managing agent.
The questionnaire provides you, the Participating Lender and NACA information about the financial
stability of the HOA, the owner occupancy rates, total number of units in the community, and other
information that will help you decide if the purchase is right for you. In addition to the questionnaire, the
Participating Lender will also need two years of the condo’s audited financials, current year’s budget,
and master insurance certificate. Your Mortgage Counselor or NACA In-House Agent can provide you
with the questionnaire form required by the Participating Lender. You or your R.E. Agent should always
request a copy of the by-laws, rules and restrictions and review them prior to making an offer on a
condominium property. Remember that you will be bound by these rules if you decide to purchase a
condominium. A fully executed condominium questionnaire is required for credit access approval.
Co-op
These types of properties are cooperatively owned and operated which are only eligible in CT, FL, MD,
MA, DC, NY, NJ and IL. The potential new owner may be subject to board approval. Additionally, per co-op
policy a down-payment may be required. A condo/co-op questionnaire must be filled out before making an
offer to purchase a co-op. The requirements listed above for condominiums also apply to co-ops.
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Multi-Family Homes – Two to Four Units
Two, three, and four-family properties are eligible. The purchase contract must specify at least one unit (the
Member’s unit) to be vacant upon closing as the Member is required to live in the property after closing.
If major rehabilitation after closing is necessary on a multi-family property, all units may be required to be
vacant at closing. We assume that the unit that appraises with the highest rent value is the owner’s unit.
If the Member intends to live in a different unit, they must write a letter to explain why that unit suits their
needs better and it must be approved in advance.
While the rent paid by your tenants would reduce a portion of your Monthly Mortgage Payment, there is a
considerable amount of work and risk involved in being the owner of a multi-family property. Your monthly
budget expenses must include funds for repairs, tenant vacancies, unplanned and unbudgeted expenses,
and other issues related to being a landlord. Thus, the following additional conditions apply if purchasing a
two-to-four-unit property:
• Member must complete a landlord training course prior to qualifying to make an offer.
• Member must have minimum $400 per month in budget surplus to set aside in a Landlord Fund and
potentially more depending on the number of units, rental demand and any NACA adjustments.
• Member must have three full months of Mortgage Payment in cash reserves as part of the Minimum
Required Funds to cover additional expenses associated with being a landlord.
Purchasing a multi-family property requires significantly more responsibilities and management skills than
purchasing a single-family home. By becoming a landlord, you are essentially setting-up and running a
small business and therefore must attend a landlord training class to learn the skills and obtain information
you need to be a successful landlord. This includes understanding landlord/tenant laws, addressing tenant
issues, and finding good tenants. The calculation of the affordable Monthly Mortgage Payment is different
when you are purchasing a multi-family home. While this type of purchase may allow you to qualify for a
higher Monthly Mortgage Payment, owning a multi-family home has corresponding difficulties you must
consider before purchasing. If you have management, landlord and/or construction experience, and the
ability to run a small business, you may consider purchasing a multi-family house. Ask your Counselor if
you do not know the average monthly rent in the area you wish to purchase.
Mixed-Use Properties
Mixed-Use Properties are structures with a first-floor commercial unit and residential unit(s) on the upper
floor(s). The Member must live in one of the residential units. The eligibility criteria include the following:
• 50% or more of the units must be residential.
• Meets mixed-use zoning requirements.
• Member does not need to be the owner or the operator of the business occupying the commercial space.
• Appraisal value of the property must be primarily residential.
• Commercial portion of the rent will be calculated similarly to a residential unit regarding the affordability
and the ratios. Additional requirements may apply.
Manufactured/Modular Home
Manufactured homes include a variety of homes that are built in a controlled environment and brought to
the site in pieces. Mobile homes are a specific type of manufactured home that can be more affordable for
lower income households than more traditional properties but they often do not hold value as well or last as
long as a traditional property type. The specific eligibility requirements include the following:
• Must be double or triple wide home. Single wide homes are ineligible.
• Must be permanently affixed to real estate (i.e. to the land).
• All trailer hitch, wheels and axels must be removed.
• Must be secured and permanently affixed on a concrete slab or masonry foundation.
• Utilities and sewer lines must be hooked to permanent connections.
• The unit must have been constructed under the Federal Manufactured Home Construction and Safety
Standards of June 15, 1976.
• The certificate of title must have been surrendered and the property must be taxed as real estate.
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Ineligible Properties
• Log homes
• Lots
• Unique properties such as earth, dome, bermed, pyramid, straw, bale, container and so forth.
• Working farms and ranches
• Single wide mobile homes
• Single resident occupancy (i.e. “SRO”) or single room occupancy
Types of Construction
NACA supports a wide variety of construction as described below.
Pre-Existing Property
Types of Pre-Existing Properties eligible for Purchase or Purchase-Rehab are:
• Privately Owned Properties:
- Properties owned by the person(s) selling the property.
- Bank Owned Properties (Foreclosed Properties).
Bank of America – First Look Program
NACA Members have exclusive access to properties owned by Bank of America 14 days before the
homes are officially placed on the market for sale. Bank of America will pay ten points to buy-down the
interest rate and refund up to $350 of property inspection fees. Some restrictions apply and inventory
is not available in all markets. Lists are updated weekly and available by contacting RED@naca.com.
• HUD Foreclosures
- Your R.E. Agent must have a HUD NAID number.
- HUD bidding and contract requirements apply.
• VA Foreclosure
- Can be purchased like any other pre-existing transactions.
• Short Sale
- Requires seller’s lender approval.
- Close date must allow no less than 15 days from short sale approval.
• Lease Purchases
- Member must qualify with an affordable Monthly Mortgage Payment.
- Rent payments must be verified by cancelled checks only.
- Down payments funds previously paid to the seller must be verified.
New Construction
The property must be 100% complete, have a certificate of occupancy (if applicable), and be move-in ready
before the loan closes. To be considered new construction the property also must have been built in the
last 12 months and never occupied. New construction is not eligible for a rehab transaction and, though
recommended, does not require an inspection if the builder provides a full home warranty. Also, NACA
does not offer interim financing for custom home construction.
Properties Requiring Repairs
NACA’s Home and Neighborhood Development (“HAND”) department allows NACA homeowners to
purchase a home that needs repair or substantial renovation to revitalize communities that are negatively
impacted by homes in disrepair. NACA’s team of HAND professionals provide guidance to assist you in
repairing a property that you can make into the home of your dreams while avoiding financial hardship due
to unexpected repairs and high maintenance costs after closing. A major renovation requires a significant
amount of work on your part but the result could be an extraordinary home that is customized to your
desires. In addition, if you are unable to live in the house because it is in need of significant renovation,
you will not have to make a Monthly Mortgage Payment for the first six-months. The property condition
requirements and HAND process is explained in greater detail in Stage 5 starting on page 28.
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NACA QUALIFICATION
At the Purchase Workshop you will receive documentation supporting your NACA Qualification. There are
two documents: The NACA Qualification Letter and the Qualification Form. The NACA Qualification Letter
is a public document that states that you are pre-approved for the NACA mortgage but does not have
any of your personal financial information. The Qualification Form, on the other hand, has your personal
information and is solely for your private use. You should not commit to purchase a particular property until
you have these documents. These documents are described in detail below.
Qualification Letter
The NACA Qualification Letter states that you have been pre-approved for NACA’s Best in America
Mortgage. You may provide this letter to any seller or R.E. Agent to support a purchase offer. It states
that NACA’s Underwriting department has pre-approved you after a comprehensive review including the
following: your tri-merge credit report, income, tax returns, rental verification, assets, and other supporting
documentation. This underwriting verifies that you have the necessary funds and have met the NACA
criteria to close on a home. If your financial circumstances change you need to contact your Mortgage
Counselor to determine if you are still NACA Qualified and update your Maximum Mortgage Amount.
The Qualification Letter also explains to the seller and Listing Agent the major benefits of working with
a NACA Qualified Member including the following: 1. NACA’s streamlined mortgage process facilitates
closing loans within 28 days of the executed Purchase & Sale Contract; 2. NACA is funded with over $13
billion through Bank of America and CitiMortgage to provide affordable homeownership to thousands
of homeowners nationwide; 3. Almost all property types are eligible for financing including one-to-four-
family residential, condo, co-ops, mixed use, new construction, and properties in need of repair; and 4.
virtually no one who is NACA Qualified is denied a mortgage. This letter is far stronger than the typical
pre-approval or pre-qualification provided by mortgage lenders.
Qualification Form
The Qualification Form shows your personal financial information used to determine your NACA
Qualification including your Maximum Mortgage Amount. This includes the following: Monthly Mortgage
Payment for the 30-year and 15-year NACA Mortgage, Monthly Payment Shock, Minimum Required
Funds, Monthly Gross Income, and Total Debts. This information is solely for your own records and you
should use it to provide your R.E. Agent a range of prices for your housing search. Nevertheless, be very
cautious in showing or sharing this form with your R.E. Agent, Listing Agent or seller, since you want to
be able to purchase at the lowest price and not the maximum you can afford.
Your financial information on the Qualification Form must stay the same or improve to maintain your
NACA Qualification status and your Maximum Mortgage Amount. This includes remaining current on
all of your payment obligations including, but not limited to: rent, credit card(s), car loan(s), and other
debts. Your total debts should not increase since this may indicate that you are borrowing to maintain
your standard of living. In addition, your savings should increase by your monthly surplus shown on your
budget and/or your Payment Shock savings. The information in this form provides the basis to determine
your Maximum Mortgage Amount as well as determination of your status as a Targeted Member (defined
in the Qualification Form). If there are any significant changes to your financials, contact your MC to
determine if your affordable Monthly Mortgage Payment should be higher or lower than the amount
stated on the Qualification Form.
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MAXIMUM MORTGAGE AMOUNT
Your Maximum Mortgage Amount is based on your affordable Monthly Mortgage Payment. We encourage
you to purchase a home for less than your Maximum Mortgage Amount to have an even more affordable
Monthly Mortgage Payment.
10
NACA Website Mortgage Calculator
NACA’s website provides you and your R.E. Agent a mortgage calculator to help calculate a sales price
with the daily quoted interest rate, as well as the maximum acquisition limits for the property type identified.
Go to www.naca.com and select Purchase Program option at the top of the screen. Once loaded, scroll
the bottom of the page to Mortgage Calculator (Estimate). Enter the zip code in Purchase Area Zip Code
box and select Property Type. The Maximum Acquisition cost for the service area will appear in Maximum
Price box. If you are a Non-Targeted Member, this is the MAC limit.
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30-Year Mortgage – Mortgage Amount Calculation – Single Family
Monthly Mortgage Payment (PITI) (Line A): $_______
Less:
Monthly Taxes (Line B): $_______
Monthly Insurance (Line C): $_______
Homeowners Association Fee (Line D): $_______
Principal & Interest (Line E) select below: $_______
Current Interest Rate: ____% (Line F) select below
Monthly Mortgage Amount (Line G) select below: $_______
Mort. Amt 2.0% 2.5% 3.0% 3.5% 4.0% 4.5% 5.0% 5.5% 6.0% 6.5% 7.0%
$60,000 $222 $237 $253 $269 $286 $304 $322 $341 $359 $379 $399
$70,000 $259 $277 $295 $314 $334 $355 $376 $397 $420 $442 $466
$80,000 $296 $316 $337 $359 $382 $405 $429 $454 $480 $506 $532
$90,000 $332 $356 $379 $404 $430 $456 $483 $511 $540 $569 $599
$100,000 $370 $395 $422 $449 $477 $507 $537 $568 $600 $632 $665
$110,000 $407 $435 $464 $494 $525 $557 $591 $625 $660 $695 $732
$120,000 $444 $474 $506 $539 $573 $608 $644 $681 $719 $758 $798
$130,000 $481 $514 $548 $584 $621 $659 $698 $738 $779 $822 $865
$140,000 $517 $553 $590 $629 $668 $709 $752 $795 $839 $885 $931
$150,000 $554 $593 $632 $674 $716 $760 $805 $852 $899 $948 $998
$160,000 $591 $632 $675 $718 $764 $811 $859 $908 $959 $1011 $1064
$170,000 $628 $672 $717 $763 $812 $861 $913 $965 $1019 $1075 $1131
$180,000 $665 $711 $759 $808 $859 $912 $966 $1022 $1079 $1138 $1198
$190,000 $702 $751 $801 $853 $907 $963 $1020 $1079 $1139 $1201 $1264
$200,000 $739 $790 $843 $898 $955 $1013 $1074 $1136 $1199 $1264 $1331
$210,000 $776 $830 $885 $943 $1003 $1064 $1127 $1192 $1259 $1327 $1397
$220,000 $813 $869 $928 $988 $1050 $1115 $1181 $1249 $1319 $1391 $1464
$230,000 $850 $901 $970 $1033 $1098 $1165 $1235 $1306 $1379 $1454 $1530
$240,000 $887 $948 $1012 $1078 $1146 $1216 $1288 $1363 $1439 $1517 $1597
$250,000 $924 $988 $1054 $1123 $1194 $1267 $1342 $1419 $1499 $1580 $1663
$260,000 $961 $1027 $1096 $1168 $1241 $1317 $1396 $1476 $1559 $1643 $1730
$270,000 $998 $1067 $1138 $1212 $1289 $1368 $1449 $1533 $1619 $1707 $1796
$280,000 $1035 $1106 $1181 $1257 $1337 $1419 $1503 $1590 $1679 $1770 $1863
$290,000 $1072 $1146 $1223 $1302 $1385 $1469 $1557 $1647 $1739 $1833 $1929
$300,000 $1109 $1185 $1265 $1347 $1432 $1520 $1610 $1703 $1799 $1896 $1996
$310,000 $1146 $1225 $1307 $1392 $1480 $1571 $1664 $1760 $1859 $1959 $2062
$320,000 $1183 $1264 $1349 $1437 $1528 $1621 $1718 $1817 $1919 $2023 $2129
$330,000 $1220 $1304 $1391 $1482 $1575 $1672 $1772 $1874 $1979 $2086 $2196
$340,000 $1257 $1343 $1433 $1527 $1623 $1723 $1825 $1930 $2038 $2149 $2262
$350,000 $1294 $1383 $1476 $1572 $1671 $1773 $1879 $1987 $2098 $2212 $2329
$360,000 $1331 $1422 $1518 $1617 $1719 $1824 $1933 $2044 $2158 $2275 $2395
$370,000 $1368 $1462 $1560 $1661 $1766 $1875 $1986 $2101 $2218 $2339 $2462
$380,000 $1405 $1501 $1602 $1706 $1814 $1925 $2040 $2158 $2278 $2402 $2528
$390,000 $1142 $1541 $1644 $1751 $1862 $1976 $2094 $2214 $2338 $2465 $2595
$400,000 $1478 $1580 $1686 $1796 $1910 $2027 $2147 $2271 $2398 $2528 $2661
$410,000 $1515 $1620 $1728 $1841 $1957 $2077 $2201 $2328 $2458 $2591 $2728
$420,000 $1552 $1660 $1771 $1886 $2005 $2128 $2255 $2385 $2518 $2655 $2794
$430,000 $1589 $1699 $1813 $1931 $2053 $2179 $2308 $2441 $2578 $2718 $2861
$440,000 $1626 $1739 $1855 $1976 $2101 $2229 $2362 $2498 $2638 $2782 $2927
$450,000 $1663 $1778 $1897 $2021 $2148 $2280 $2416 $2555 $2698 $2844 $2994
12
15-Year Mortgage – Mortgage Amount Calculation - Single Family
Monthly Mortgage Payment (PITI) (Line A): $_______
Less:
Monthly Taxes (Line B): $_______
Monthly Insurance (Line C): $_______
Homeowners Association Fee (Line D): $_______
Principal & Interest (Line E) select below: $_______
Current Interest Rate: ____% (Line F) select below
Monthly Mortgage Amount (Line G) select below: $_______
Mort. Amt. 1.0% 1.5% 2.0% 2.5% 3.0% 3.5% 4.0% 4.5% 5.0% 5.5% 6.0%
$60,000 $359 $372 $386 $400 $414 $429 $443 $459 $474 $490 $506
$70,000 $419 $435 $450 $467 $483 $500 $518 $535 $554 $572 $591
$80,000 $479 $497 $515 $533 $552 $572 $592 $612 $633 $654 $675
$90,000 $539 $559 $579 $600 $622 $643 $666 $688 $712 $735 $759
$100,000 $598 $621 $644 $667 $691 $715 $740 $765 $791 $817 $844
$110,000 $658 $683 $708 $733 $760 $786 $814 $841 $870 $988 $928
$120,000 $718 $745 $722 $800 $829 $858 $888 $918 $949 $981 $1013
$130,000 $778 $807 $837 $867 $898 $929 $962 $994 $1028 $1062 $1097
$140,000 $838 $869 $901 $934 $967 $1001 $1036 $1071 $1107 $1144 $1181
$150,000 $898 $931 $965 $1000 $1036 $1072 $1110 $1147 $1186 $1226 $1266
$160,000 $958 $993 $1030 $1067 $1105 $1144 $1183 $1224 $1265 $1307 $1350
$170,000 $1017 $1055 $1094 $1134 $1174 $1215 $1257 $1300 $1344 $1389 $1435
$180,000 $1077 $1117 $1158 $1200 $1243 $1287 $1331 $1377 $1423 $1471 $1519
$190,000 $1137 $1179 $1223 $1267 $1312 $1358 $1405 $1453 $1503 $1552 $1603
$200,000 $1197 $1241 $1287 $1334 $1381 $1430 $1479 $1530 $1582 $1634 $1688
$210,000 $1257 $1304 $1351 $1400 $1450 $1501 $1553 $1606 $1661 $1716 $1772
$220,000 $1317 $1366 $1416 $1467 $1519 $1573 $1627 $1683 $1740 $1798 $1856
$230,000 $1377 $1428 $1480 $1534 $1588 $1644 $1701 $1759 $1819 $1879 $1941
$240,000 $1436 $1490 $1544 $1600 $1657 $1716 $1775 $1836 $1898 $1961 $2025
$250,000 $1496 $1552 $1609 $1667 $1726 $1787 $1849 $1912 $1977 $2043 $2110
$260,000 $1556 $1614 $1673 $1734 $1796 $1859 $1923 $1989 $2056 $2124 $2194
$270,000 $1616 $1676 $1737 $1800 $1865 $1930 $1997 $2065 $2135 $2206 $2278
$280,000 $1676 $1738 $1802 $1867 $1934 $2002 $2071 $2142 $2214 $2288 $2363
$290,000 $1736 $1800 $1866 $1934 $2003 $2073 $2145 $2219 $2293 $2370 $2447
$300,000 $1795 $1862 $1931 $2000 $2072 $2145 $2219 $2295 $2372 $2451 $2532
$310,000 $1855 $1924 $1995 $2067 $2141 $2216 $2293 $2371 $2451 $2533 $2616
$320,000 $1915 $1986 $2059 $2134 $2210 $2288 $2367 $2448 $2531 $2615 $2700
$330,000 $1975 $2048 $2124 $2200 $2279 $2359 $2441 $2524 $2610 $2696 $2785
$340,000 $2034 $2111 $2188 $2267 $2348 $2431 $2515 $2601 $2689 $2778 $2869
$350,000 $2095 $2173 $2252 $2334 $2417 $2502 $2589 $2677 $2768 $2860 $2953
$360,000 $2155 $2235 $2317 $2400 $2486 $2574 $2663 $2754 $2847 $2941 $3038
$370,000 $2214 $2297 $2381 $2467 $2555 $2645 $2737 $2830 $2926 $3023 $3122
$380,000 $2274 $2359 $2445 $2534 $2624 $2717 $2811 $2907 $3005 $3105 $3207
$390,000 $2334 $2421 $2510 $2600 $2693 $2788 $2885 $2983 $3048 $3187 $3291
$400,000 $2394 $2483 $2574 $2667 $2762 $2860 $2959 $2060 $3163 $3268 $3375
$410,000 $2454 $2545 $2638 $2734 $2831 $2931 $3033 $3136 $3242 $3350 $3460
$420,000 $2514 $2607 $2703 $2801 $2900 $3003 $3107 $3213 $3321 $3432 $3544
$430,000 $2574 $2669 $2767 $2867 $2969 $3074 $3181 $3289 $3400 $3513 $3629
$440,000 $2633 $2731 $2831 $2934 $3039 $3145 $3255 $3366 $3479 $3595 $3713
$450,000 $2693 $2793 $2896 $3001 $3108 $3217 $3329 $3442 $3559 $3677 $3797
13
WEB-FILE
It is crucial that you access your Web-file regularly. Your Web-file provides you with an updated status,
and will list documents and information you need to provide. In your Web-file you will be able to obtain
the contact information of the NACA staff person who is your point of contact at various changes in the
home buying process. Also, many Members will be able to sign their bank application electronically
through their Web-file.
An example of a Web-file is provided below. This shows the status of someone who is at the lender and
their mortgage is being processed. The items on the left side need to be completed. Once they are done,
they move to the right where you can access them.
The below shows the Document & Data section of your Web-file where you can upload documents from
your desktop or phone. The documents can also be uploaded from the internet (i.e. bank statements
from a lender), selected from your desktop, or scanned from a kiosk in a local NACA office. You can
upload virtually any document by selecting the type including your P&S Contract and those needed for
submission of your Credit Access application, or addressing conditions. When you upload the documents
you will need to input some data shown on the documents.
14
GRANTS & NON-PROFIT FUNDS
In most cities, municipalities and states there are grants to make purchasing a home more affordable.
These grants are often called Down Payment Assistance (DPA) and provide funds for down payment and
closing costs. Since NACA does not require a down payment or closing costs these grant funds can be
used to buy-down the interest rate which would reduce your Monthly Mortgage Payment and/or increase
your Maximum Mortgage Amount. NACA has identified these grants in various localities nationwide and
has used them to buy-down the interest rate on the already below market NACA mortgage or for principal
reduction.
These grants which can be significant, (ranging in amounts from $5,000 to over $25,000), are available
but can be difficult to access due to some requirements. The best use of these grants is often to buy-
down the interest rate since that has the greatest impact in you purchasing a home with an affordable
mortgage payment. The providers of this assistance can be reluctant to use the grants for an interest
rate buy-down since they are unfamiliar with NACA’s purchase program. NACA is the only organization
where the interest-rate starts at a below market fixed interest rate and the buy-down reduces the Monthly
Mortgage Payment so significantly.
Contact NACA’s Member Services Department or email grants@naca.com if you have identified such
grants and if you have difficulties in accessing them. These are public funds that you have the right to
use. NACA will advocate and mobilize our membership to help you access them. There is no reason you
should be excluded since NACA adheres to the provider’s requirements. They often require the following:
• Homebuyer education by a HUD certified counseling agency: NACA is the largest HUD certified
intermediary and HUD has stated that NACA provides the highest quality of counseling.
• Providers often require repayment if the homeowner sells within a period of time, usually within five
to ten years: We support this requirement since government assistance is designed to promote
neighborhood stabilization through long-term owner-occupied homeownership.
• The grants may require a security agreement (a lien) to be in second position after the lender: NACA
will subordinate the NACA lien, which ensures owner-occupancy, to the third position.
• Some of the grants only allow the funds to be used for a down-payment or closing costs: Most of these
grants are funded by the federal government through HUD and HUD does not prohibit its use for a
permanent interest-rate buy-down.
Combining these grants with the NACA Mortgage is the most effective use in assisting low-moderate-
income people and communities. Therefore, NACA’s CEO, Bruce Marks, and other NACA staff will work
with the grant providers to access these grants for the interest-rate buy-down. Once we explain the
benefits of the NACA buy-down, providers are often willing to make them available for this purpose. If
this does not happen, you can still use the grants to reduce the amount of the mortgage (i.e. principal
reduction). Grants must be approved no later than at credit access submission.
15
STAGE 1: REAL ESTATE AGENT
It is crucial that you are comfortable with your real estate agent and s/he is familiar with the NACA
Program. Your agent must understand your needs, work hard for you, aggressively advocate for you
and be patient. The agent could be a NACA In-House Agent, Referral Agent or outside agent as defined
below (“R.E. Agent”). Regardless of the R.E. Agent you use, your R.E. Agent’s responsibility is to project
your interest and your earnest money deposit by guiding and assisting you through the home-buying
process. Remember that a R.E Agent is there to represent your best interest. They should always
negotiate the most favorable terms and time lines possible, meeting your needs above others. A good
R.E. Agent will never make you feel rushed and they will earn their commission once the transaction
is successfully closed and paid by the seller. Do not pay any fees and contact NACA’s Real Estate
Department if a R.E. Agent makes such a request. It is strongly recommended you select a NACA In-
House Agent as they are trained on and very familiar with the NACA home buying process.
17
R.E. Agent Compensation:
The R.E. Agent compensation is often wrapped into the home’s listing price. In other words, sellers factor
in the cost of commissions when they price their home for sale. When a Listing Agent posts a Buyer’s
Agent compensation rate, for example on the MLS, your R.E. Agent commission from the seller is usually
between 2.5% or 3% of the total sales price. The fees are paid out of the sellers’ proceeds along with
any negotiated sellers concessions. The major exception are For-Sale-By-Owner transactions, where
the seller is listing the property without a R.E. Agent.
Be certain that your R.E. Agent is not trying to get you to pay additional fees including signing an agreement
that pays them more than typical for the market. Higher fees increase your out-of-pocket costs and/or result
in a higher sales price. NACA does not permit you to pay any fees not paid by the seller in a transaction,
unless due to extraordinary circumstances, and it requires written prior approval from NACA National
Management. NACA does not allow the cost savings of the NACA Mortgage to be replaced with a real
estate transaction fee, processing fees, brokerage fees or any other costs. Question your R.E. Agent about
their compensation, and contact RED if your R.E. Agent is or maybe having you pay any fees.
19
STAGE 2: HOUSING SEARCH
Now that you are NACA Qualified and have a R.E. Agent, you can begin your housing search. At the start
of the search you must meet with your R.E. Agent to discuss where you wish to live, what type of house you
want, the price range you are considering and other issues that concern you. During your first meeting you
should share your Property Evaluation Form, described below, where you have analyzed your requirements
and desires. This evaluation is the result of your Housing Search Preparation. Remember that you need to
control the housing search since this choice will affect many aspects of your life for many years.
20
with a non-registered inspector they must get registered right away to avoid potential delays. It can
take up to two weeks to get a new inspector registered.
• Repair/Rehab – If looking at properties that will require rehab after closing, research and call
contractors to schedule availability to look at the property at the same time an inspection is conducted.
Talking with contractors about the cost and extent of the rehab can be important in making a decision
and save a significant amount of time in the process.
• Property Condition Requirements – Review the HAND guidelines on property condition criteria
and contact the HAND Department to schedule a meeting to discuss questions and options if
planning a rehab. See page 26 for the HAND process.
• Communications – Stay in regular communications with your Mortgage Counselor giving them
regular emailed updates on the housing search process.
• Updated Documents – Keep your Web-file documents up-to-date including bank statements, pay
stubs and other documents. This will help your Mortgage Counselor be prepared and ready to assist
you in applying for Credit Access and submitting your bank application.
Property Evaluation
You should analyze your goals for the home you want to purchase. In advance of your housing search
you need to prioritize property criteria as follows:
1 – Must Haves
2 – Good but Not Necessary
3 – Extras
4 – Not Important
5 – Do Not Want
On the Property Survey Form complete the items in the boxed area and rank the property items in
light of your priorities. Once this is complete make copies of this form to use for each property you see.
Review the forms regularly as a reminder of what is most important versus what could be enticing you
to pay more than necessary. Remember to use this Property Survey Form for each property you visit to
evaluate the property items and other items noted on the survey. Keep a folder of these surveys and refer
to them regularly. This will asssit you in making a decision and adjusting your housing search.
21
Property Evaluation Form
LANDLORD CONTACTS
Complete the information below for each property you see
Property Address: _________________________________________
Please complete
Preview the information below to include your Rental and Landlord History for the past
Date: __________________
24 months.
Your real estatewith
Start your
agent most recent
attended: Yes:___place of residence.
No: ___
Bedrooms: #___ Bathrooms: #___
1. Need Repairs:
Current Move ___
None ___ Minimal
Address: In Date: ________
Moderate Rent:
___ Significant ___ $__________
General
Current Features:
Address: ____________________________________________________________
• Curb Appeal/Landscaping: Poor: ___ Satisfactory: ___ Good: ___ Excellent: ___
• Neighborhood Desirability: Poor: ___ Satisfactory: ___
City: _____________________________State: Good: ___ Excellent:
______________ Zip ___
code: _____
• Interior Layout: Poor: ___ Satisfactory: ___ Good: ___ Excellent: ___
Landlord Name:
• Interior _______________________________________________________________
Condition: Poor: ___ Satisfactory: ___ Good: ___ Excellent: ___
Asking Price:
Address: $________
__________________________________________________
Likelihood of Making Offer: Likely:___ Not Sure:___
City: __________________________ Not Likely:___ No:___
State: ______________ Zip code: __________
Desired Property (complete below for Title:
Contact Person: ________________________________ reference during search)
_________________________
Property Type: single ___ condo ___ two-fam ___ three-fam ___ four-fam ___
Phone Number: (____) ________________ Fax: ___________________ Cell: _____________
# of bedrooms: ___ # of bathrooms: ___
Preferred
E-mail: School Districts
_________________________________
1. _______________________________
2. _______________________________
2. Previous: Move In Date: _______ Move Out Date: ________ Rent: $______
Work locations
1. _______________________________
Current2.Address: ____________________________________________________________
_______________________________
City: _____________________________State: ______________ Zip code: _____
Priority Poor Satisfactory Good Excellent
Purchase
Landlord Name:Criteria:
_______________________________________________________________
• Access to preferred school districts ___ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏
Address: __________________________________________________
___
• Proximity to work locations ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏
• Public Transportation Nearby ___ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏
City: __________________________ State: ______________ Zip code: __________
• Garage or available parking ___ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏
Contact Person:
• Move ________________________________
in ready ___ Title:
❏ _________________________
❏ ❏ ❏
• Single story ___ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏
Phone Number: (____) ________________ Fax: ___________________ Cell: _____________
• Backyard ___ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏
• Handicapped accessible
E-mail: _________________________________ ___ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏
• Eligible grants ___ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏
• Census tracks in Targeted Area ___ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏
3. Previous:
• Fireplace Move In Date: _______ Move ___Out Date:
❏ ________
❏ Rent:
❏ $______
❏
• Pool ___ ❏ ❏ ❏ ❏
Current Address: ____________________________________________________________
1. Did the property meet your expectations?
City: _____________________________State: ______________ Zip code: _____
❏ Less than expected ❏ As expected ❏ More than expected ❏ Consistently more
Landlord Name: _______________________________________________________________
2. Is the asking price within you approve Monthly Mortgage Payment?
Address: __________________________________________________
❏ Way over budget ❏ Slightly over budget ❏ Right on budget ❏ Under Budget
City: __________________________ State: ______________ Zip code: __________
3. Will the condition of the property require significant repairs/improvements?
Contact Person:
❏ Major ________________________________
Renovation Title:
❏ Needs Basic Updates ❏ Minor Repairs _________________________
❏ No Repairs Needed
Phone Number: (____) ________________ Fax: ___________________ Cell: _____________
Appealing Feature Notes: Undesirable Features:
E-mail: _________________________________
22
Landlord Contacts
Page 64
Housing Search
After your careful preparation and with your goals and criteria in mind, your R.E. Agent should be ready to
now show you many houses in the various areas you may be interested in living in. This includes homes
that you have identified. Take your time and do not be pressured to purchase a property that does not meet
your requirements or needs. Do not get discouraged since it may take some time to find the right home in
your affordable price range and Monthly Mortgage Payment.
When looking for a home, you must be ready to make an offer as soon as the right property comes along.
Your R.E. Agent can help identify homes in the right price range with your Must Haves but nothing is more
disappointing then losing a home to another buyer while you prepare to make an offer. Thus be prepared
to move quickly in obtaining a Property Specific Letter from NACA, described in Stage 3, stating that that
you are pre-qualified for the property and quickly make an offer that the seller is confident of closing.
Some final tips to help you while you look for your future home.
1. Don’t be pressured - Take as much time as you need. When you are ready to make an offer, be
prepared to act quickly, but until then take your time. NACA will be here when you need us. If you are
feeling rushed or overly stressed about deciding to buy before you are ready, you are likely to make
a poor decision or one you will ultimately regret. Stay in contact with your Mortgage Counselor or the
Real Estate Department at RED@naca.com or 425-519-6222. If you are not ready, communicate
your concerns with your R.E. Agent and NACA so we can help you.
2. Keep records and track your data - Shopping for a home is exciting but it can be difficult to keep track
of everything you see and keep fresh in your memory. We have included on the following pages a
Property Survey and Housing Search Diary for you to keep track of each home you look at and write
down the pros and cons of each property. Take photos of each house, inside and out. Create a data
board and share with your R.E. Agent so they can learn your likes and dislikes to better narrow down
the search,
3. Have your R.E. Agent prepare a purchase and sales contract, leaving your offer specifics blank -
Having a prepared agreement drafted and ready to go will help with those last- minute questions that
could cost you valuable time and money. If you have questions about any special provisions or other
contractual obligations of the P&S Contract, talk to an attorney well in advance of making an offer.
4. Making an Offer - Before making an offer on a property you are interested in, make sure you ask as
many questions as you can. The following are some important sample questions.
- How many days has the home been on the market? If longer than 60 days, is it over priced?
- Obtain from your R.E. Agent and your own online research analysis of other homes for sale in the
same area , with similar square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, and other similarities.
What are those homes selling for, or sold for in the last 30, 60, or 90 days? This information may
help you make a reasonable offer.
- A seller will often not make repairs at the quality and extent as you would like. Thus, it is often better
to negotiate a lower price and finance the repairs to be completed after closing using NACA’s HAND
Department.
- What is conveyed with the property? If you want personal items conveyed with the sale of the
home, make sure it is in writing. Note, conveyance of personal property does not factor in to the
overall value of the home. The P&S Contract should specify “personal items to be conveyed as no
cost” to avoid appraisal delays if questioned by the lender. Contact the RED team if you have any
questions about conveyance of personal property.
- Talk to the neighbors to get important insights about the neighborhood, any crime, schools, etc.
- Contact your Mortgage Counselor and make him/her aware that you are ready to make an offer.
Discuss your offer amount and make sure s/he has the necessary information for a Property
Specific Letter to submit with your offer stating that you are pre-qualified for the property
(described in Stage 3).
23
Housing Search Diary
Use this list to keep track of all the properties you have visited. You should see ten or more properties to
provide a reasonable perspective of the housing market in terms of what is available and price ranges.
You should view them with your R.E. Agent so s/he can provide insight and get a better understanding of
what you are looking for. If your R.E. Agent does not have time or pressures you into a property without
your understanding of the market, find another R.E. Agent.
24
STAGE 3: PROPERTY SPECIFIC LETTER
A Property Specific Letter demonstrates to the Listing Agent and seller that you have been pre-approved
by NACA for the specific property. It describes in detail the comprehensive qualification you went through
with NACA and states that virtually every mortgage application submitted through NACA is approved. It
is a strong incentive for the seller to accept your offer.
Once you have found a house you want to purchase, you must immediately contact your Mortgage
Counselor. Remember that s/he may not be your original Counselor. You should obtain this Property
Specific Letter prior to submitting an offer since the amount you qualify for may have changed due to
changes in the interest rate, property location, or your finances since your NACA Qualification. Using the
information you provide below, your Mortgage Counselor will verify that you are NACA Qualified for the
specific property you selected.
Your Mortgage Counselor is committed to providing you a response within 24 hours of your request. If
you are unable to reach him/her, speak to the local Office Director or your Real Estate Coordinator at
RED@naca.com or call (425) 519-6222 for assistance.
It is often important to act quickly when writing an offer. If you are unable to wait to obtain a Property
Specific Letter and are at risk of losing a property due to multiple offers being made on a property, you
and your R.E. Agent are encouraged to proceed as necessary. It is recommended that you use the
NACA Mortgage Calculator on NACA’s website to make sure the offer amount does not exceed the
Monthly Mortgage Payment for which you are NACA Qualified. If an interest rate buy-down is required,
you must provide proof of funds above and beyond what was required per the Minimum Required Funds
and any amount paid by the seller.
To obtain the Property Specific Letter, you will need to provide the following information:
• A copy of the MLS (which confirms the listing price)
• Property tax sheet providing updated information
• Completed Property Specific Approval Letter Request Form, which you can access in your Web-file
“Resource” section or contact your MC to provide him/her the property information
• If property is in a flood zone, an estimated insurance quote will be required
• If property has a HOA, the annual assessment is required
• Estimated Home Owner's Insurance (“HOI”)
• Member’s contribution towards interest rate buy-down
• Seller's contribution towards interest rate buy-down
• Offer Price (range)
• If using grant, provide grant contribution and grant documentation detailing terms
• If the property requires repairs or a major rehab, contract the HAND Department as described in
Stage 5 on page 28.
25
STAGE 4: PURCHASE & SALE CONTRACT
The executed P&S Contract, signed by both buyers and sellers, (“P&S Contract”) is a very important
contract that legally binds you and the seller to execute the transfer of the home at an agreed price with
specific terms. You need to read it carefully and understand the terms which you must abide by. You
have the right to seek the advice of an attorney, and should, to help review the P&S Contract, if you have
questions to make sure that your interests are protected.
Your R.E. Agent needs to negotiate on your behalf with the Listing Agent or seller the terms of the
P&S Contract. S/he can advise you on the amount to offer, but you must decide if the house is right
for you at that price. Your R.E. Agent should also negotiate with the Listing Agent/seller which party
will be responsible for any repairs and any seller contributed funds to buy-down the interest rate. The
cost of repairs can be added to your mortgage to address code, safety and structural issues (in some
circumstances Wish List items may be included).
If you did not obtain a Property Specific Letter, you must contact your Mortgage Counselor prior to signing
a binding P&S Contract to ensure the property is within your qualified Maximum Mortgage Amount. Once
the seller has accepted your offer and you have carefully reviewed the P&S Contract, the next step is
to sign it. You must provide an actual signature to confirm the actual reading and understanding of this
legally binding contract. The seller’s signature can be electronic.
NACA strongly encourages you to include in your P&S Contract the requirements and recommendations
as described below. This is important in order to protect your interests since you are solely liable for any
fees, loss of earnest money, or per diem expenses regardless of the actions of NACA or the lender. For
the items below we included recommended language to be written in the P&S Contract.
Requirements for P&S Contract
• All signatures from the sellers and buyers (buyer requires actual signature).
• All necessary addenda and disclosures listed in the P&S Contract must be provided and signed by
both parties and ensure that appropriate parts are also initialed.
• If applicable, the P&S Contract must state “Seller’s contribution(s) can be used for interest rate buy-
down and repairs.” The seller buy-down contribution cannot exceed 10% of the purchase price with any
additional amounts used for repairs.
• Include the following statements:
- “Settlement agent must be an approved NACA Settlement Agent.”
- “Closing will take place in the NACA office.”
- “Condo or Coop association approval required”, if applicable.
- “Property (or owner’s unit if a multi-family) must be vacant at time of closing.”
• If multi-family, seller to provide proof of leases within ten days of P&S Contract.
• Names must match. The Buyer’s name(s) on the P&S Contract must match their name(s) as shown on
their credit report, picture ID and bank application documents.
Recommended Contingencies in P&S Contract
• “30 days or more to close from executed Purchase and Sales contract if no major repairs.”
• “45 to 60 days to close from executed Purchase and Sales contract if property requires
major rehab.”
• “Purchase price not to exceed the appraised value.”
• “Mortgage approved by lender.”
• “Satisfactory property inspection and wood destroying insect report.”
• “Property inspection and wood destroying insect inspection report to take place and the report
submitted to NACA within 10 to 15 days from executed P&S Contract date.”
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Recommended Exclusion in P&S Contract
• Per diems, charges, forfeiture of earnest deposit, or penalties that would require a payment if the
mortgage did not close within a certain number of days from the executed P&S Contract.
Prohibited in your P&S Contract
• Lease Back Agreement – You are not permitted to lease/rent the property to anyone including the
seller after the loan closes without an approved written exception by NACA management. Member
must take possession of the property the day of closing and funding.
• You are not permitted to pay a real estate transaction fee or commission fee, greater than what is
quoted on MLS or by builder, unless advance approval in writing by NACA’s Mortgage Department
Director.
The executed P&S Contract should be uploaded by your R.E. Agent through the NACA website using
their portal account with your NACA ID number. It is also recommended that you upload an executed
copy of the P&S to your Web-file and notify your Mortgage Counselor that it has been submitted. In
attorney states, submit after completion of an attorney’s review.
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STAGE 5: PROPERTY CONDITION REQUIREMENTS
NACA’s Home and Neighborhood Development (“HAND”) department works with you to assess property
conditions and assist in addressing required repairs consisting of primarily code, safety and health related
items. With the HAND department’s assistance, you can purchase a home that needs repair or substantial
renovation. This allows NACA homeowners to purchase an affordable home that can be repaired/renovated
into a very nice home as well as revitalize communities that are negatively impacted by lack of investment
resulting in homes in disrepair.
Property Inspection
Once you select a property to purchase, it must be inspected. Just as you must qualify for a Monthly
Mortgage Payment you can afford, the property you want to purchase must undergo an inspection review
process to determine the home’s condition to qualify for purchase. Property inspections are crucial to help
you avoid unexpected expenses and to be prepared to address known or unseen potential property defects
or existing safety, health, code, structural, mechanical, electrical, systems or other issues. The property
inspection must be completed by a NACA-registered home inspector and pest inspector to determine the
overall condition of the home you wish to buy. Assessing a property’s condition requires a professional
property inspection, wood destroying insect report and possibly other evaluations or work write-ups from
skilled licensed trade professional(s).
The licensed property inspector(s) must be an independent party of the seller, R.E. Agent, Listing Agent
and yourself. You can select any licensed residential property inspector(s) from the NACA-registered list
provided through your Web-file. Registered inspectors are independent contractors and do not work for
NACA. You are also free to select outside of this list any home inspector of your choice if s/he is willing
to use the required state specific software, proof of license, maintain appropriate insurance, provide
reinspection services and adhere to NACA’s policies and procedures. They must register with NACA prior
to conducting your inspection. Keep in mind that such approval may delay the processing and closing of
the loan. Property inspections are an out of pocket, non-refundable Member expense with cost in most
markets ranging from $300 to $600 depending on the property size and type. Other nonrefundable out
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of pocket inspections may also be necessary such as structural, electrical, HVAC, roof, mold and other
evaluations or tests, depending on the type, size and existing conditions of the home. Inspection fees are
due directly to the inspector immediately after the inspection has been concluded.
Since time is of the essence, NACA-registered inspectors agree to schedule inspections within 48
hours of your request, if you identify yourself as a NACA Member when placing the order. You must be
present at the home inspection and actively participate so that you are thoroughly informed about the
current condition of the property and future maintenance issues. All utilities must be on at the time of the
inspection along with complete accessibility to all areas of the property for the inspectors’ review. At the
conclusion of the inspection, the inspector is required to go over the information with you and answer all
of your questions. Your presence at the home inspection will be verified by a photograph taken by the
inspector in front of the house.
The inspector will upload the inspection report into your NACA file using your NACA ID number the same
day or no later than within 24 hours of completed inspection. Read this report carefully as it contains
valuable information about the home and will likely identify necessary or future repairs, information on
utilities and tips to improve energy efficiency. Make sure to ask your R.E. Agent or contact the HAND
Department about the inspector’s comments and do not be afraid to ask for a second opinion if you are
still unsure about something. Having a good understanding of the condition of the home will help you avoid
a house with serious problems or unpleasant surprises. The same inspector will also complete a Seller-
Reinspection of seller negotiated repairs when applicable.
Repair Responsibilities
NACA requires repairs for health, safety and code issues identified by the home inspector, appraiser or
other licensed evaluator. These required repairs must either be completed by the seller prior to the closing
or by you after the closing. Funds for you to complete the repairs can come from you financing the cost as
part of the mortgage, the seller, from a government entity (grant), or can be collected from you at closing or
financed as part of the mortgage.
As soon as you receive your NACA Repair List, you and your R.E. Agent should review and determine if
there are any required or desired repairs you want the seller to correct before closing. Since the NACA
Repair List includes an estimated cost for each repair item, it may allow you to negotiate for a more favorable
sales price, seller funds to make the repairs after closing, and/or a seller contribution for the NACA Interest
Rate Buy-Down. All non-seller repairs must take place after the loan closes since you are not permitted to
do repairs on a home you do not yet legally own. Negotiations with the seller on the final sales price and
any seller repairs or contributions must be finalized quickly, since any delays in seller negotiations may
require additional time to be added to the closing date. It should not take more than three to four days to
negotiate required repairs with the seller. If you negotiate for the seller to complete one or more repair items
or for seller contributions, it must be identified on the Purchase & Sale Contract or addendum which must
be uploaded through your Web-file as soon as it is signed and executed.
The Repair List you receive by email provides you with the following options to identify who will be
responsible for each repair item: 1. Member Repair, 2. Seller – on P&S, or 3. Seller – not on P&S. You can
also add Wish List items identifying who will be responsible. If you do not feel you need to address any of
29
the identified repairs click on the following statement “I don’t want to address any recommended items.”
You need to complete the response to the NACA Repair List as soon as possible and once completed
click on the button that says “Completed & Submit” and your information will be submitted to a HAND
Rehab Specialist to review and determine the next steps. These consist of the following: 1. HAND Clear;
2. Seller Repairs; 3. Repair Escrow; or 4. Combination of Seller Repairs and Repair Escrow.
HAND Clear – No Required Repairs Needed
HAND can qualify the property if there are no required items on your inspection report and the seller
is not completing any required repairs (“HAND Clear”). Your property would be HAND Cleared with no
additional involvement from HAND unless repair items are identified by the appraiser or lender. In such
circumstances a Rehab Specialist would review and determine the next steps including the need to
address identified repair items.
Seller Repairs – Seller Responsible for Required Repairs
Seller has agreed to complete certain repairs before the loan closes. To close within the NACA timeline, the
repairs should be completed within 18 days of the executed P&S. Once they are completed and verified with
a reinspection by the initial property inspector, HAND would clear the seller repairs. The property would be
accepted unless the Member is also responsible for completing some required repairs after the closing, in
which case the Repair Escrow process described in the next section would need to be completed.
The seller must agree to address identified repairs adhering to the following criteria:
• P&S Documentation - The seller agrees as part of the P&S Contract or Addendum, signed by both
parties, to address the repairs identified on the Repair List or appraisal.
• Licensed Professionals - Seller repairs must be completed by licensed professionals and the seller
must show proof of receipts and licenses for final review.
• Reinspection – The initial property inspector inspects the required repairs (i.e. not Wish List or
recommended repairs) and provides a report to HAND verifying satisfactory completion.
• Reinspection Fee – Upfront fee paid by the Member unless the seller agreed to pay as part of the P&S
Contract or Addendum.
• Seller Repairs Cleared – The Rehab Specialist reviews all seller required repairs identified on the
Repair List or as a lender appraisal condition, and clears the required repairs as appropriate. If there
are required repair items that are not completed, the Rehab Specialist will send a notice to the Member
identifying these items. Additional time may be necessary to close for the seller to complete the
outstanding items.
• Final Appraisal – A final inspection from the appraiser may be required by the lender.
• Member Walk Through – You must do a personal work through to confirm your satisfaction with work
done on the agreed to seller repairs prior to loan closing.
Repair Escrow – Member Responsible for Required Repairs
A Repair Escrow is the portion of the mortgage held in a repair escrow account to pay for a detailed scope
of work of itemized repairs to be completed after the loan closes (“Repair- Escrow”). The required repair
items to be completed after closing will be paid from the funds in the Repair Escrow. A Repair Escrow
requires that you sign a Member Rehabilitation Agreement and Disclosure, as well as a Repair Escrow
Agreement which defines your role and responsibilities, obligations, fees and limitations.
A Rehab Specialist (“RS”) works with you to create an approved Scope of Work (“SOW”) to address the
required repairs, Wish List and other approved repairs. The RS estimates the associated costs using
information from the inspection report, trade evaluations, contractor bid proposals, your input, and when
necessary a full work write-up from a professional project manager or 203K inspector with expertise in
providing a detailed scope of work with repair costs for that particular location and type of property.
A RS completes a Rehab Budget based on the approved Scope of Work and adding the following costs and
fees: total cost of repairs, contingency funds, additional inspection fees (lender pays first $600), HAND fee,
and when necessary or requested by you a construction management fee. The Rehab Budget may include
adjustments if a substantial renovation or safety/health defects prevents you or tenants from moving into
the property after the loan is closed. In such cases, the Monthly Mortgage Payments for the first six months
would be added to your loan amount with the lender automatically reducing your interest rate at no cost to
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you by an additional three-eighths of a percent (.375%) which keeps your monthly affordable payment the
same. This permanent interest rate reduction offsets the increased borrowed funds and is a tremendous
benefit unique to the NACA program.
The Rehab Budget and SOW is sent to you for your review and to electronically “Accept”, which acknowledges
your agree to the terms of the Repair Escrow and approve the rehab budget amount. You should review
the Rehab Budget with your RS and make any necessary modifications before you accept it and the RS
approves. You cannot make alterations to the repair specifications or add funds for additional repairs after
the loan is approved and closed.
Once you and the RS agree and approve the SOW and Budget, the RS submits your information to
the participating lender for property approval and clearance to close. If the final loan amount exceeds
110% of the appraisal value, the RS orders an updated “Subject To” appraisal requesting the appraiser to
consider the SOW repairs for additional value. This may take additional time for processing. If the “Subject
To” appraisal value does not increase, then Wish List items may be removed or additional out of pocket
contributions may be necessary in order to adjust the loan amount to within 110% of the appraisal value. If
adjustments cannot be made, the property may be declined for a purchase rehab.
Once the Rehab Budget is approved, the increased Maximum Mortgage Payment must be underwritten
again by a NACA Underwriter to determine that you can afford this higher payment over the long-term.
In addition, the Maximum Mortgage Amount including financed repairs (i.e. Repair Escrow) cannot
exceed the following:
• Sales price should not exceed the “as is” value of the property
• Maximum Mortgage Amount consisting of the purchase price, rehab amount, and potential
six months of Monthly Mortgage Payments cannot exceed 110% of the “subject to value” (i.e.
appraised value of the repaired home).
Contractors
It is very important to obtain contractor bids and hire contract(s) as quickly as possible. This should begin as
soon as you receive your Repair List. Early contractor communications with bids will help you to determine
if your Rehab Budget is realistic to cover the Scope of Work. Remember that the Repair-Escrow cannot be
changed after the closing. Since you may have limited access to your future home before closing, it may
take until you have possession of the house to finalize the bids and agreements with contractor(s) who will
be making the repairs.
Contractor Bids
Your HAND Rehab Specialist works with you as you identify contractors, negotiate bids and stay within
your approved Rehab Budget. You should also work with your R.E. Agent to schedule meetings with
potential contractors to preview the property with you. You will want to go over the NACA Repair List and
possible Wish List items with the contractor but do not share the cost estimates from the Repair List. Those
estimated costs are for you to use as a guide to help you negotiate fair affordable prices for quality work
from reliable contractors in your area. You will want to make sure you cover all the work and potential costs
since you will not have access to additional funds after your loan closes.
HAND requires at least three bids on large projects and stresses the importance of obtaining references
and investigating the contractors you plan to hire. All bids must be submitted online at www.naca.com: click
on “Vendors” then select “Contractor”. Once they submit a bid, you can evaluate and accept the bids based
on the extent to which they address the scope of work, the cost and quality of workmanship. You may also
submit vendor purchase quotes for appliances or materials, as permitted within a NACA repair transaction,
by uploading the information into your Web-file yourself or faxing using your HAND Fax Cover sheet.
Contractors
You need to hire contractor(s) to address your SOW repairs, at a cost within your rehab budget amount,
after you have researched the contactors and accepted their bids. It is your responsibility to identify and
research any contractor or vendor you hire to ensure you are getting what you pay for, the quality you expect
and the costs are within your Rehab Budget. All contractors and vendors are independent contractors and
do not work for NACA, nor does NACA receive fees or referral payments for providing access to Members.
NACA does not guarantee the work of any trade professional or vendor hired or used by a NACA Member.
Hiring and managing contractors and vendors is your responsibility. You may hire a project manager if you
need onsite support which is encouraged for large projects.
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• Read the Member Rehabilitation Agreement and Disclosure to understand your responsibilities.
• You may use any contractor of your choice if the contractor is properly licensed, has adequate
insurance coverage and has a valid tax identification number for their business.
• New vendor contractors must register through the NACA website and provide their supporting
documentation to HANDVendorsupport@naca.com for verification and approval.
• All registered contracting vendors must agree to NACA’s terms of service, HAND bid submission
requirements and project payment guidelines. This includes a prohibition in providing up-front
deposits for work.
• A courtesy list of registered vendors is available. These vendors are independent contractors
and do not work for NACA. You must check references and do your homework to verify
credentials and professional reputation and report any issues to HAND.
• HAND may prohibit a vendor from working with NACA for reasons such as having too many
active jobs, Member service complaints or unprofessional conduct.
• It is recommended that you seek references and do your homework when hiring a contractor,
vendor or any other licensed professional in the residential construction or remodeling sector.
Using modern technology, it is easy for most consumers to investigate anyone they want to
hire. Use the Better Business Bureau, your local Chamber of Commerce and local home
improvement supply stores to recommend vendors to help with repairs and renovations. There
are many online advisor organizations who can also recommend highly rated professionals
in your area. Most markets have a local building and remodeling association that can offer
guidance for researching vendors.
Repair Escrow – Post Close Renovations
You need to have the final contractor(s) selected within 15 days of closing on your home to ensure that
work can begin within 30 days of the closing date. Your Rehab Specialist will review your contractor bids
and purchase quotes to verify that all required repairs and any Wish List items from your Rehab Budget
are addressed.
HAND is the facilitator of the Repair-Escrow account. Work is not permitted to start and funds will not be
available for use until the loan is closed. Your Rehab Specialist must approve your contractors and their
bids, confirm Repair Escrow funds are available and ready for disbursement by your lender, and provide
written authorization for the Project to start.
An Escrow Coordinator will be assigned to your project to process draw requests, order inspections, and
determine an amount for payment to your contractor based on the percentage of work completed. Payments
are disbursed by the lender once HAND provides proof of the inspection, lien waiver, other supporting draw
documents as well as your confirmation of satisfaction with the repairs.
Below are the required steps to begin your project. All projects must start within 30 days of closing and be
completed within the approved project timeline but no later than six months from the close date. Once the
project begins it is important to communicate regularly with your Escrow Coordinator and provide him/her
with bi-weekly updates on the project status until all the work is 100% complete.
• Request Post Close Project Documents and Instructions package to review and use throughout
the project.
• Submit Bid(s) addressing the approved Scope of Work, from contractor(s) you’ve selected to hire.
• Submit proof of license, insurance and W9 for all hired contractors and retain copies for your
records.
• Schedule and coordinate project meeting with your Rehab Specialist and contractors you hired.
• Submit Contractor(s) Agreement, Notice to Proceed and project schedule for HAND Project
Approval.
• Request written approval to start your project (i.e. Notice to Proceed), and inspector contact
information for scheduling inspections as they are needed.
• Submit Draw Request for material purchases, if applicable. Contractor advances are not permitted.
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STAGE 6: MORTGAGE PROCESSING & CLOSING
Now that you have an executed P&S Contract, you must send it to NACA immediately upon execution.
You must upload it through your Web-file or ensure that your R.E. Agent uploads it through the NACA
website. Notify your Mortgage Counselor that it has been submitted. Once received, the Loan Estimate
with the terms and costs of the loan will be sent to you for review and acceptance. Time is of the essence
to submit your bank application within 10 days from execution of the P&S Contract and to close within 28
days. This timeline is crucial to meet the deadline agreed to in your P&S Contract.
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How Much Money Will You Need To Buy a Home?
Traditional Mortgage NACA Mortgage
(Assumes 5% down) (No down payment)
I. Pre-Mortgage Application
Offer (earnest money deposit)1 $1,000 $1,000
Home inspection $400 $400
Your attorney $0 $0
Credit report2 $45 $0
Appraisal $350 $0
1
The earnest and purchase deposit are applied to the pre-paids. The amount significantly increases for multi-family homes.
2
Your payment for the credit reports, which is at a discounted rate, is refunded by the lender at closing.
3
The demonstrated reserves remain with the Member. NACA verifies it has been saved to ensure there are funds available after closing.
4
Total Costs exclude the Offer (earnest money deposit).
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Mortgage Processing & Underwriting – Closing Coordinator
Your file has now been submitted to a participating lender for loan approval. To facilitate and expedite
the process, you have a NACA Underwriter and Closing Coordinator assigned to you. Your Closing
Coordinator, not your Mortgage Counselor, is now your primary point of contact. You will receive an email
after submission of your bank application with your Closing Coordinator’s contact information who can
address any questions or concerns. S/he will work with you to have your loan clear to close, ready for you
to set the closing date, within an estimated 16 days of your bank application. During this time, continue to
review your Web-file to check your status and ensure that your financial condition does not change (i.e.
keep your employment stable, continue saving and don’t increase any debts).
Your loan is reviewed by the lender’s underwriting department. The participating lenders approve virtually
every loan because of all the work at NACA Qualification and Credit Access. As a result, your loan will have
few conditions which will be addressed by a NACA Underwriter, Closing Coordinator, or Rehab Specialist
assigned to you. You can assist and facilitate this process by accessing your Web-file to review any
lender conditions. While many of the conditions on the file do not require action on your part, documents,
information or action may be needed from you. One example is obtaining acceptable HOA documentation,
which can be time consuming. Involve your R.E. Agent to help you. Also, if you are doing a rehab with your
purchase, you should also be finalizing the rehab budget with your Rehab Specialist within fifteen days of
your P&S Contract. If you are not HAND Cleared within fifteen days, your subsequent “Clear-to-Close” will
likely be delayed. You must IMMEDIATELY address any of these issues in order to close your loan on time.
As quickly as possible you need to obtain Home Owner's Insurance with 100% replacement coverage
and provide your Closing Coordinator with proof of such coverage. If a major renovation is part of your
loan, temporary renovation coverage will be required. This policy protects your home against damages
to the house itself, possessions in your home, workers or visitors injured on your property. The prices
and terms for this insurance differs depending on the vendor. Your Closing Coordinator will not refer a
company to you but can help identify various options for you to select. Often the provider of your auto
or renter’s insurance also provides Home Owner's Insurance and you may be able to negotiate a cost-
effective policy. Choose a company that has a good reputation for service. The policy must be dated for
the month of closing and no later than the closing date.
Mortgage Closing
Your Closing Coordinator will work with the Settlement Agent to finalize the title research and coordinate
the closing at the NACA office. This is the last step in your journey to becoming a homeowner. Days prior
to closing you will receive the final Closing Disclosure outlining the final terms of your loan including the
costs you must pay at closing (pre-paid interest, pre-paid insurance and taxes, etc.). You must review
this document and contact your Closing Coordinator to discuss any items you need clarification on or
that are incorrect.
You must complete a final “walk-through” of the property which should take place within 24 hours of the
closing date. You need to make sure that there is no new damage, that the property is vacant and clean,
there are no non-approved tenants, and all seller conditions have been addressed including that you are
satisfied with the agreed upon repairs. You should walk through both the interior and exterior; including
garage, patio, porch, and fencing to ensure that damage has not occurred since the last inspection. If
damage is evident, the closing should be delayed to allow time to negotiate with seller on how the repairs
will be addressed. The HAND department can assist with this.
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Your settlement agent will contact you with the amount of certified funds needed to bring to closing and who
the check is made out to. S/he will also tell you which documents to bring to the closing including a photo
ID for all borrowers. While there are no required closing costs or fees associated with your mortgage, there
are pre-paid housing expenses that you are required to pay. These pre-paid items cannot to be paid for with
seller contributions. Thus, your Minimum Required Funds would pay for the following:
• Taxes
• Insurance
• Pre-paid interest from the closing date to the beginning of the next month
• Any other required escrow items
If you selected any of the following options, these funds and costs also need to be brought to the closing:
• Owner’s coverage title insurance
• HAND fee required when repair escrow is chosen
• Interest rate buy-down
• Principal reduction
• Additional insurance
• Home warranty (often negotiated as seller paid)
• Property with an upfront HOA fee
• Out of pocket escrow for required repairs
Your Closing Coordinator and settlement agent will coordinate the closing at the NACA office. This
ensures that you have the support necessary to address any loan terms or issues that may delay or
prevent the closing. It will involve you and any co-borrowers, the settlement agent, your attorney and
the lender’s attorney (if applicable), your R.E. Agent, and the Listing Agent. You should also include your
spouse even if s/he is not on the loan since in many states they will have ownership interest and in any
case your spouse is certainly an interested party. You will have to sign loan documents to finalize the
mortgage, a promissory note, documents to transfer title from the seller to you, and other papers. If you
have any questions or problems, your R.E. Agent, Mortgage Counselor or another NACA staff person can
help to answer or address them. You should not agree to close or sign any documents unless you are
100% satisfied with all agreements, understand what you are signing, and any concerns and issues have
been addressed.
At the end of the closing, you will own the property and receive the keys. You will be asked to complete
a testimonial about your experience with NACA and take pictures commemorating this significant
accomplishment.
CONGRATULATIONS!
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STAGE 7: POST PURCHASE & PARTICIPATION (MAP)
As a NACA Homeowner Member, your NACA membership provides you with comprehensive post-
purchase assistance through NACA’s Membership Assistance Program (“MAP”). Therefore, instead of
private mortgage insurance, which provides no benefits to the homeowner, NACA provides assistance for
Members who are having difficulty making their Monthly Mortgage Payment or need additional services.
You will be assigned a MAP Advocate who is your primary point of contact for your access to NACA
services, other services and continued participation with NACA. Making the transition from renting to
owning requires additional responsibilities and changes in your spending habits. You will probably incur
higher utility costs and will no longer be able to rely on a landlord to arrange necessary repairs. Most
importantly, you will need to make your Monthly Mortgage Payments on time. Your MAP Advocate can help
you adjust to the financial responsibilities of being a homeowner and to provide comprehensive counseling
to prevent financial difficulties and, where necessary, to get you back on track if you are behind in your
Monthly Mortgage Payments.
The assistance described below is provided by the MAP department for as long as you have a mortgage
through NACA:
• Budget and other counseling
• Modification of your mortgage to address changed financial circumstances (i.e. reduced income)
• Forbearances to address temporary financial difficulties
• Financial assistance for approved homeowners that encounter financial difficulties
• Communicating with or addressing issues with your lender
• Real estate services to sell your home
• Information on outside resources to address personal or homeownership issues
• Other services that become available through NACA including other financial products
• Additional homeowner and neighborhood services and advocacy
We need you to continue your participation in support of NACA’s mission in whatever way you are
comfortable. This will make affordable homeownership through NACA available to many others and
continue NACA’s mission in fighting for economic justice. Also, in our fight against predatory lending and
financial exploitation of working people, we are working to provide additional beneficial financial services
and products to counter abusive and exploitative ones.
MAP Department:
Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday; 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Eastern Standard time.
Department Phone Number: (281) 986-6222; Email: MAP@naca.com.
Remember that you need to continue working with the HAND department if you have a Repair Escrow
for required repairs after you closing as described in HAND’s Stage 5 on page 30. For any repair issues
you can contact HAND at 210-319-2978; HAND@naca.com.
REMEMBER TO PARTICIPATE!
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TIMELINE: 28 DAYS FROM P&S CONTRACT TO CLOSING
NACA has designed a streamlined process to move your file to closing as quickly as possible with the
goal of closing within 28 days from the executed Purchase & Sales Contract. If you adhere to this timeline
and respond as requested, closing on your future home should be a straightforward endeavor.
NACA understands that not all transactions are alike and often some things are out of everyone’s control
including an extensive rehab, short sales, low appraisals, seller repairs, title issues, etc. NACA cannot
guarantee this timeline or closing dates and does not reimburse per-diems, penalties or fees. The timeline
below was designed to help you and your R.E. Agent follow a recommended timetable to make this one
of the fastest and most effective mortgage processing operations in the country. If additional time is
needed, it is both you and your R.E. Agents responsibility to pro-actively seek additional time to close
and to protect your earnest money.
Review this timeline before making an offer and then every day thereafter to ensure the prompt movement
of your transaction all the way through closing day on your future home. Proactively communicate with
the designated parties as stated herein until each party has concluded their part.
NACA’s streamlined contract to close timeline will often allow you to close on or before the contract close
date, if the following outlined steps are taken. You need to make your best efforts to complete the tasks
described below prior to the scheduled days. The schedule is based on receiving the executed Purchase
& Sales contract on Day 1.
39
Day 5:
• You shop for Homeowners’ Insurance policy (“HOI”).
• NACA approved inspector uploads property inspection into your Web-file.
• You upload the pest inspection (i.e. wood destroying insect report) with invoice into your Web-file.
Day 6:
• You provide additional documents including those stated on the Action Plan to complete file for Credit
Access review.
Day 7:
• You and your MC communicate on outstanding items for Credit Access approval.
• NACA Repair List is emailed to you and R.E. Agent (also located in your Web-file). You and your
R.E. Agent review the Repair List and communicates with HAND to discuss repair items and any
inspection issues. If there needs to be a Repair Escrow, you need to obtain final work write-up or bids
for Rehab Specialist review.
• If Credit Access is approved, complete and submit bank application immediately at NACA office.
• Provide evidence of Home Owner’s Insurance.
Day 8:
• You begin interviewing and vetting contractors and scheduling visits to determine repair costs.
• You address Credit Access conditions to obtain Credit Access Approval.
• If Credit Access approved, complete and submit bank application immediately at NACA office.
Day 9:
• You and your R.E. Agent finalize repairs negotiations with seller to determine which repairs, if any, will
be completed by seller. If additional repairs, you upload addenda to the contract through your Web-file.
• If Credit Access approved, complete and submit bank application immediately at NACA office.
Day 10:
• Last day that you can come to the office to sign bank application documents unless extended due to
extraordinary circumstances.
Day 11 - 12:
• If repairs added to loan, you must submit final work write up, evaluations and/or bids to HAND.
Day 13:
• You address any lender conditions and provide any required documents or information to your NACA
Closing Coordinator.
• Last day to obtain and upload Home Owner’s Insurance declaration page and invoice through your
Web-file or directly to your Closing Coordinator.
Day 14 - 15:
• If flood insurance is required, review with your Closing Coordinator for affordability prior to securing
and purchasing the policy.
• If repairs are added to loan (i.e. Repair Escrow), review and accept Final Rehab Budget. HAND clears
or removes the repair escrow. If seller negotiated repairs are not completed, re-inspected and cleared
at this point, the closing may be delayed.
• You address and upload lender conditions through your Web-file.
• Your R.E. Agent, and seller can access your Commitment Letter from your Web-file.
40
Maintaining Your NACA Qualification Day 16:
Congratulations on being NACA Qualified! Remember to use your Web-file to submit your documents. • If seller repairs, you must schedule re-inspection.
Until closing you must maintain the following. • You receive a change of circumstance notice if loan amount or other mortgage terms change.
þ MINIMUM REQUIRED FUNDS / SAVINGS – Maintain and increase the minimum amount required Day 17 - 18:
to complete your desired purchase and required reserves after closing. • If Seller negotiated repairs, all repairs completed and re-inspection scheduled with initial property
þ PAYMENT SHOCK – Continue saving your payment shock each month. Document and be prepared inspector.
to explain all large withdrawals and non-payroll deposits. • Your last day to address lender conditions.
þ DEBT – Do not open any new credit accounts or increase debt balances. Submit updated statements • You will receive a Change of Circumstances notice if there is a Repair Escrow or negotiated price
for all debt obligations including your credit cards and student loans. change.
þ ON-TIME PAYMENTS – Continue to pay rent and all obligations on time each month. Day 19:
• You receive re-inspection confirming satisfactory completion of seller repairs to be HAND Cleared.
þ INCOME – Notify your Mortgage Counselor (“MC”) if any source of your documented income changes
or ends. Leaves of absence may affect your NACA Qualification. Day 22:
þ RENT – Continue to document your on-time rent payments by submitting monthly verification. Pay • You verify with your Closing Coordinator that the loan is on pace to close by the agreed upon closing
rent in a way it can be seen coming from your bank account. date.
þ NEW DOCUMENTS – Submit every paystub, bank statement, rental payment, credit card statement, • Your Closing Coordinator verifies the scheduled closing date, time and location at the NACA office.
student loan statement, and alternative credit documents to your Web-file as you receive them. Day 23:
Remember to retain your original documents. • You receive initial closing disclosure from lender and confirms date and time of closing to take place at
the NACA office. You contact your Closing Coordinator to address any questions.
Your Next Steps
Day 24:
þ VIEWING HOMES – Prior to viewing any home, make sure it is within your affordability range as
stated in your Qualification Form. When looking at homes, pay attention to other potential costs such • You sign the Closing Disclosure if an initial closing disclosure was not sent and early acknowledgement
as structural, safety or code issues that may affect property approval and affordability. is required.
þ PROPERTY SPECIFIC LETTER – Once you have identified a home, contact your Mortgage Day 25:
Counselor to obtain a Property Specific Letter to verify that you qualify for that home. Often the • You verify with the R.E. Agent and HAND that seller repairs are completed or on pace to be completed
Listing Agent or seller requests this letter. prior to your walk-through.
þ PURCHASE & SALE CONTRACT (P&S Contract) – Once you and the seller have signed a Day 26:
purchase and sale contract, submit the fully executed contract to NACA within 24 hours. • You verify with your Closing Coordinator that the loan is clear to close.
þ INSPECTIONS – Complete a property inspection and pest inspection within three days of executing • You receive the final closing disclosure with the amount you need to bring to closing.
your P&S Contract (this requirement does not apply to new construction properties). Day 27:
þ CREDIT ACCESS – Immediately after executing the Purchase & Sale Contract, provide updated • You do property walk-thorough. You contact HAND if there are any “new” property issues.
documents to your Mortgage Counselor, using your Web-file or schedule an appointment to give the
documents in-person, so your application for Credit Access can be submitted and approved. • You obtain certified funds for closing and make final plans to move in.
Day 28:
þ BANK APPLICATION – After Credit Access approval, you must complete the application and sign
associated documents. Your loan package must be submitted to the participating lender no later than • You, your R.E. Agent, seller (Listing Agent may represent seller), and settlement agent attend closing
ten days from the P&S Contract execution. at the NACA office.
þ NACA REPAIR LIST – Review HAND repair requirements for property approval and negotiate final • Loan Closes – Congratulations!
seller concessions, if applicable. • Complete testimonial and pictures/videos.
þ AMENDMENTS TO PURCHASE & SALE CONTRACT – Submit any additional amendments to
your P&S Contract once signed by you and the seller. Congratulations, you are now a NACA Homeowner
þ FINAL REHAB BUDGET – If you will be completing required repairs after closing, obtain bids,
evaluations and/or work write-ups. Submit these to NACA HAND Department immediately upon receipt. with America’s Best Mortgage Program
þ RE-INSPECTION – Complete re-inspection of seller negotiated repairs by the same property
inspector who conducted the initial inspection. Note: The materials contained in this workbook are designed for guidance only. They are not designed to be, and should not be used as, a
substitute for professional services. NACA makes no warranties or representations of any kind that the materials contained in this book will
þ Home Owner’s Insurance – Obtain quotes and secure Home Owner’s Insurance policy. Submit the
necessarily apply to, or be effective in all or particular situations. NACA reserves the right to change any requirements or policies at any time
insurance binder to NACA through your Web-file or to your Closing Coordinator. and to make exceptions in NACA’s sole discretion.
þ CLOSING – Address any lender conditions through your Closing Coordinator and close on your home
within 28 days of the P&S Contract.
NACA POINTS OF CONTACT
NACA has a streamlined mortgage process. We work to close loans within 28 days from the executed
purchase and sales contract (“P&S Contract”). You will have a professional NACA staff member assigned
to you at each step of the process through closing. It is important that you respond to each point of
contact the same day or no later than within 24 hours.
NACA
NACA
3. Housing Search:
NACA’s Real Estate Department (“RED”) can assist you with any issues relating to your housing
search and R.E. Agent issues. You may contact RED at 425-519-6222 or RED@naca.com.
4. Property Selected:
Before signing any Purchase & Sales contract, contact your MC or Office Manager to obtain a
Property Specific Letter (“PSL”). This should be provided to the seller or Listing Agent to verify that
Fighting
Fighting
Predatory
Predatory
Lending
Lending
withwith
you qualify for a particular property taking into account interest rate changes, your current financial
circumstances, interest rate buy-down, and other factors.
America’s
America’s
BestBest
Mortgage
Mortgage
5. Executed Purchase & Sale Contract:
Once you have executed the P&S Contract, provide the contract to your MC within 24 hours of it
NACA
NACA
PURCHASE
PURCHASE
WORKBOOK
WORKBOOK
being signed by you and the seller. You need to work with your MC to submit the mortgage application
within ten days of your executed contract.
6. Mortgage Process:
Closing Coordinator is assigned to you once the bank application is submitted to a participating lender
and s/he is your primary point of contact throughout the mortgage process including coordinating BECOME
BECOME
A HOMEOWNER
A HOMEOWNER
the closing. After submitting your mortgage application, you will receive an email from your assigned WITH NACA’S
WITH NACA’S
BEST BEST
IN AMERICA
IN AMERICA
MORTGAGE
MORTGAGE
Closing Coordinator with his/her contact information which you can also access in your Web-file.
7. Settlement Agent:
The Settlement agent will tell you how much to bring to the closing and will review all closing MEMBER’S
MEMBER’S
NAME _________________________________________________
NAME _________________________________________________
documents with you at the NACA office where the closing will occur.
8. Post Purchase: DATE OFDATE
WORKSHOP
OF WORKSHOP
____________________________________
____________________________________
MAP Advocate is assigned as your primary point of contact after you close. If you are having any
difficulties in making your Monthly Mortgage Payment your MAP Advocate can assist you with NACA IDNACA
# ________________________________
ID # ________________________________
different types of solutions including financial assistance. Also s/he will coordinate your continued
participation in support and NACA’s mission as well as provide access to other services and products
provided through NACA. To contact your MAP Advocate call (281) 968-6222 or MAP@naca.com.
9. Questions & Concerns:
If you have any other questions not addressed by any of the above contacts, please contact NACA’s
Member Services at 425-602-6222 or Services@naca.com.
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Housing Mortgage
Mortgage Closing
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We look forward to making your dream of homeownership a reality Search Search Process
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with the best mortgage in America
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Version: 18.2 Copyright NACA 2018