AmeriSave offers several mortgage loan products to fit your needs. For a conventional AmeriSave loan, you need a minimum credit score of 620 and a 3% down payment for first-time homebuyers. Other loan types differ.
MoneyGeek’s AmeriSave mortgage review takes a closer look at the information above to help you decide if this lender is right for you.
At a Glance: AmeriSave Mortgages
- AmeriSave
- Conventional Loan: 3% for first-time homebuyers; 5% otherwise FHA Loan: 3.5% VA Loan: 0% USDA Loan: 0% Jumbo Loan: 20% Minimum Down Payment
- Conventional, Jumbo, FHA, VA, USDA and Cash Out RefinancingLoan Products Offered
- 49 U.S. states (excluding New York) and Washington, D.C.States of Operation
- Yes Online Application
AmeriSave Mortgage Loan Types, Details and Requirements
MoneyGeek’s AmeriSave lender review will help you understand the company’s mortgage products, application requirements and any rates or fees you may encounter.
Mortgage Types Offered
AmeriSave offers several mortgage loans:
- Conventional Loans
- Jumbo Loans
- FHA Loans
- VA Loans
- USDA Loans
You can also refinance your mortgage with AmeriSave’s Cash Out Refinance program, which lets you borrow against the market value of your home through a new mortgage. You can use this refinance loan to pay off your original mortgage and use the remaining cash amount as you see fit.
Mortgage Rates
Although AmeriSave advertises a 4.22% APR on their website, rates are highly dependent on numerous factors — e.g., loan type, location, repayment term and credit score — and subject to change.
The best way to get a personalized quote is to complete the prequalification process or speak to one of their licensed loan originators by calling 1-866-514-7283.
Additional Fees
AmeriSave may have some hidden fees that are not disclosed on its website. AmeriSave does cite closing costs for mortgage refinancing — these typically include lender fees and homeowner insurance premiums — but doesn't state specific figures online.
MoneyGeek's research found that FHA, USDA, VA and conventional loans have no origination fees. For VA loans, there is a VA fee that you can roll directly to your mortgage payments, but the amount you’ll pay varies based on the loan type, amount and other factors.
Minimum Borrowing Requirements
Minimum requirements for borrowers, such as credit score and down payment, vary between AmeriSave loan products.
Conventional Loans
Conventional loans require having a credit score of at least 620. You’ll also need to put 3% down if you’re a first-time homebuyer, which AmeriSave defines as someone who has not owned a home in the past three years. If you don’t meet this criterion, your down payment increases to 5%.
Additional requirements include a complete exterior and interior appraisal of your home, and you must remain employed for the duration of the loan process. You also cannot make any significant purchases, such as a car.
Jumbo Mortage Loans
Homebuyers looking to apply for a jumbo mortgage loan must have a credit score of 700 or higher. Jumbo loans also require a 20% down payment and proof that you have enough funds to cover principal, interest, taxes and insurance (PITI) costs for nine months.
FHA Loans
FHA loans — mortgages issued through the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) — have additional requirements, such as the home you’re purchasing must be your primary residence. AmeriSave’s lowest possible down payment for this loan type is 3.5%. FHA loans are designed to help those with imperfect credit, so the minimum credit score is 600. However, you must have a FICO score of 640 if your loan amount is equal to or greater than $700,000.
It’s worth noting that your loan amount cannot exceed 115% of your area's median home price. You’ll also need to have mortgage insurance, and a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-approved appraiser must examine the house you intend to purchase.
VA Loans
AmeriSave offers VA loans to current and former military members and their families. To be eligible, you or your spouse must have served in active duty service for at least 181 days (90 days during a war) or six years in reserve of the National Guard. Other conditions also apply if you’re a military spouse; see AmeriSave’s VA loan borrowing requirements for details.
Borrowers must use VA loans to purchase their primary home and have a credit score of 600 or better. However, if your loan amount exceeds $700,000, your FICO score must be at least 640. AmeriSave also requires a Certificate of Eligibility, which you can secure from Veterans Affairs.
AmeriSave will ask you to show proof of regular income and savings or assets enough to meet monthly payments. You must also demonstrate sufficient residual income, determined from your home area’s cost of living and childcare expenses.
USDA Loans
USDA loans are another government-backed mortgage product from AmeriSave. To be eligible for this loan, you must live in a single-family residence in a rural area, as defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Because this loan is typically for low-income homebuyers, your income must not exceed 115% of your area’s median. You also need a stable source of income and enough savings or assets to cover your mortgage obligations for 12 months.
FHA Home Loan Refinance
Borrowers can refinance any loan into an AmeriSave FHA Rate/Term Refinance, FHA Cash Out or FHA Streamline.
For an FHA Streamline, your mortgage must be active for at least 210 days when you apply. AmeriSave also looks at your payment history to confirm that you made all payments for the last six months within 30 days of the due date (excusing a one-time exception).
AmeriSave Mortgage Application Requirements
If you’re planning to apply for an AmeriSave mortgage loan, it’s best if you have the following:
Proof of identity, such as your driver’s license.
A Social Security number.
Proof of income, such as W-2 statements and pay stubs. Self-employed applicants must show additional income documents.
Debt information. If you have an existing car loan, you must show documentation.
Account statements of your assets (investment income, retirement savings, etc.).
Is AmeriSave Right for You?
Not all mortgage lenders work for all types of homebuyers. Since a mortgage is a significant commitment, it’s best to weigh options before choosing a lender. MoneyGeek’s AmeriSave review explores homebuyer profiles that may or may not be compatible with their products and services.
Who AmeriSave Is Perfect For
Because AmeriSave offers a wide variety of loan products, it will likely suit many aspiring homebuyers. First-time homebuyers will benefit from a conventional mortgage loan's low 3% down payment. In contrast, those eligible for VA and USDA loans can purchase a home with 0% down from AmeriSave.
Their efficient online process is also attractive to homebuyers who want to know whether they qualify for a loan within minutes.
Who Should Not Choose AmeriSave
Although AmeriSave has some physical branches, most of the application process is online. Homebuyers who aren’t tech-savvy may prefer a lender with more brick-and-mortar facilities. It’s possible to speak with a licensed loan originator to walk you through the process, but it may not be as efficient.
Since AmeriSave’s conventional loan down payment for anything after a first home is 5%, individuals in this category may want to seek another lender. AmeriSave also does not offer mortgages for manufactured or mobile homes.
How to Apply for an AmeriSave Mortgage Loan
MoneyGeek’s AmeriSave mortgage loan review gives you an idea of what to expect when applying with this lender.
Prequalify
See if you prequalify for any of AmeriSave’s mortgage products online. You’ll receive a decision within three minutes and know your options. AmeriSave releases quotes, not just estimates. There are also no hidden fees for browsing loan types.
Wait for Pre-Approval
Pre-approval tells you how much AmeriSave is ready to loan you. You’ll also get a rough estimate of how much you’ll need to pay each month for the duration of your loan. This information can help you compare offers from other lenders.
Fill Out Application Form
You can officially start your application online and upload the necessary documents, such as your proof of identity and income. Another option is to call a licensed loan originator and have them guide you through the process.
Home Appraisal
Once you find a home, you can update your pre-approval with its address. This triggers the next step, which is a home appraisal. For FHA loans, the appraiser must be HUD-approved.
Schedule a Loan Closing
Although you can complete most of the application process online, AmeriSave always does the loan closing in person. They'll coordinate with you to schedule it when and where it’s convenient for you. Half of AmeriSave customers close their loans 25 days after locking their rates.
Make Payments
Once your mortgage is active, you’ll receive your statement. You can pay your monthly dues online after registering your account in AmeriSave’s Loan Servicing Center.
You must reference your loan number if you’re paying online for the first time. AmeriSave will send you the loan number by email. If you don’t remember receiving it, you can check your statement instead.
You can also call AmeriSave’s Loan Servicing Department at 1-866-865-3400, option 4.
What to Do if You Are Rejected by AmeriSave
Even if you prequalify, it’s still possible for AmeriSave to deny your mortgage application after reviewing all your documents. It’s disheartening, but knowing why this happened can help you better prepare for your next application.
There are many reasons why a lender would reach this decision. Perhaps your credit score is lower than the minimum, or the lender feels you don’t have enough assets to cover your mortgage payments.
If you find yourself in this situation, the best thing is get in touch with an AmeriSave customer service representative or loan originator. Ask for the specific reason(s) they denied your loan. They can also help you identify what options are available to you at this point.
You can always turn to another lender and apply for a mortgage there. However, if you don’t understand why you were denied in the first place, your second application may result in a similar outcome. Make sure you know why you were rejected and take the necessary steps to bolster your chances of approval.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mortgages From AmeriSave
As part of our AmeriSave mortgage review, MoneyGeek gathered the most commonly asked questions to provide additional information about this lender.
sources
- AmeriSave. "Fixed-Rate Mortgage Loans." Accessed May 17, 2022.
- AmeriSave. "What Is an FHA Loan?." Accessed May 17, 2022.
- AmeriSave. "FHA Home Loan Refinance Option." Accessed May 17, 2022.
- AmeriSave. "VA Loans." Accessed May 17, 2022.
- AmeriSave. "USDA Loans." Accessed May 17, 2022.
- AmeriSave. "Jumbo Mortgage Loans." Accessed May 17, 2022.
- AmeriSave. "Locations." Accessed May 18, 2022.
- AmeriSave. "Things to Consider When Buying a Home." Accessed May 18, 2022.
- AmeriSave. "Your Loan Servicing Center." Accessed May 18, 2022.
- AmeriSave. "Loan Servicing." Accessed May 18, 2022.