Tag Archives: FHA insured loan

87% of Homes Qualify for Down Payment Aid

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More prospective home buyers would likely qualify for down payment assistance than they think. Indeed, more than 68 million single-family and condo households – or about 87 percent — would qualify for a down payment program available in the county where they are located, according to a new study by Down Payment Resource and RealtyTrac in an analysis that included a look at nearly 2,300 down payment programs nationwide.

“Many homebuyers, especially Millennials, haven’t fully investigated their home financing options because they are pessimistic about qualifying for a mortgage,” says Rob Chrane, president and CEO of Down Payment Resource. “Our Homeownership Program Index highlights the wide range and availability of down payment programs available to today’s homebuyers. In fact, 91 percent of the 2,290 programs in our registry have funds available to lend to eligible buyers. Plus, income limits vary depending on the market and programs extend beyond just first-time homebuyers. It’s important for buyers to research down payment programs as part of their loan shopping process.”

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FHA Mortgages Are Poised To Get More Expensive

Logo of the Federal Housing Administration.
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The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) plans to impose significant restrictions on the amount of money that sellers can contribute at closing in the near future.  The FHA also will be raising its mortgage insurance premiums during the coming weeks, increasing charges for new purchases across the board.

Making sense of the story

  • One reason for the increase in fees is that over the last six years, the number of FHA loans used by buyers has increased significantly.  The housing program is financing 40 percent or more of all new-home purchases in some areas and is a crucial resource for first-time buyers and moderate-income families.  This is especially because of the low 3.5 percent down payment required for most FHA loans.
  • During this span of rapid growth, the FHA’s insurance fund capital reserves have steadily deteriorated – far below congressionally mandated levels.  And delinquencies have been increasing.  As a result, the FHA is under the gun to get its own house in order, cut insurance claims, and rebuild its reserves.
  • Under the changes, the FHA will lower its seller concession cap to 3 percent of the home price or $6,000, whichever is greater.  Currently, the FHA allows up to 6 percent of the price of the house to go toward buyers’ closing costs.
  • Beyond that change, the FHA also plans significant increases in insurance premiums – upfront premiums will rise to 1.75 percent from 1 percent, effective April 1, and annual premiums will increase by 0.1 percent on all loans under $625,000 and 0.35 percent on mortgage amounts above that, effective June 1.

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