Posts Tagged ‘fha insurance

Why Choose an FHA loan? (( 97% w 500+ FICO ))

Saturday, March 20th, 2010

There are lots of excellent reasons why Florida homebuyers chose an FHA-insured loan over a conventional or risky subprime home loan, especially if one or more of the following apply to you:

FHA loans benefit Florida homebuyers who want to buy a home but haven’t been able to save enough money for the buy: like recent college graduates, newlyweds, or people who are still trying to complete their education. It also provides financing for Florida mortgage applicants whose past credit has been hurt  by bankruptcy or foreclosure to easily qualify for an FHA mortgage.

 

Past credit distress does not have to deter your FHA loan approval. Florida FHA mortgage lenders will analyze your credit history to determine your eligibility for the FHA loan you seek. If you have made timely payments in the past, but your currently demonstrating your willingness to repay future credit obligations. But, if your past credit history shows continual slow payments, judgments and delinquencies, you now qualify for Florida FHA loan approval.

 

Florida Mortgage insurance protects Florida mortgage  lenders against any loss that may result from defaults on Florida mortgage loans. FHA mortgage insurance is “protection” for Florida lenders who risk funds to lender to Florida mortgage applicants with less than perfect credit.

 

Florida FHA Condominium Loans are geared toward Florida mortgage applicants  those who buy housing units in a condominium building. Condominium ownership, in which separate owners of individual units jointly own the development’s common areas and facilities, is for some a very well loved alternative to home ownership. FHA mortgage Insurance for this type of housing is provided through FHA Section 234C. This FHA insurance is very vital for low and moderate-income Florida renters who wish to avoid the risk of being displaced when their apartments are converted into Florida condominiums.

 

 

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Fha Loans Lower Fees And Raise Acceptance

Monday, March 15th, 2010

FHA mortgage insurance programs help low and moderate income families become homeowners by lowering some of the costs of their residential mortgage loans. FHA loans encourage mortgage companies to make loans to otherwise creditworthy borrowers and projects that might not be able to meet conventional underwriting requirements by protecting the mortgage company against loan default on mortgages for properties that meet certain minimum requirements.
Today’s FHA program is the adaptation of the very same program which has helped save homeowners from default since the 1930s. Today, One to Four Family Mortgage Insurance is still an vital tool allowed by the federal government to expand home ownership opportunities for first time homebuyers and other borrowers who would not otherwise qualify for conventional loans on affordable terms.
Several amendments have been made to the FHS in the nearly eighty years it has been a part of United States federal policy. Most notable to these changes is evident in the 203(b) clause added in the 1980s which allows numerous advantages to the first time and disadvantaged home buyer.
In contrast to conventional mortgage products, which frequently require down payments of 10% or more of the buy price of the home, single family mortgages insured by FHA under Section 203(b) make it possible to reduce down payments to as small as 3% . This is because FHA insurance allows borrowers to finance approximately 97 percent of the value of their home buy through their mortgage, in some cases.
With most conventional loans, the borrower must pay, at the time of buy, closing costs (the many fees and charges associated with buying a home) equivalent to 2-3 percent of the price of the home. This program allows the borrower to finance many of these charges, thus reducing the up front cost of buying a home. FHA mortgage insurance is not free: borrowers pay an up front insurance premium (which may be financed) at the time of buy, as well as monthly premiums that are not financed, but instead are added to the regular mortgage payment.
Finally, FHA rules impose limits on some of the fees that mortgage companies may charge in making a loan. For example, the loan origination fee charged by the mortgage company for the administrative cost of processing the loan may not exceed one percent of the amount of the mortgage.
Along with a renovation of the FHA regulations during the 1980s to accommodate for an ever-evolving real estate market, the federal government adapted what’s known as a ’streamline’ refinancing program. This refers only to the amount of documentation and underwriting that needs to be performed by the mortgage company, and does not mean that there are no costs involved in the transaction.
There are a few basic requirements to qualify for the streamline option. The mortgage must already be insured by FHA, the mortgage to be renewed must be current and paid on time to date, the refinance is to result in a lowering of the borrower’s monthly principal and interest payments, and no cash may be taken out on mortgages refinanced using the streamline refinance process.
Companies may offer streamline refinances in several ways. Some offer “no cost” refinances (really, no out of pocket expenses to the borrower) by charging a higher rate of interest on the new loan than if the borrower financed or paid the closing costs in cash. From this premium, the company pays any closing costs that are incurred on the transaction.
Also, companies may offer streamline refinances and include the closing costs into the new mortgage amount. This can only be done if there is sufficient equity in the property, as determined by an appraisal. Streamline refinances can also be done without appraisals, but the new loan amount cannot exceed what is currently owed, i.e., closing costs may not be added to the new mortgage with those costs either paid in cash or through the premium rate as described above. Investment properties (properties in which the borrower does not reside in as his or her principal residence) may only be refinanced without an appraisal and, thus, closing costs may not be included in the new mortgage amount.
Once you do, or if you have ever fully paid off a home backed by FHA, you may be owed back compensation from the government. About 1 in 10 FHA borrowers leave money in their escrow accounts when they pay off their loans. The average refund for each borrower is about $700.
In addition to the more standard mortgages available in this program, the federal government has also allowed for more creative forms of home owners who could qualify, at least in part, from FHA funding. For example, FHA’s energy efficient mortgage program provides mortgage insurance for a person to buy or refinance a principal residence and incorporate the cost of energy efficient improvements into the mortgage. The FHA mortgage loan is funded by a lending institution, such as a mortgage company, bank, savings and loan association and the mortgage is insured by HUD.
One of the most loved benefits of the FHA, though, is that the down payment for an FHA mortgage can be 100% gift funds. Verification of the source of gift money is not required to benefit from this particular aspect of the legislation. But, it is necessary that the gift funds be deposited in the borrower’s bank or savings account, or in an escrow account, prior to underwriting approval. Gift donors are restricted primarily to a relative of the borrower. They can also be certain organizations, such as a labor union or charitable organization. Contact your local branch for complete information. Additionally, proof of initial deposit is required.
The Federal Housing Administration is one of the most successful government programs in American history and over the decades during which the program has been in existence, thousands upon thousands of home owners have been able to procure the home of their dreams when it may not have been possible otherwise.

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Florida FHA Loan Information from a Florida FHA mortgage lender

Friday, December 25th, 2009

Florida FHA loan Information from an FHA lender

An FHA loan is a federal insured mortgage loan that is made by a private Florida mortgage lender that is  insured by the Federal Housing Administration. The FHA loans are only provided by federally qualified lenders.

FHA loans have historically allowed lower income Floridians to borrow money for the buy of a home that they would not otherwise be able to afford. The FHA mortgage program originated during the Fantastic Depression of the 1930s to stimulate the economy and get people buying homes again when the rates of foreclosures and defaults rose sharply. The FHA loan program provides lenders with sufficient insurance to protect against loss in a case of default. Some FHA loan were subsidized by the government, but the goal was to make it self-supporting, based on insurance premiums paid by Florida borrowers.

Over time, private Florida mortgage insurance (PMI) companies came into play, and now FHA primarily serves people who cannot afford a conventional down payment or otherwise do not qualify for PMI.

On August 31, 2007, the FHA added a new refinancing program called FHA-Secure to help borrowers hurt by the 2007 subprime mortgage financial crisis.

The history of FHA loans

The National Housing Act of 1934 made FHA or  Federal Housing Administration which was established primarily to increase home construction, reduce unemployment, and operate various FHA loan insurance programs. FHA does not loans, nor does it plot or build houses. As in the Veterans Administration’s VA loan program, the Florida mortgage applicant must qualify for the loan though a private Florida lending institution. This financial organization then may question if the borrower wants FHA insurance on the loan or may insist that the borrower apply for it. The federal government, through the Federal Housing Administration, investigates the applicant and, having chose that the risk is favorable, insures the lending institution against loss of principal in case the borrower fails to meet the terms and conditions of the mortgage. The borrower, who pays an insurance premium 1/2 percent on declining balances for the lender’s protection, receives two benefits: a careful appraisal by an FHA inspector and a lower interest rate on the mortgage than the lender might have offered without the protection.

For the Florida home buyer the FHA program can simplify the buy of a home, making financing simpler and less expensive than a conventional mortgage loan product. Some highlights of the Florida FHA loan program include:

Minimal Down Payment and Closing costs.

Down payment less than 3.5% of Sales Price Gifts are allowed Seller can credit up to 6% of sales price towards closing and prepaid costs. 100% Financing available No reserves required. FHA regulated closing costs.

Simpler Credit Qualifying Guidelines such as:

  No minimum FICO score or credit score requirements. FHA will allow a home buy 1 year after a Bankruptcy. FHA will allow a home buy2 years after a Foreclosure.

To take advantage of the FHA program in Florida, give us a call 1-800-570-0448 or visit www.FHAmortgagePrograms.com

For Florida first time home buyers and other borrowers, the FHA home loans can have key advantages:

Simple Qualification – The FHA loan insures Florida mortgage lenders against loss for loans made to properly qualified FHA home loan borrowers. So you’re likely to find FHA mortgage loans with terms that make it simpler for you to qualify than any other mortgage program..

Minimal Down payment Requirements – Florida FHA loans work with as small as 3.5% down and those funds can come from a family member, charity, or your employer. Although the FHA loan does not have a zero down mortgage option yet, you will find that your loan officer can point you to many Down payment help programs that work well with Florida FHA home loans.

Less than A-1 Credit is Okay – The Florida FHA home loan program exists to expand the pool of home buyers. Even borrowers with prior bankruptcies or mortgage lates get approved every day for FHA mortgages to buy or Refinance homes in Miami, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale or any Florida city we serve. The FHA loan program uses credit quality, not credit score!

Lower Cost Over the Life of the Loan – The Florida FHA home loan rates are extraordinarily competitive. FHA’s lower risk to the lender means a better rate for the borrower.

Safeguards for Borrowers Who Get Behind – The Florida FHA loan mortgages also allow the lender more options in helping borrowers who fall behind keep their homes are get current again: special forbearance, workouts, even free mortgage counseling. Further, FHA/HUD can allow the lender to place past due payments and go them to the end of the loan and in some instance will really pay your past due payments for you. Options to save your home you’ll never get from a conventional loan! In an uncertain world, this is another brilliant reason for you to get an Florida FHA loan.

Options for Manufactured Housing – Under certain conditions, you can even finance a Florida Mobile Home or manufactured home using a Florida FHA mortgage loan. Call 1-800-570-0448 to get pre-approved for a Florida FHA loan for manufactured housing or just use our quick application to learn more!

FHA Loans Are Fully Assumable – When you are ready to sell your home, you can offer buyers FHA financing! All FHA loans can be assumed by qualified buyers.

These are just seven of the many excellent reasons to apply for an FHA mortgage. Call 1-800-570-0448 to speak with a friendly Florida FHA loan specialist now!

FHA Home Loans for Purchasing a Florida Home

Although Florida FHA home loans require additional paperwork, the reality is that applying for an FHA mortgage loan in Florida is not much different from applying for conventional financing. In fact, for many Florida mortgage applicants learn that the small amount of extra time turns out to be an exceptional mortgage bargain because they save thousands of dollars over the life of their Florida Mortgage.

At 1st Continental Mortgage, we have been working with the FHA program for many years. We’re experts at assembling the proper paperwork and presenting your loan application to FHA approved lenders diligently and professionally. It’s one of the ways that we have earned our reputation for closing FHA home loans in Florida on-time.

You may be surprised at how flexible Florida sellers are in the current market and how many programs there are that provide Down payment help to applicants for FHA financing to buy Florida homes, condos, and townhouses. The fact is, seller can pay up to 6% towards your closing costs. This means, no closing costs for you when negotiated during the buy contract!

The FHA loan program offers brilliant fixed rate options and never a prepayment penalty. If other Florida mortgage lenders are quoting you subprime rates, you owe it to yourself to make the call to compare the costs of getting an FHA home loan for your home buy. Call 1-800-570-0448 to speak with an FHA loan expert before accepting any conventional mortgage quote as the best you can do!

History of FHA loans

Until the latter half of the 1960s, the Federal Housing Administration served mainly as an insuring agency for loans made by private lenders. But, in recent years this role has been expanded as the agency became the administrator of interest rate subsidy and rent supplement programs. Vital subsidy programs such as the Civil Rights Act of 1968 were established by the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.

In 1974 the Housing and Community Development Act was passed. Its provisions significantly altered federal involvement in a wide range of housing and community development activities. The new law made a variety of changes in FHA activities, although it did not involve (as had been proposed) a complete rewriting and consolidation of the National Housing Act. It did, but, include provisions relating to the lending and investment powers of federal savings and loan associations, the real estate lending authority of national banks, and the lending and depositary authority of federal credit unions.

Further changes occurred in the 1977 Housing and Community Development Act, which raised ceilings on single-family loan amounts for savings and loan association lending, federal agency buys, FHA insurance, and security for Federal Home Loan Bank advances. In 1980 the Housing and Community Development Act was passed; it permitted negotiated interest rates on certain FHA loans and made a new FHA rental subsidy program for middle-income families.

On March 6, 2008, the Florida “FHA Forward” program was initiated. This is the part of the stimulus package that President Bush had in place to raise the loan limits for Florida FHA loans.

 

 

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FHA Loan Requirements About to Get Tighter

Thursday, December 24th, 2009

FHA Loan Requirements About to Get Tighter

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) isn’t broke, but its monetary reserves aren’t quite where they’re supposed to be either.

FHA’s capital reserves are supposed to be at least 2 percent of outstanding mortgage loans. According to the actuarial review for fiscal year 2009, the reserves are a mere 0.5 percent. By the time you read this, FHA’s capital reserve requirements might have disappeared entirely, thanks to the increasing number of FHA foreclosures and banks going south.

All FHA mortgage applicants pay a mortgage insurance premium. These FHA insurance premiums go into the FHA’s capital reserves fund and are used to pay for loans that are foreclosed upon. As FHA home loans have become more and more well loved since the subprime crash, and  unemployment numbers have  skyrocketed, more of these FHA home  loans have gone terrible, requiring more payments from the capital reserves.

 Other FHA loan Advantages Include:

Minimal Down Payment and Closing Costs.

Down payment less than 3.5% of Sales Price Gift for down payment and closing costs allowed. No reserves or required. FHA regulated closing costs. Seller can credit up to 6% of sales price towards buyers costs.

Simpler Credit Qualifying Guidelines such as:

Minimum FICO credit score of 540. FHA will allow a home buy 2 years after a Bankruptcy. FHA will allow a home buy  3 years after a Foreclosure. 

Simpler Debt Ratio & Job Requirement Guidelines such as:

Higher Debt Ratio’s than other home loan programs. Less than two years on the job is allowed. Self-Employed individuals o.k.

APPLY NOW AT www.FHAmortgageFHALoan.com

Unlike the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), which recently proposed that banks pay three years of insurance premiums at once in order to replenish the FDIC’s reserves, FHA can’t require current FHA Mortgage borrowers to pay more. But it can change the rules going forward that will make it more hard to qualify for an FHA insured home loan.

According to a senior officials at the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), conversations are ongoing to determine what will make the most sense for and prolong the stability of the FHA Mortgage program..

“Nothing will be taken off table,” the official said. “Everything needs to be assessed through the lens of the FHA core mission as well as the broad economic policies of the Administration with regard to stabilizing  the housing market.”

There are at least six different ways FHA/HUD is looking at stabilizing FHA:

1. Increasing the minimum required down payment. FHA is looking at whether increasing the required minimum down payment from 3.5 percent to 5 percent (or more) will help stabilize defaults. If FHA mortgage applicants have more “skin in the game,” FHA officials wonder, will they be less likely to default on their FHA mortgage loans?

2. Changing the FHA mortgage insurance premiums. HUD officials are considering whether changing the way FHA mortgage insurance premiums are structured will keep more FHA Mortgage applicants from becoming delinquent. Should there be an extra fee up front? Should the FHA insurance premiums amount paid over time change for maximum stabilization? (FHA mortgage applicants  currently pay an upfront fee and a monthly charge for mortgage insurance.)

3. Raising the minimum credit score required for an FHA mortgage loan. While credit scores have been lousy at predicting what happens to people with excellent credit who lose their jobs, they have been more accurate in identifying risky behavior. At the height of the housing boom, FHA mortgage loans  approved FHA mortgage applicants with credit scores below 500. Discussions underway wonder whether the minimum acceptable credit score should be 620 or higher.

4. Dialing back how much money sellers can give FHA buyers. Right now under FHA loan guidelines the  sellers can give buyers up to 6 percent to help cover closing costs and fees. Experts recommend reducing that to 3 percent.

5. Requiring FHA mortgage lenders to have more cash on hand. Like borrowers, FHA lenders need to have more “skin in the game.” Right now, FHA lenders need only have $250,000 in cash to cover fraud-related loan originations, but FHA loan officials want to see that amount rise to $2.5 million. That will reduce the number of FHA Mortgagee lenders that can offer FHA loans, and hopefully cut down on mortgage fraud.

6. Eliminating abusive FHA lenders. HUD is asking Congress for more power to prevent abusive lenders from making FHA loans. According to HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan’s testimony before the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, FHA mortgage lenders will be required to “indemnify the FHA fund for their own failures to meet FHA requirements” and will be held accountable nationally for any improper activities. Donovan said that HUD “will also develop a FHA mortgage Lender Scorecard that will summarize the performance of lenders who do business with the FHA. This scorecard will be posted on (the department’s) Web site to ensure transparency and accountability for FHA lenders, borrowers and the market.”

FHA officials say the quality of the FHA mortgage portfolio has improved over the course of 2009. The typical FHA Mortgage applicants  debt-to-income ratio has declined, meaning the FHA mortgage payment is a smaller part of the borrower’s monthly income.

While HUD officials are pleased to see borrowers with a stronger personal finance balance sheet, there are two huge concerns. First, the number of borrowers who are delinquent in paying their mortgages is growing. If those borrowers don’t figure out a way to make up their missing payments and start paying their FHA mortgage on time, more homes will fall into foreclosure, further depressing housing prices.

The second concern is rising unemployment. “If unemployment continues to track at high levels and goes to 11 or 12 percent, that’s a real struggle,” the senior HUD official said. “The huge risk is a stagnant, slow recovery that keeps unemployment rates high because there is no loss mitigation technique for that.”

In other words, if FHA Mortgage applicants lose their jobs and can’t find replacements that pay enough to cover their monthly expenses, the FHA’s capital reserves fund sinking into the red will be the least of the government’s problems.

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RagingDebate.com » Economy » The FHA Is Broke

Friday, November 13th, 2009

FHA insures loans to buyers who lack the down payment and/or credit scores to qualify for mortgages without the FHA insurance.

Here is the original: 
RagingDebate.com » Economy » The FHA Is Broke
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