FHA Loan Limits to Remain Same Through 2010

FHA Loan Limits to Remain Same Through 2010   Current loan limits for FHA home loans have been extended through the end of 2010. This move is expected to help ailing US housing markets by extending the availability of FHA loans to homebuyers and homeowners in higher priced markets. FHA loan limits are based on 125 percent of local median home value, and vary by location. With the demise of sub prime lending, FHA plays a significant role in providing home loans for borrowers who cannot meet conventional mortgage lending requirements. Challenges can include: Moderate income: FHA allows higher housing expense to income (31 percent) and debt to income (43 percent) ratios than conventional mortgage lenders. Thee ratios, sometimes called front-end and back-end ratios, are determined by dividing borrowers’ estimated housing expenses by gross income, and dividing total installment debts by gross income. FHA also allows non-resident co-borrowers (such as parents) to sign as co-borrowers for primary borrowers needing income assistance. FHA guidelines are generally more lenient than conventional lending requirements. Non-traditional income: FHA can accommodate borrowers with cash based income and small business owners who deal mostly in cash. Income verification is required, but FHA provides more options for verifying income than conventional loan requirements allow. Bad credit: FHA guidelines allow borrowers to carry more debt than conventional lenders, and also qualify borrowers with bankruptcy filings a minimum of two years prior to applying for an FHA loan and foreclosure occurring a minimum of three years prior to applying. FHA does not require a minimum credit scores, but instead focuses on borrowers’ demonstrated ability to make mortgage payments. Low down payment: FHA loans require as little as 3.5 percent down for home purchases, and down payment funds can be provided by family members, employers and housing assistance programs. The source of down payment funds is subject to verification, but FHA loan requirements are “friendly” toward first time buyers and others with low cash reserves. FHA guidelines allow for closing costs and the up-front mortgage insurance premium to be added to the home loan amount; borrowers may also elect to pay higher mortgage rates and have their lenders pay closing costs. Rehab loans available: FHA can provide mortgage loans based on a home’s potential value after it has been refurbished; this provides up front funding for renovation expenses. Ask FHA lenders for details, or check out basic fha guidelines for this program. Hope you find this information helpful, please call me with any questions or any financing scenarios your clients may have,   Have a great week!!!

 

CAMILO MORENO

Mortgage Professional

Purchase Money Specialist

Great western Bancorp Inc.

6033 W. Century Blvd # 700

Los Angeles CA 90045

310 216 1700 ext 116

310 216 1750 Fax

www.gwbmortgage.com