Articles Published in: August 2018

August 31, 2018

FHA Cash-Out Refinance Loan Options

With home values on the rise in many housing markets, FHA borrowers are often tempted to consider applying for a cash-out refinance to take advantage of their new property values. A National Association of Realtors report says home values for existing construction increased from more than $190 thousand (2009) well over $275 thousand in 2018. That can translate into serious borrowing power for some home owners. But knowing your FHA cash-out refinance loan options is important; know the details before you apply for the loan! Who Qualifies For An FHA Cash-Out Refinance Loan? The legal title holder (presumably the original borrower or one of the original borrowers) who intends to remain or become an owner-occupier of the home may apply for FHA cash-out refinancing. HUD 4000.1, the FHA loan handbook, | more...

August 30, 2018

FHA Refinance Loans: Is There A No-Credit Check Refi?

By Bruce Reichstein

Some borrowers need to know: is there an FHA refinance loan that has no credit check? This question is more common than you might think and the answer depends on several variables. FHA Refinance Loans That Require Credit Checks There are many FHA mortgage loans that require both a new credit check and a new appraisal. Cash-out refinance loans are in this category, as are FHA reverse mortgages also known as Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (FHA HECM). The lender is tasked with making sure the borrower can afford the new loan and that the borrower is an acceptable credit risk. After all, cash is going back to the borrower in the case of both an FHA reverse mortgage and an FHA Cash-Out Refinance loan and the financial institution will need | more...

August 29, 2018

HUD Announces Updated Disaster Policy For Puerto Rico And Virgin Islands Home Owners

By Joe Wallace

In 2017, Hurricanes Irma and Maria devastated many U.S. territories; in the aftermath home owners in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands many people are still recovering from the disaster. In August 2018 the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has announced updates to FHA foreclosure prevention options to allow borrowers with delinquent FHA home loans “easier access to bring their mortgages current without increasing their interest rates or monthly payments” according to HUD.gov. The Federal Housing Administration is also offering a final 30-day extension of its foreclosure moratorium for FHA-insured homeowners in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In February 2018, FHA introduced the Disaster Standalone Partial Claim option, intended to help borrowers in the affected disaster areas a way to catch up on pre-disaster mortgage payments without experiencing “payment | more...

August 28, 2018

Credit Mistakes People Make Before Applying For Home Loans

By Bruce Reichstein

There are some common credit mistakes home loan applicants make before filling out loan application paperwork that can hurt them later when it comes time for the lender to decide whether to approve the mortgage loan. Avoiding these mistakes can go a long way toward loan approval. If you are applying for an FHA mortgage in the next year, consider these issues carefully! FHA Home Loans Have A Down Payment Requirement: Start Preparing Early Your FICO scores will help determine whether you are eligible for maximum FHA loan financing and the lowest down payment. If you do not work on improving your credit scores over the course of the year leading up to your FHA loan application, you may find yourself unable to get the most advantageous rates and terms. | more...

FHA Home Loan Credit Score Requirements: FICO Scores And More

August 27, 2018

Four Questions To Ask About FHA Mortgage Loans

By Joe Wallace

If you are interested in buying a home with an FHA mortgage, there are four basic questions you should ask a participating lender when you shop around for the best terms and conditions for your loan. It pays to compare lenders, and it also pays to compare the requirements and costs of your FHA mortgage with conventional equivalents to see where the FHA mortgage will be an advantage to you. #4. How Much Down Payment Is Required Based On My FICO Scores And Credit History? Ask a loan officer to give you the down payment requirements for both a conventional loan and an FHA mortgage loan on the same property or price range. If you do not have a specific sale price in hand when you ask, be prepared for | more...

August 24, 2018

Five Things To Know About FHA Mobile Home Loans

By Bruce Reichstein

There are five important things you should know about FHA mobile home loans. If you are interested in buying a mobile home or manufactured home using an FHA mortgage, knowing these five things will help you to make the right choices for your loan and your new home. 5. FHA Mobile Homes Are Possible For A Variety Of Property Types The FHA loan program allows the purchase of a mobile home, a modular home, or a manufactured home. The differences in these types of properties may not seem so important in terms of loan approval but can mean a lot to the FHA borrower depending on what’s involved. For example, the stereotypical mobile home may be delivered to the site where it will be put onto a permanent foundation as | more...

August 23, 2018

Why Do People Choose FHA Mortgages Instead Of USDA Home Loans?

By Joe Wallace

Why do some borrowers choose FHA home loans instead of the no-money-down USDA home loan? There are several reasons why an FHA mortgage might be the better choice depending on circumstances. USDA Mortgages Versus FHA Home Loans: Down Payment Requirements USDA loans do offer an advantage to eligible borrowers with a zero down payment requirement. USDA loan rules state that in some cases, borrowers who have assets higher than the USDA limit “…may be required to use a portion of those assets”. FHA home loans require a minimum down payment of 3.5% of the adjusted value of the home. The down payment requirement may be higher if there are other factors to consider including a non-occupying co-borrower (depending on circumstances), FICO scores that are lower than the limit for maximum | more...

August 22, 2018

Choosing The Right Options For Your FHA Mortgage

By Bruce Reichstein

Which options should you choose for your FHA mortgage? There are some things that are not required to be done in connection with your home loan which SHOULD be done, and there are choices to make that have more to do with the borrower’s financial needs and goals. Making the right choices means making informed decisions about whether to commit to things like a home inspection, financing your Up Front Mortgage Insurance Premium, or entering into a mortgage rate lock commitment with your lender. FHA Loan Options That Shouldn’t Be Considered Optional By The Borrower There are two very important aspects of home loans that are technically optional but have the power to affect your home loan experience in very crucial ways. One is the home inspection-a procedure arranged and | more...

August 21, 2018

FHA Cash-Out Refinance Loans: How Soon Can I Apply After Buying My Home?

By Joe Wallace

How soon can I apply for an FHA cash-out refinance loan after buying my home? Some borrowers want to know because they have purchased a home using an adjustable rate mortgage and may be nearing the end of the introductory interest rate period sometimes known as the “teaser rate” period. Others find themselves in a housing market with quickly rising property values and want to take advantage of those rising values. FHA loan rules have some specific things to say about the timing of cash out refinance loans, and who can apply for them. FHA Cash-Out Refinance Loans Are For Any Type Of Mortgage You don’t have to have an existing FHA loan to apply for an FHA cash-out refinance. You can refinance a USDA loan, VA mortgage, conventional loan, | more...

August 20, 2018

Five Questions People Ask About FHA Home Loans

By Bruce Reichstein

Got questions about FHA home loans? Here are five questions people typically ask about FHA mortgages and the answers according to the FHA loan rules found in HUD 4000.1. Remember that additional lender standards may apply and these answers are based on FHA loan guidelines and not additional lender requirements. Do FHA Home Loans Offer A No Down Payment Option? FHA mortgage loans do not come with zero money down or no money down options but FHA loan rules do allow borrowers to accept properly documented gift funds for down payments from relatives, friends, or employers. You can’t use a credit card cash advance to make the down payment, nor can your down payment gift fund provider. Ask your lender how to help properly document the source and nature of | more...