Articles Published in: February 2019

February 6, 2019

Setting The Home Loan Closing Date For First-Time Home Buyers

When should a first-time home buyer expect to be able to move into the new home they have purchased with an FHA mortgage? Can you realistically expect to move into your new home on the day scheduled for closing? Believe it or not, the answer might be no. It is in the borrower’s best interest NOT to schedule move-in day at the same time your home loan closes. FHA Loans, Closing Day, And Anticipating Change Do you know what the day of funding is? For home loans, whether for first-time home buyers or experienced borrowers, the day of funding is when the loan funds transfer to the seller from the lender. This should happen before you take your keys the the property. Know the exact date of funding and you | more...

February 5, 2019

FHA Home Loan Approval For First-Time Home Buyers

By Joe Wallace

What should you know about FHA home loan approval? Buying a first home or a larger property after purchasing a starter home with an FHA mortgage can be less stressful if you remember a few important things right at the start. FHA Home Loans Require A (Lower) Down Payment FHA mortgage loans require a minimum of 3.5% down. Compare that with other mortgage loans such as a conventional mortgage, or other government backed mortgage loans such as the USDA program. Yes, when you do research on USDA loans, you will find a no-down payment option offered to some qualified borrowers. But USDA loans are need-based, and FHA home loans are not. Any financially qualified borrower can apply for an FHA loan if they intend to use the house they buy | more...

FHA Home Loan Credit Score Requirements: FICO Scores And More

February 4, 2019

Questions To Ask Your FHA Lender

By Joe Wallace

There are many questions to ask your participating FHA lender when you are getting ready to purchase a first home or a replacement home. If you are looking at working with a realtor and begin your house hunting process, make sure you create a list of questions for your lender so you can go into the home loan process as informed as possible. Do FHA Home Loans Require Me To Have A Financial Need To Qualify? Your lender will explain that no, FHA home loans are not need-based. There are government-backed need based loans that feature income requirements and maximum income rules; USDA home loans are a good example. But FHA mortgages have no income limit, are not need based, and do not require the borrower to be a first-time | more...

February 4, 2019

FHA Cash-Out Refinance Loans For First-Time Home Buyers

By Bruce Reichstein

There are several important issues centered around FHA cash-out refinance loans. Borrowers who want to cash in on the value of the home will wonder about many aspects of cash-out refi loans. How much money will you get in cash? How long before you can successfully apply for an FHA refi loan once you have purchased your first home? FHA Cash-Out Refinance Loans: Not The Same At Every Lender All housing markets differ and lender standards/requirements will also vary. When it comes to the differences in housing markets, those applying for an FHA cash-out refinance loan in an area with rapidly increasing property values may discover your home is worth far more than originally thought. The reverse may be true in areas that are leveling off or are experiencing changes | more...

February 1, 2019

FHA Loans For First-Time Home Buyers

By Joe Wallace

If you are in the market for a first home or a starter home for a new family, there are many options to keep in mind that an FHA home loan can help you with. Which one of these FHA mortgage loan options is right for you? FHA 203(b) New Purchase Home Loans For First-Time Buyers And Return Borrowers If you are interested in a typical suburban home for your first house hunting adventure, the FHA 203(b) Mortgage is the right one for your needs. These home loans are for existing construction properties that don’t need extensive repairs and are intended for those who plan to own and occupy the home as their primary residence. FHA 203(k) Rehabilitation Loans For Fixer-Upper Homes The FHA 203(k) rehab loan is the one | more...