Articles Published in: 2019

February 14, 2019

Should You Become A Landlord With An FHA Mortgage?

Some reports in 2019 indicate more married couples living with roommates than ever; since the mid-90s the number of couples who live with roommates has doubled and many people are considering renting out a spare bedroom to cover housing costs. If you are thinking about a mortgage loan as a first-time home buyer and wondering how you might be able to afford the loan long-term, consider using an FHA mortgage loan to purchase a property with more than one living unit and renting out the unused unit. FHA home loans are possible for first-time buyers (and all other financially qualified applicants) with homes up to four units, making your options to rent out a spare bedroom very attainable. There is no increase the minimum FHA loan down payment requirement regardless | more...

February 13, 2019

Will Another Government Shutdown Affect First-Time Home Buyers Applying For FHA Mortgage Loans?

By Joe Wallace

While threats of another government shutdown seem to be on-again, off-again, some potential FHA borrowers are wondering if there will be a repeat of the stalemate that brought the longest government shutdown in recent memory. And will FHA home loans be available to first-time home buyers if the whole affair repeats itself again? FHA Mortgage Loans Will Still Be Available During The Government Shutdown The kind of loan you buy a home with, FHA forward mortgages, will continue to be serviced during a possible shutdown as previously reported here and elsewhere, as discussed in the HUD/FHA contingency plan released prior to the last shutdown. Reverse mortgages, on the other hand, may once again be completely unavailable during the shutdown. FHA loans that cannot be processed using automated means-those that require | more...

February 12, 2019

FHA Home Loan Rules For Sellers

By Joe Wallace

What do sellers need to know about FHA home loans? There are several areas that you should know when negotiating with a first-time home buyer or an experienced real estate owner. One excellent example; when the home is appraised for an FHA mortgage loan, if the appraisal values the home at a dollar amount lower than the sale price, the borrower cannot be forced to complete the transaction. She has the option to walk away from the loan. This option is described in HUD 4000.1 which instructs the lender that a clause must be inserted into any sales contract involving an FHA mortgage that includes the following; “It is expressly agreed that notwithstanding any other provisions of this contract, the purchaser shall not be obligated to complete the purchase of | more...

February 12, 2019

HUD Announces Disaster Relief For Alaska Earthquake Victims

By Bruce Reichstein

Department of Housing and Urban Development has announced federal disaster assistance for the State of Alaska and those affected by the earthquake there. On January 31st, the President declared a major disaster area in Anchorage, Matanuska-Susitna Borough, and Kenai Peninsula Borough. A federal disaster declaration allows HUD to offer foreclosure relief and other assistance to those living in the affected areas. According to the press release, HUD offers immediate foreclosure relief to those with FHA mortgages in the disaster area. Borrowers should not delay in contact their FHA loan officers. Home loan disaster relief is not automatic and you will need to discuss your options with the lender as soon as possible once you know you will experience a delay in making payments. Borrowers are eligible for 100 percent financing, | more...

February 12, 2019

Rising Rent Versus FHA Home Loans For First-Time Home Buyers

By Joe Wallace

Real estate and home mortgage blogs in the first quarter are 2019 are still reporting on the rising rent trends in many areas of the country that seem to be encouraging renters to examine their home buying options. Did you know that rents increased in places ranging from Wichita, Kansas to Scottsdale, Arizona? The increases in those two areas was above 12% each. Studio apartment rents climbed roughly 5% higher by the end of 2018, and in Newark, New Jersey renters were on the receiving end of more than 17% higher rents from last year. If you are tired of renting and are considering buying a first home, consider these perks of the FHA home loan program: Low Down Payment Requirements For FHA Loans First time home buyers looking at | more...

February 11, 2019

How To Find The Right Mortgage

By Bruce Reichstein

First-time home buyers often aren’t sure what to look for when it comes to choosing the right mortgage loan. You can have a real estate agent help you with MLS listings to find the right type of home, you can compare participating FHA lenders to see which ones offer the best mortgage loan interest rates, and you can select from a variety of options with the mortgage itself. Choose The Right Mortgage Loan For Your Needs The family that needs to relocate to a new area for a job move does not have the same immediate needs as someone interested in buying a fixer-upper home with an rehabilitation loan. Your needs and financial goals will play an important part in the type of mortgage loan you choose. FHA Home Loans | more...

February 8, 2019

FHA Mortgage Loan Approval For First-Time Borrowers

By Joe Wallace

What does it take for a first-time borrower to get home loan approval with an FHA mortgage? There are several areas to pay attention to; don’t make the common first-time buyer mistake of thinking that FICO scores are the only thing that matter when it comes time for your lender to approve your mortgage loan. First Time Buyer Home Loan Approval Criteria: Employment FHA loan rules require your lender to verify two years of employment, though those two years do not have to be with the same company. What borrowers should know about this requirement is that the lender wants to know if your income is stable and likely to continue long after the loan has been closed. Generally a lender wants to know if your current income will allow | more...

February 7, 2019

FHA Loan Approval: Credit Check Facts

By Joe Wallace

First-time borrowers and experienced house hunters alike often wonder if their credit is good enough to be approved for a new mortgage loan. Do you know the facts about credit and FHA home loan approval? FHA Credit Score Standards May Vary From Your Lender’s Requirements The FHA home loan program’s FICO score standards are the minimum requirement. FHA loan rules say that any borrower with a FICO score of 500 or higher is eligible to apply for an FHA loan. Lender standards may be higher than this, which is one reason why it’s best to start working on your credit early-long before you apply for a home loan. FHA Credit Requirements Can Be More Forgiving FHA loan rules in HUD 4000.1 say that it is not impossible to get a | more...

February 6, 2019

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

By Bruce Reichstein

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...