Articles Tagged With: Amortization

August 3, 2011

FHA Section 203(k) Loan Facts

The FHA Section 203(k) loan, sometimes called a rehab loan, the Federal Housing Administration’s “primary program for the rehabilitation and repair of single family properties” according to the official site. The FHA 203(k) is sometimes used in partnership with state or local agencies, non-profits and other groups to rehab homes, but the 203(k) can also be used by individuals to purchase and repair individual properties. The 203(k) section at FHA.gov states, “When a homebuyer wants to purchase a house in need of repair or modernization, the homebuyer usually has to obtain financing first to purchase the dwelling; additional financing to do the rehabilitation construction; and a permanent mortgage when the work is completed to pay off the interim loans with a permanent mortgage. Often the interim financing (the acquisition and | more...

May 13, 2011

FHA Loans For Manufactured Homes: Which Manufactured Homes Are Eligible?

By Joe Wallace

The rules for FHA insured loans have long included manufactured homes; the FHA recognizes that not all borrowers need or want a tradition suburban home, condo, or multi-family unit. Manufactured homes have their own unique requirements in order to be approved for FHA mortgages, and in order to be eligible for FHA financing, the home must meet these requirements to the letter unless otherwise specified in FHA loan requirements. For starters, a manufactured home is not eligible for an FHA insured loan unless it has at least 400 square feet of floor space. It must be built upon and remain on a permanent chassis and foundation. That foundation must be considered permanent and meet FHA specifications. The home must be classified as real estate, which goes back to the permanent | more...

February 18, 2011

FHA Loans: Important Details Of Adjustable Rate and Interest-Only Mortgages

By Bruce Reichstein

When a first-time home buyer is searching for a home to buy with an FHA guaranteed loan, the buyer isn't just shopping for a home--they're also shopping for a home loan. There are many options to choose from, one of which is the adjustable rate mortgage or ARM loan for short. Another is the interest-only mortgage loan, also known as an I-O mortgage. We

January 19, 2011

What is the FHA Definition of a Manufactured Home?

By Joe Wallace

FHA home loans are available for mobile homes, manufactured homes and/or modular homes. How does the FHA define a manufactured home and how is it different than a new construction or existing construction suburban home? Much depends on the status of the manufactured home and how it is assembled. According to the FHA official site, a manufactured home differs from a new construction project in one very important way.

December 21, 2010

What is an FHA Growing Equity Mortgage?

By Joe Wallace

For every new home owner, there is a different set of needs. FHA mortgages are designed to serve a range of preferences. Some people apply for an FHA home loan looking simply for low monthly payments. Others purchase homes looking for lower interest rates so they can save money over the lifetime of the FHA loan. Still others want to purchase homes with shorter commitment times. For those who want shorter mortgage terms, the FHA Growing Equity Mortgage or GEM is an option worth looking into. GEMs are basically Graduated Payment Mortgages; they let the borrower pay off the principal faster while shortening the mortgage term by increasing the payments over time.