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Upcoming FHA Changes and Lending Update

By
Real Estate Sales Representative with John L. Scott Real Estate

Looking back on 2009, a majority of the house sales we were involved in, the buyers used FHA financing. With all the changes in our industry, look for even more in 2010. Below is information regarding these important changes from a local leder, Bryan Milligan from Pacific Residential Mortgage. Buyers, please read. This affects you. Take note especially to the last paragraph, this is a huge change. Again, I cannot stress how good of a time it is to buy NOW!

A couple items of interest with FHA loans have changed or being changed in the future. (some in place now)

 

FHA has increased its upfront mortgage insurance premium.  This premium is normally rolled into the loan and financed as part of the total loan amount.  It is being raised from 1.75% to 2.25% (This is also the 2nd raise in the UFMIP in the past 4yrs.)

 

FHA has increased the Min down needed for borrowers with a credit score under 580 fico.  This amount will be 10% down.  This one here is a catch-22.  As of now, there are not any lenders funding FHA loans with a credit score under 620 anyways, so.....  This change doesn't affect us anyways. (Even though FHA says 580 min..Lenders with their Layer of risk and overlays, have required 620 min scores anyways.  Some now require 640  and some will not fund with a FICO less than 660.)

 

There are talks of increasing the monthly insurance premium (currently @ .50% of the loan amount monthly)  Nothing is set in stone as of yet. I will bring you current when that change is official.

 

FHA flipping rule:  Currently FHA will not allow the sell of a home, unless the seller has been on title for 91 days prior to the accepted EMA.   This change has already been approved. (it seems HUD is sitting on to many homes, and they need to find a way to get rid of them faster....no kidding)

 

Here is the biggest change, that affects all of us.   FHA will be lowering the sellers ability to participate with closing costs.  Currently the seller can contribute 6% of the purchase price, towards the borrowers closing costs and pre-paids.  This number will change to 3%.  This change is expected by early summer of this year. (May/June)

 

Steve Vitani
RE/MAX ELITE, Brevard County FL - Viera, FL
Brevard County MLS Viera Fl Real Estate Viera Florida, Suntree

Thanks for the update and sharing the info Jennifer. NOW IS THE TIME TO CHECK YOUR CREDIT HEALTH!! Cut the fat out of your monthly spending..as for the FHA changes, I think for those prepared it will not be an issue. 3% should be enough to cover most of the closing costs and pre-paids. the MIP will increase the payment, but the bif one will be the fico risk overlays that the lenders keep imposing....check out my blog on FHA changes so you can see my point!

Here's to better credit health! And of Course Human Health too :-) LOL

Steve Vitani

www.stevesellsflorida.com

Feb 01, 2010 02:14 AM
Robert Rauf
CMG Home Loans - Toms River, NJ

Jennifer, this is great, usually I have to add to posts like this and remind people that we are in a 620 world for mortgages, but you even added in the 640's and 660s that some lenders are requiring.

Just keep in mind that the MIP change is only about $6/month on a 200k mortgage, so it wont keep anyone from being able to buy a home, and it is still much cheaper than PMI on a conventional loan.

Also, dont forget the USDA, it is a great alternative for many buyers if they fit into the income mold and the property is in their designated areas. and the mortgage insurance is MUCH cheaper than FHA!

Feb 01, 2010 03:05 AM