https://www.efanniemae.com/sf/guides/ssg/annltrs/pdf/2008/0808.pdf
Fannie Mae has increased time in the penalty box for people with foreclosures on their credit report. Currently a 4yr time frame must pass and that has been increased to 5yrs.
No doubt this is in answer to the many borrowers who can pay their mortgage and elect to let their homes go back to the bank because they owe far more than the home is worth. The banks call it Jingle Mail when a borrower just flat out 'does the give-up' and mails in their keys.
Banks are usually left holding the bag on a home that cannot begin to payoff the balance after auction.
The credit crunch has been here for months and seems to only be getting tighter. If you have past credit issues and are looking for a mortgage, those options are tightening up really quick.
Realtors: Take note that your clients are also subject to rate adjustments for low FICO scores. So when your borrower says that their best offer is 6.5%, do not assume that the Loan Officer is just being greedy. Risk adjustments may be the likely cause.
While Fannie Mae is quickly adjusting their product offerrings for the current market, FHA Loans are still cranking out deals under the old rules. Although FHA hasn't made any drastic changes, expect a slight rate adjustment and minimum FICO scores going forward(lender requirements, not FHA requirements).
FHA: This isn't your father's mortgage. FHA is looking very sexy these days!!!
Tom Burris
DallasLoanGuy.com
Dallas, TX
"A Home Loan for Every Texan"
http://www.dallasloanguy.com/

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