HUD(FHA) has a fantastic mortgage program for disaster victims called the FHA 203h. It is for someone who has been affected by a Disaster, such as Hurricane Harvey. It allows them to buy a new home with 0% down payment. Here are the specifics to know:
The home must be in a President Declared Disaster Area, to verify this you can check with FEMA to see the affected Counties
The FHA case number must be ordered within one year of the declared disaster. This means that they do not need to rush out to take advantage of this program, but rather use it later on when the time is right for them.
Their personal home must have been affected. Or apartment, rented home, etc. But not a 2nd home or rental property owned.
Documentation will be needed to show the home was destroyed or damaged to an extend that it needs to be repaired or replaced, etc.
When buying a new home the mortgage payment on the current(destroyed or damaged home)can be ignored when qualifying if: 1. Proof that the borrower is working with the current mortgage company to appropriately address the current mortgage. 2. Also that all insurance proceeds are applied to that current mortgage.
For the most part this loan follows regular FHA guidelines, thou you will want to check with your Lender on their required min credit score and any additional requirements they have. HUD says a min 500 credit score, but most lenders will have their own min credit score. Our needed min credit score is 600 for this program
Late housing payments can be ignored if the borrower was not 3 months or more delinquent at the time of the disaster. Now while this is fantastic news, keep in mind there is still the needed min credit score. So, these late payments could lower their credit score to under the needed credit score.
Also, do not forget the FHA 203k is a fantastic program for financing repairs needed for your home after a disaster.
There is a lot to know when it comes to this program so make sure you are working with a knowledgeable Lender.
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