FHA loan limit is going to be raised to 417k...

10/02/2008 - "This morning, FHA Commissioner Brian Montgomery announced that the new HECM nationwide loan limit (maximum claim amount) will be $417,000. The target effective date is November 1"
This is a target date right now, not a set deadline. We still expect FHA to increase the "floor" on the origination fee from $2,000 to $2,500. A mortgagee letter will be published shortly that provides additional details.

There was some debate within HUD to consider area limits at 115% of area median home value, with a floor of $417,000 and a cap of $625,500. Ultimately, the interpretation was determined that the new legislation will be a $417,000 loan limit. As many of you recall, this was the original limit embraced by the industry.
As NRMLA requested a more liberal interpretation to $625,500 in high cost areas, the complexity of the bill's language created much debate and ultimately this final decision. Nonetheless, we are pleased with this major milestone for the industry.

A majority of U.S. counties have lending limits at the existing floor (currently $200,162), which has drastically reduced the amount of equity that seniors living in higher-valued homes could access. We believe these new limits will have a significant impact on the quality of life and provide more relief to those seniors who need the help especially in today's turbulent economic environment.
These are all positive developments for the reverse mortgage industry and the clients we serve. And as HUD moves toward the implementation of many other important aspects of the housing bill including the new purchase product and co-op lending, we look forward to continuing to report on additional developments in these areas in the near future."
Announcement comes from NRMLA (National reverse Mortgage Lenders Association) 10/02/2008
Press Release from NRMLA