Articles Tagged With: Single Family Handbook 4000.1

March 23, 2023

FHA Loan Down Payments

Borrowers have many questions about FHA loan down payment rules, which can be a tricky issue for some in the beginning–do you know what is required for an FHA loan down payment? For starters, the source of your down payment funds will be scrutinized. You can’t provide a down payment from a credit card cash advance or non-collateralized loan. You cannot use payday loans for your down payment. You cannot use funds from third parties, such as friends or family, from these unapproved sources, either. Sources of down payment funds acceptable to the FHA include cash saved by the borrower, certain retirement funds, stocks or other assets that have been cashed in, certain types of gift funds from a relative may be acceptable if the funds meet FHA requirements, etc. | more...

October 21, 2020

FHA and HUD Announce New Automated Loan Processing System

By Joe Wallace

The Federal Housing Administration has announced a new automated underwriting system for use by participating lenders who process FHA Single-Family home loans. The new system allows lenders to electronically submit loan application data for single family forward mortgages directly to tbe FHA and, “receive mortgage insurance eligibility scoring decisions generated from FHA’s Total Mortgage Scorecard. “The launch of FHA’s first direct automated underwriting system is a huge milestone for the over one million borrowers on average who rely on FHA insurance annually,” according to Assistant Secretary for Housing and Federal Housing Commissioner Dana Wade, who was quoted in an FHA press release. Wade adds, “We’re excited to deliver this enhanced automated underwriting capability specifically for FHA-insured lending because it will streamline processes for everyone, including consumers.” This new system has | more...

December 5, 2018

FHA Home Loans For Families

By Bruce Reichstein

FHA home loans for families offer advantages that go beyond the comparatively lower interest rates than for conventional loans (borrower financial qualifications will help determine the actual rate the applicant is able to get from the participating FHA lender). Those advantages are important to remember when comparing FHA loans to conventional equivalents or USDA and VA mortgage loans. What kinds of advantages? They include the ability to be considered for a second FHA mortgage later down the line if job or family requirements have the borrowers thinking they might be outgrowing their home or need to relocate to be closer to a new job. FHA Mortgage Loans Allow Financing And Seller Assistance For Certain Closing Costs Borrowers who need very low out-of-pocket expenses up front will be glad to learn | more...

March 7, 2018

FHA Loans And Electronic Signatures: Rules You Need To Know

By Bruce Reichstein

What do you need to know about FHA loans and electronic signatures? In the 21st century, it’s easy to assume that certain aspects of digital and mobile culture are applicable to most (if not all) transactions. But in the case of FHA home loans, it’s not quite that easy. Electronic Signatures Are Not Universal The use of electronic signatures for home loan paperwork is not available from all participating FHA lenders, and FHA loan rules do not permit the use of electronic signatures in certain loan transactions. In fact, on certain types of loan paperwork, electronic signatures are never permitted, at least at the time of this writing. FHA Loan Rules Define Electronic Signatures HUD 4000.1 instructs the lender, “An electronic signature conducted in accordance with the Electronic Signature Performance | more...

March 6, 2018

Is There A Size Requirement For FHA Loan Homes?

By Joe Wallace

Is there a size requirement for FHA loan homes? Some borrowers may have concerns about size issues, and while there are some rules on the books that affect FHA loan transactions in terms of size, not all guidelines apply to all housing types. In fact, FHA loan rules often leave certain details of the appraisal process up to the local authority; the FHA does not try to regulate every single state of the appraisal process or try to anticipate all potential issues. State and local laws play an important part in the appraisal process. FHA Loan Rules and State/Local Building Code FHA loan rules covering all aspects of the appraisal process are found in HUD 4000.1, the FHA single family loan program handbook. But these rules aren’t the only ones | more...

November 29, 2017

Appraising the Foundation and Basement: FHA Loan Standards

By Bruce Reichstein

What are the FHA loan standards for appraising the foundation and basement of a home to be purchased with an FHA mortgage? The FHA appraisal process is designed to insure that specific standards in this area are met. When problems are detected in an appraisal, they are noted for correction or other appropriate action. The appraisal process covers everything from the electrical system to the roof-the home and its various systems must be within a certain range of good repair and sustainability. For example, there can’t be exposed wiring in the home that would pose a hazard to the future occupants. The roof must not leak or otherwise allow moisture to enter the house. When it comes to the standards for foundations and basements, the FHA has a clear set | more...

August 7, 2017

Which Credit Score Will My Lender Use For My Home Loan?

By Bruce Reichstein

Which credit score will my lender use for my home loan? There is understandably some confusion over this issue; there are three major credit reporting agencies, and multiple credit scores possible. How does your lender know which score(s) to use? When it comes to FHA mortgage loans, the FHA loan handbook has instructions for the lender on how to proceed when evaluating a borrower’s credit scores. One page 132 we learn: “The Minimum Decision Credit Score (MDCS) refers to the credit score reported on the Borrower’s credit report when all reported scores are the same. Where three differing scores are reported, the middle score is the MDCS. Where two differing scores are reported, the MDCS is the lowest score. Where only one score is reported, that score is the MDCS.” | more...

June 1, 2017

FHA Loans And Multi-Unit Properties

By Joe Wallace

FHA home loans are intended for owner-occupiers. The FHA loan occupancy requirement states that the borrower must begin using the home purchased with an FHA loan within a specified time after closing (usually within 60 days) and for a minimum of one year. But FHA loan rules also permit owner-occupiers to buy multi-unit properties. For multi-unit homes, the borrower must occupy at least one unit but is free to rent out the unused spaces in the home to others. FHA loan rules limit the number of units to four in these transactions. If a borrower intends to apply for an FHA loan for a home that has multiple units, it may be tempting to try to convince the lender to factor in any potential income from such rental as part | more...

May 31, 2017

FHA Adjustable Rate Mortgage Rules: Rates, Term, and Adjustments

By Joe Wallace

Some potential FHA borrowers might be surprised to learn that an FHA adjustable rate mortgage (FHA ARM) is an option to consider, but for those with specific financial needs and goals, an FHA ARM loan might be a very good idea. FHA adjustable rate mortgages have specific controls over how much and when an interest rate change may occur, but there are other rules that also affect this type of FHA mortgage. All the rules for FHA ARM loans are found in HUD 4000.1, the FHA Single Family Loan Handbook. It says that the initial rate and margin are established by the lender, and that the margin must be constant over the entire term of the mortgage. Furthermore, “The interest rate must remain constant for an initial period of 1, | more...

Can I get an FHA home loan if I owe back taxes?

May 11, 2017

FHA Loans And Income Verification Requirements

By Joe Wallace

FHA loan income verification requirements include submitting tax data as part of the application process. Your lender may require tax returns and other paperwork; depending on the transaction these requirements may include additional forms of documentation. A reader got in touch recently in our comments section to ask about these income verification issues. “Our lender is asking for two years of tax returns. We have not filed for 2016 yet. We apply for and get an extension every year and have until October since we are freelancers…Can we just submit 2014 & 2015 for now to apply for the loan? We have pay stubs for 2016 as proof for income and it is greater than what we have made the priors years. Although, it seems to be a problem that | more...