April 19, 2017
Based on some of our reader questions lately, there seems to be some confusion over the rules for FHA loans where the borrower is interested in applying for an additional FHA mortgage. What are the rules in HUD 4000.1 on this issue?
There are two general areas of confusion related to those rules. Some borrowers have purchased a primary residence with non FHA loans and want to know if the FHA loan rules governing additional mortgages apply to them.
According to a literal interpretation of the requirements in HUD 4000.1, borrowers who have a non-FHA mortgage are free to apply for an FHA mortgage without worrying about being in violation of the rules. FHA loans have rules for additional mortgages apply which specifically to those who already have an existing FHA loan.
However, a borrower interested in another mortgage should know that regardless of circumstances, the lender is required to evaluate the applicant’s debt-to-income ratio to determine if the new loan is possible. So while those with non-FHA mortgages may be technically free to apply for FHA loans, the debt to income ratio question is one that will play a large part in the decision to approve or deny the loan application.
Additionally, for all forward FHA mortgages under the FHA Single Family mortgage loan program, occupancy of the newly purchased property is a requirement. You cannot purchase a new home under the Single Family mortgage loan program unless you intend to occupy it as your primary residence.
For borrowers with existing FHA mortgages, HUD 4000.1 instructs the lender:
“FHA will not insure more than one Property as a Principal Residence for any Borrower, except as noted below. FHA will not insure a Mortgage if it is determined that the transaction was designed to use FHA mortgage insurance as a vehicle for obtaining Investment Properties, even if the Property to be insured will be the only one owned using FHA mortgage insurance.”
Exceptions for the above include provisions for those experiencing an increase in family size, job relocation, vacating a jointly-owned property, and situations where the applicant is a non-occupying co-borrower on another property. Borrowers should discuss their needs with a participating lender to see what may be possible under such circumstances.
Joe Wallace has been specializing in military and personal finance topics since 1995. His work has appeared on Air Force Television News, The Pentagon Channel, ABC and a variety of print and online publications. He is a 13-year Air Force veteran and a member of the Air Force Public Affairs Alumni Association. He was Managing editor for www.valoans.com for (8) years and is currently the Associate Editor for FHANewsblog.com.
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