Articles Tagged With: FHA ARM

June 8, 2016

FHA Home Loan Interest Rate Questions And Answers

There are many questions about FHA home loans, especially where interest rates are concerned. Do you know how the FHA loan process works when it comes to negotiating rates or choosing a fixed rate or an adjustable rate mortgage loan? Here are some of the most common questions and answers in this area: How does the FHA set interest rates on FHA mortgage loans and refinance loans? In general, the FHA actually does not set or regulate interest rates on FHA home loans. For certain loan products there are restrictions on how interest rates can be changed or modified, and there are rules governing the purchase of discount points in order to lower mortgage loan interest rates. But the rates for an FHA mortgage are negotiated between the lender and | more...

March 3, 2015

Interest Rate Caps On FHA ARM Loans

By Joe Wallace

In our last blog post we began discussing FHA adjustable rate mortgages, also known as ARM loans. We talked about how an FHA ARM loan works: “An ARM has four components: (1) an index, (2) a margin, (3) an interest rate cap structure, and (4) an initial interest rate period. When the initial interest rate period has expired, the new interest rate is calculated by adding a margin to the index. Your lender will disclose the margin at time of loan application (margins may vary from lender to lender, so it’s a good idea to shop around for a low margin).” We also mentioned the adjustable nature of the interest rates on these loans. “As the index figure moves up or down, the FHA official site says a borrower’s interest rate, | more...

March 3, 2015

FHA ARM Loans

By Joe Wallace

There are many types of different FHA loan products. You can apply for new purchase home loans, refinance loans, even a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage loan (HECM). But even with this variety of options to choose from, did you know you can apply for new purchase or refinance loans guaranteed by the FHA that have adjustable interest rates? It’s true–the FHA does not guaranty fixed-rate mortgages only. In fact, the FHA official site has a page dedicated to Adjustable Rate Mortgages (also known as ARM loans). Here’s how the FHA/HUD official site defines the ARM Loan: “An ARM is an Adjustable Rate Mortgage. Unlike fixed rate mortgages that have an interest rate that remains the same for the life of the loan, the interest rate on an ARM will change | more...

November 13, 2013

FHA Loans and Bankruptcy Requirements: A Reader Question

By Joe Wallace

A reader asks, “My bankruptcy was discharged December 7 2011. Prior to filing I had very good credit, but was forced to retire because of cutbacks. I currently have a Fannie Mae insured mortgage through a local bank and want to go to a small house and sell my current one. Since filing discharge my wife and I have a good credit record. When I called the bank they now tell me FHA requirement is 3 years. Previously I was told 2 years. Who is right and what can I send the bank to show them the answer.” FHA standards say different things depending on the type of bankruptcy and the circumstances surrounding it, but in any case borrowers should know that lender requirements may exceed the FHA minimums–the bank | more...

June 5, 2013

FHA Loan Answers: First Time Homebuyers

By Joe Wallace

A reader asks, “I have a Chapter 7 bankruptcy a yr ago w/a score 589 and as a veteran honorable recieving SS benefit income of $735.00/month, and together with my wife, employed 5/yrs with an income is $1,920.00 a month, with a score 580. We have been renting for 5yrs without missing or late payments with the same landlord in Fla. Can we qualify as a first time home buyer?” There are two basic issues related to this reader question. The reader asks if there’s a chance to qualify “as a first time home buyer”. The FHA does not, contrary to popular belief, require applicants to be first time home buyers in order to get an FHA home loan. By the same logic, there is no benefit or preference given | more...

September 5, 2012

FHA Loans and Homeowner’s Association Policies

By Joe Wallace

A recent press release issued by the FHA/HUD announced charges against a Florida homeowner’s association for policies the press release claims are in violation of the Fair Housing Act. According to HUDNo.12-145, “The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced…that it is charging a Gibsonton, FL, homeowners association and its Tampa-based former management company with violating the Fair Housing Act by subjecting a family to different rental terms and conditions because they have six children.” The charges allege, according to the press release, “that Townhomes of Kings LakeHomeowners Association (HOA), Inc., and Vanguard Management Group, Inc., violated the Fair Housing Act by telling the family that they had too many people living in their rental townhouse and threatening to evict them if they didn’t reduce the number of | more...

August 28, 2012

FHA Loans, Fair Housing Laws, and Discrimination: What You Can Do

By Joe Wallace

In the month of August, 2012, the FHA/HUD official site reported no fewer than four cases investigated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development related to housing discrimination. In one case, the owners of an Alabama mobile home park were charged with discriminating against an African-American family; another case that reached the settlement stage in Alabama involved discrimination against Hispanic residents. Two more cases, one in West Virginia and another in Minnesota, involved racial bias and discrimination due to a medical condition. FHA loan rules, state laws and federal statutes forbid discrimination of any kind in the housing process. Whether you are applying for a home loan, looking for rental housing, or trying to renew leases or refinance, it is illegal to deny housing for reasons of race, creed, | more...

March 8, 2012

What You Should Know About FHA ARM Loans

By Joe Wallace

Did you know the FHA loan program gives borrowers the option of choosing an adjustable rate mortgage, also known as an FHA ARM loan? Adjustable rate mortgage loans offer an introductory interest rate which, according to the terms of the individual loan, change after the introductory fixed rate period. How long the introductory period may last can vary depending on the loan. Once the introductory rate period has elapsed, the adjustable rate is subject to a cap which can apply year-to-year, or over the lifetime of the FHA loan. The introductory interest rate is often lower than the fixed rate of conventional home loans, making ARM loans attractive to some borrowers depending on their financial needs and goals. ARM loans are comprised of four basic components; the index, margin, interest | more...

January 19, 2012

FHA Loan Reader Question: FHA Loans and Credit History

By Joe Wallace

Sometimes, shopping around for a participating FHA lender is a bit more complex that you might think. There are basic issues related to competitive interest rates, getting the most favorable terms, even the simple chemistry between the borrower and the bank can be an issue. But what about situations where the borrower feels the lender hasn’t quite done right in terms of customer service? One reader left this comment; “I owned my home for 12 years (FHA loan) and sold it December 2010. I am now told that I have NO CREDIT SCORE!!! I paid cash for car and have no credit cards. I

January 12, 2012

FHA Loans: Can I Change the Terms of Sale Agreement?

By Joe Wallace

The FHA provides many helpful resources for homebuyers on its official site at FHA.gov. One of those resources is an online version of a HUD/RESPA booklet called “Buying Your Home” which includes a section on settlement costs. One of the first portions of this booklet a prospective FHA mortgage loan applicant will read includes the following: “The real estate broker probably will give you a preprinted form of agreement of sale. You may make changes or additions to the form agreement, but the seller must agree to every change you make. You should also agree with the seller on when you will move in and what appliances and personal property will be sold with the home.” The second sentence contains a revelation for some borrowers–some loan applicants simply assume that | more...