Articles Tagged With: FHA Mortgage Loans

May 6, 2019

FHA Appraisals Versus Home Inspections: Facts You Should Know

We write about FHA home loans, the FHA appraisal process, and why the appraisal should never be used in place of a home inspection to determine the condition of the home. Borrowers who do not personally arrange for a home inspection and rely on the results of the FHA appraisal alone put themselves at serious risk of buying a home that has hidden problems. Because lenders and other industry professionals sometimes use the term “inspection” when referring to the appraisal, borrowers may assume that the appraisal really IS an inspection (which is more in-depth than an appraisal). But this is not true. Here’s one example why you should not rely on the FHA appraisal to tell you the condition of the home; HUD 4000.1 includes appraisal requirements. Here’s a passage | more...

March 18, 2019

What You Need To Know About FHA Condo Loans

By Joe Wallace

Buying a condo with an FHA mortgage loan is an option many borrowers might be interested in but sometimes assumptions about the FHA home loan program might cloud the issue. Here are some things you should know about FHA mortgages for condo purchases. FHA Condo Loans For First-Time Home Buyers FHA condo loans are open to first-time buyers and experienced home owners alike. You will be approved for the FHA condo loan based on your financial qualifications rather than whether or not you have owned property before. FHA Condo Loans Have Certain Advantages The down payment requirements for FHA home loans do not change based on the type of property you purchase, so you are still required to financially qualify but your down payment requirement does not get adjusted because | more...

March 15, 2019

FHA Home Loan Approval Rules You Should Know

By Bruce Reichstein

If you are a first-time home buyer or have never used an FHA home loan before, there are some rules about FHA mortgages you should know before getting started. FHA Home Loan Approval Depends On More Than Your Credit Score It’s easy to fixate on credit scores and they are a major part of what your lender will use to determine a borrower’s creditworthiness. But it’s not the only criteria. Your income, employment, and credit habits will all be examined at home loan application time. FHA loan rules specifically require the lender to verify two years of employment, and that employment does not have to be with the same company. The rules also require your lender to determine that your income is likely to continue. But this is possible even | more...

March 6, 2019

FHA Home Loan Options For First-Time Home Buyers

By Joe Wallace

When some people think about buying a first home, the stereotypical image of a suburban house may come to mind, but that isn’t the only option you have when searching for just the right real estate for your needs. Your participating FHA lender and real estate agents alike will tell you about a variety of housing types and configurations that go above and beyond a typical two-bedroom bungalow, ranch home, split-level home, etc. What other kinds of homes can you purchase with an FHA mortgage? There are FHA home loans for manufactured or modular homes that can be assembled and put on a permanent foundation on land the borrower either already owns or is purchasing as part of the FHA mortgage loan. FHA loans for mobile homes are similar, though | more...

February 28, 2019

FHA Home Loan Answers For First-Time Borrowers

By Joe Wallace

First-time borrowers have many questions about FHA home loans. Here are some common questions and the basic answers, which should give you plenty to discuss with a lender when the time is right. What do you need to know about an FHA home loan? Can I Earn Too Much Money To Qualify For An FHA Mortgage? FHA loans do not have an income cap and these mortgages are not need-based loans. First-time home buyers may have financial constraints such as a tight budget and a need to save money up front on the transaction, and the FHA loan program is designed to help such borrowers with lower down payment requirements and the ability to finance certain closing costs. Do I Have To Live In The Home I Buy With An | more...

February 22, 2019

Is Now The Right Time To Buy Your First Home?

By Bruce Reichstein

Is now the right time for a first-time home buyer to look at real estate listings and consider buying that first home? Is now a good time for those who have owned property before to examine their FHA mortgage loan options? In both cases, the answer may be yes. Recent headlines and reports by companies like Zillow and CNBC indicate rising optimism in the housing market in the first quarter of 2019; inventory is increasing and mortgage loan applications have gone up recently, too. Ask any real estate agent about the state of their market and you may learn that now is a good time to explore your home ownership options. Why choose an FHA mortgage in a climate like this? The low down payment requirement is a good start-you | more...

January 18, 2019

FHA Home Loan Credit Requirements For First Time Home Buyers

By Joe Wallace

First time home buyers and house hunters should know what the FHA loan requirements are for FICO scores, credit history, and factors that affect home loan approval for first time home loan applicants. Are you buying your first home? Are you looking for down payment assistance help and local first-time home buyer programs? FHA mortgage loan rules are designed to make your first home more affordable. Knowing the requirements before you begin your home loan planning process can save you time and money in the long run. FHA Loan FICO Score Requirements For First Time Home Buyers FHA FICO score requirements for all home loan applicants are identical whether you are purchasing your first home or buying another property after having already owned a home. FHA loan FICO score minimums: | more...

January 4, 2019

Renters May Spend More In 2019: Is It Time To Buy?

By Joe Wallace

Do a Google search on the phrase “2019 rent increase” and you’ll find plenty of talk about higher rents. That “higher rents in 2019” includes one article published by Wilmette Week discussing the possibility that the State of Oregon may be considering state-enforced rent control with possible yearly rental increase limits of five percent. The fact that Oregon is considering this as a state-wide measure may not reflect the state of rent increases nationwide, but it certainly is food for thought for anyone living in or near that area. Is 2019 the year to consider buying a home with a low-down payment FHA mortgage instead of submitting to yet another rent increase? Some housing finance blogs and real estate bloggers are discussing how renters in 2018 spent more than the | more...

December 26, 2018

Millennial First-Time Home Buyers, 20 Percent Down Payments, And FHA Mortgages

By Joe Wallace

If you make a 20 percent down payment, you save money over the lifetime of your mortgage loan, avoid private mortgage insurance (for conventional mortgages), and reap the benefits of doing these things over the long term. But millennial home buyers, especially first-time home buyers, may be unable to find the resources to make such a large down payment. If you make a 20 percent down payment, you save money over the lifetime of your mortgage loan, avoid private mortgage insurance (for conventional mortgages), and reap the benefits of doing these things over the long term. But millennial home buyers, especially first-time home buyers, may be unable to find the resources to make such a large down payment. You’ll find many internet articles and home finance blogs discussing the idea | more...

FHA Home Loans: Things To Do, Things Not To Do

December 4, 2018

FHA Cash Out Refinance In 2019

By Joe Wallace

There are many uses for an FHA cash-out refinance loan in 2019. Are you considering paying down student loan debt? Taking equity out of your home in cash for use to to home improvements, or to make a down payment on a new vehicle? FHA loan rules don’t restrict how you can use the funds from your cash out loan. FHA Cash-Out Refinance Loans In 2019 Some borrowers may be concerned about the rising home loan interest rates of 2018, but interest rate trends go in cycles and some mortgage experts are looking to the new year for some corrections or a slowing of interest rates going up based on the notion that further increases might damage consumer confidence. That would encourage the Fed to avoid more rate hikes at | more...