Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Federal Housing Administration (FHA)

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) is a United States government agency as part of the 
National Housing Act of 1934. 

The goals were:
  • To improve the housing standards& provide home financing through insurance of mortgage loans 
  • Stabilize the mortgage market. 


4 out of 10 of the American population were renters
The new practices allowed a number of people who could afford the down payment and monthly payments.

When the FHA was first introduced to Americans, the industry was "flat on it's back".
Over 2 million construction workers were without jobs.
The terms for those who were seeking a mortgage were 
difficult
 to meet.
1965: It became part of the Department of Housing & Urban Development Office, aka HUD. 
1940's: The FHA helped finance military housing and homes for the  veterans returning from the war. 
1950's & 1960's: helped spark production of million of privately owned apartments for elderly and handicapped,as well as lower income Americans. 
1970's: Thousands of apartment building were struggling to survive, the FHA's emergency financing kept troubled properties a float. 
1980's: Home prices were on a steady decrease & the possibilities for potential home buyers to get financing they needed during the recession.
2001: Nations home ownership rate has soared to an all time high of 68.1%

The FHA insures the loan so the lender will offer a better deal!
The government insures FHA Loans, making the home the collateral and giving lenders protection against default.

Who is eligible?
  • First-time Home-buyers
  • Low Income Households
  • Low Credit Scores
  • Poor Credit History
  • Bankruptcy
  • $0 Out of pocket cash
The Advantages to FHA?
  • Smaller down payment (3%)
  • Lower Costs & closing cost can be included in mortgage
  • Easier to qualify
  • Flexible Credit Guidelines
  • No income requirements


Tip for First Time Home Buyers- By making your FHA Loan payments on time, you are building your credit and equity, you'll have the option to refinance into a conventional loan, with even better rates and NO MORTGAGE INSURANCE.

"Take the first step to home ownership and contact me for more information about 
FHA Loans!
             

Tuesday, June 4, 2013

VA Loans, are you eligible?

Here are the basic eligibility requirements for a VA Loan:


¨ 90 days or more active duty service during wartime
¨ 181 days or more of active duty during peacetime
¨ You were not dishonorably discharged
¨ You are active duty and meet the above requirements
¨ You are the surviving spouse of a veteran who died during service or 
    because of service-related injuries and you have not remarried

(If you're a reservist, you will need six years of service and an honorable discharge - OR - if you've been deployed for 90 days or more in a combat zone, then you will be eligible for a VA Loan)

Alright, so we have established that you are eligible, but now comes the next question – Do you Qualify for a VA Loan?
If you are confident that you'll have no problem qualifying for a VA Loan, then the next step is to get your Certificate of Eligibility, which you can obtain from the VA or your VA Loan Officer can obtain one for you as well.

Credit
You don't have to have great credit to qualify for a VA Loan. Lenders will vary on what they are looking for credit score-wise, but most require a 620 minimum score. Lenders are going to look at your last 12 months to make sure you've been timely with all your payments as well. One late payment won't disqualify you, but lenders want to know you are on top of your credit. 
Income The VA wants you to not only have enough money to make your mortgage payment each month, but they want you to have money left over after everything has been paid as well. This is called your residual income and there is a minimum requirement depending upon your location and family size. 
Employment
The VA likes it when you are employed - it makes you an attractive borrower when they know you have steady income and it's been that way for 2 consecutive years. There are circumstances where VA will allow for less than 2 years, but you will need a good explanation and documentation to support it. 
Bankruptcy
If you've had one - don't fret, it's not the end of your VA quest - you just have to wait. VA requires that you're two years removed from a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy discharge and 1 year removed from a Chapter 13 discharge. Also, VA requires that you've had no late payments while paying off a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy.


*If you are confident that you'll have no problem qualifying for a VA Loan, then the next step is to get your Certificate of Eligibility, which you can obtain from the VA or your VA Loan Officer can obtain one for you as well.