New England Properties

Frequently Asked Question: Can we qualify for an FHA mortgage with a bankruptcy?

Frequently Asked Question: Can we qualify for an FHA mortgage with a bankruptcy?

Q: We are in the process of bankruptcy due to health issues. My question is, if we sell our present house to downsize and get a smaller mortgage (by at least $70k), would we be able to get a mortgage? Now that we are discharging the other debt, we are able to make our mortgage payments. Would we qualify for a much smaller mortgage even with the bankruptcy?

A: By FHA guidelines, if you had a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, then you would need to wait two years from the date of the discharge before you can qualify for a mortgage.

If it was a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, you would need to provide proof that you have been making all court appointed payments on time for a minimum of 12 months. You would also need to get written approval from the bankruptcy trustee or the court to go ahead with a mortgage.

In either case (Chapter 7 or 13 bankruptcy), you would have to have reestablished good credit, have a good job stability, and have a good explanation as to why you had a bankruptcy - including why you think it won't happen again.

It's possible that your health issues can be classified as an "extraordinary circumstance." If you had a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, then with proper documentation and reasoning, you may be able to cut the time period to buy and finance a home with an FHA mortgage from 2 years to 1. But, it will be difficult at best if not impossible to find a lender that would be willing to approve your mortgage application.

 

Lew Corcoran
Licensed Real Estate Professional

Best Choice Real Estate Services
133 Turnpike St, South Easton, MA 02375
Phone Toll-Free: (800) 984-3341

Serving Easton MA and the Surrounding Area

 

Search the MLS for:

Homes for Sale | Homes for Rent

Short Sales (Pre-Foreclosures)

Government and Bank Foreclosed Homes for Sale

Learn how to Avoid Foreclosure with Home Rescue Plans

Get the latest Easton MA Real Estate Market News

1 commentLew Corcoran • February 18 2010 07:59AM

Frequently Asked Question: Can I Put Just 3.5% Down for an FHA Mortgage on a 2-Unit Property with a Non-Occupant Co-Borrower?

Frequently Asked Question: Can I Put Just 3.5% Down for an FHA Mortgage on a 2-Unit Property with a Non-Occupant Co-Borrower?

Q: I would like to buy a 2-family home with an FHA mortgage and live in one of the units. But I need my mother as a non-occupant co-borrower to help me qualify for the mortgage. Can I buy the house with just 3.5% down payment?

A: No. If there is a non-occupant co-borrower and you are purchasing a multi-family residence (i.e., 2-, 3- or 4-Unit property), then you must put at least 25% down.

When there are two or more borrowers, and one or more of those borrowers will not occupy the property as their primary residence, and you are putting less than 25% down, then the subject property must be a single family residence.

FHA instituted this rule to guard against non-occupant co-borrowers from developing a portfolio of rental properties. The degree of financial contribution by the non-occupant borrower, and the number of properties similarly owned, may indicate that an investor loan has become the practical reality and that, in effect, family members or non-occupant co-borrowers would be acting as "strawbuyers."

 

Lew Corcoran
Licensed Real Estate Professional

Best Choice Real Estate Services
133 Turnpike St, South Easton, MA 02375
Phone Toll-Free: (800) 984-3341

Serving Easton MA and the Surrounding Area

 

Search the MLS for:

Homes for Sale | Homes for Rent

Short Sales (Pre-Foreclosures)

Government and Bank Foreclosed Homes for Sale

Learn how to Avoid Foreclosure with Home Rescue Plans

Get the latest Easton MA Real Estate Market News

2 commentsLew Corcoran • February 18 2010 07:45AM

Frequently Asked Question: Which is Better: An FHA Mortgage with 5% Down, or a Conventional Loan with 10% Down?

Frequently Asked Question: Which is Better: An FHA Mortgage with 5% Down, or a Conventional Loan with 10% Down?

Q: Which is a better way to buy a home? Getting an FHA mortgage with 5% down payment and with 5% emergency backup? Or a Conventional loan with 10% down and no emergency backup?

A: Let's use an example. Let's say you want to buy a house for $100,000. For a conventional mortgage, you will put $10,000 down. For an FHA mortgage, you will put $5,000 down. So, we will compare a conventional $90,000 mortgage with a $95,000 FHA mortgage.

With FHA, you will have an Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP) of 1.75% of the loan amount, but that can be rolled into the loan. So, your FHA loan will be $96,662. Both loans will have a monthly mortgage insurance premium.

Let's also assume the interest rate is the same for both mortgages at 5.0%. When you include principal and interest and monthly mortgage insurance premiums, you will pay about $34 more per month with an FHA loan as compared to the conventional loan. But, you will hold $5000 in cash reserves. Assuming that you will not earn any interest on the $5000, it will take 142 months (12 years!) to draw $34/mo off the $5000 in reserves to break even.

Additionally, with a conventional mortgage, you will need two months of PITI mortgage payments in reserves after settlement. PITI includes Principal and Interest, escrows for Taxes and Insurance, and mortgage insurance premiums. With FHA, you don't need any cash reserves. However, you will show $5000 in reserves. You will actually have an easier time getting approval for an FHA mortgage than for a conventional one. Additionally, you will have funds available for any small emergencies that may arise.

In this case, you will be better off with the FHA loan with 5% down than with a conventional loan with 10% down.

 

Lew Corcoran
Licensed Real Estate Professional

Best Choice Real Estate Services
133 Turnpike St, South Easton, MA 02375
Phone Toll-Free: (800) 984-3341

Serving Easton MA and the Surrounding Area

 

Search the MLS for:

Homes for Sale | Homes for Rent

Short Sales (Pre-Foreclosures)

Government and Bank Foreclosed Homes for Sale

Learn how to Avoid Foreclosure with Home Rescue Plans

Get the latest Easton MA Real Estate Market News

4 commentsLew Corcoran • February 09 2010 09:44AM

Frequently Asked Question: Can I qualify for an FHA loan if my fiance and I both just got new jobs this year?

Frequently Asked Question: Can I qualify for an FHA loan if my fiance and I both just got new jobs this year?

Q: Can I qualify for an FHA loan if my fiance and I both just got new jobs this year?

A: FHA requires a 2-year employment history. It doesn't matter if you switch jobs - so long as you're in the same general line of work or you had an increase in pay and/or responsibilities.

What does matter is if you switch from a job that is paying wages to a job that is paid by commission (if full or in part). If you switch to a commission based job, then you will have to document 2 years of earnings.

Also, if you were a full-time student and recently graduated from college, that can be considered "employment" for the purposes of a mortgage application. You will have to provide evidence of graduation (diploma).

 

 

Lew Corcoran
Licensed Real Estate Professional

Best Choice Real Estate Services
133 Turnpike St, South Easton, MA 02375
Phone Toll-Free: (800) 984-3341

Serving Easton MA and the Surrounding Area

 

Search the MLS for:

Homes for Sale | Homes for Rent

Short Sales (Pre-Foreclosures)

Government and Bank Foreclosed Homes for Sale

Learn how to Avoid Foreclosure with Home Rescue Plans

Get the latest Easton MA Real Estate Market News

27 commentsLew Corcoran • February 05 2010 05:22AM

Frequently Asked Question: FHA Changes: What Would I Need Upfront to Buy a Home?

Frequently Asked Question: FHA Changes: What Would I Need Upfront to Buy a Home?     

Q: Assuming the final price on the home is $150,000, what would I need up front to buy the home with an FHA mortgage?

Does the now 2.25% (formerly 1.75% Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium) have to be paid with cash, or can that be rolled into the FHA mortgage?

And what about closing costs? How much now on average would someone need up front?

A: With an FHA mortgage, you can still buy the home with 3.5% down (.035 x 150,000 = $5,250). The Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (UFMIP) is still 1.75% of the loan amount (.0175 x 150,000 = $2533), and it can be paid in cash or it can be rolled into the FHA mortgage.

Closing costs can vary depending on how much you want to pay. Basically, the lower the interest rate, the higher the fees, and the higher the interest rate, the lower the fees. Expect to pay 2% - 4% of the loan amount in closing costs.

Sellers can contribute up to 6% of the purchase price towards your closing costs. You can also use gift of funds from relatives, from your employer, from a non-profit organization, from your church, and/or grants from a government agency towards your closing costs. So, it's possible to buy a home and not have to pay any of the closing costs.

But you better hurry. There are changes coming to FHA loans. Beginning April 5, 2010, the UFMIP will increase to 2.25% of the loan amount. And, seller concessions will be reduced from 6% to 3%.

One other change will take effect. FHA currently has no credit score requirements. Beginning April 5, 2010, those with credit scores that are below 580 will have to put at least 10% down towards the purchase of a home. But that's basically a mute point. Virtually all lenders today require a minimum credit score of 620. Some require a minimum credit score of 640.

 

Lew Corcoran
Licensed Real Estate Professional

Best Choice Real Estate Services
133 Turnpike St, South Easton, MA 02375
Phone Toll-Free: (800) 984-3341

Serving Easton MA and the Surrounding Area

 

Search the MLS for:

Homes for Sale | Homes for Rent

Short Sales (Pre-Foreclosures)

Government and Bank Foreclosed Homes for Sale

Learn how to Avoid Foreclosure with Home Rescue Plans

Get the latest Easton MA Real Estate Market News

2 commentsLew Corcoran • January 29 2010 05:18AM

Frequently Asked Question: What is the fair amount for mortgage insurance premium on an FHA mortgage?

Frequently Asked Question: What is the fair amount for mortgage insurance premium on an FHA mortgage?

Q: What is the fair amount for mortgage insurance premium on an FHA mortgage (30 year) with 3.5% down?

A: For 30 year fixed FHA mortgages with 3.5% down, the annual mortgage insurance premium (MIP) is calculated by taking the loan amount and multiplying it by 0.55%, then dividing the result by 12 to get the monthly premium.

For example, for a loan amount of $100,000, the annual premium is $550 (100,000 x 0.0055). The monthly premium is $45.83 (550/12).

 

Lew Corcoran
Licensed Real Estate Professional

Best Choice Real Estate Services
133 Turnpike St, South Easton, MA 02375
Phone Toll-Free: (800) 984-3341

Serving Easton MA and the Surrounding Area

 

Search the MLS for:

Homes for Sale | Homes for Rent

Short Sales (Pre-Foreclosures)

Government and Bank Foreclosed Homes for Sale

Learn how to Avoid Foreclosure with Home Rescue Plans

Get the latest Easton MA Real Estate Market News

4 commentsLew Corcoran • January 16 2010 01:12PM

Frequently Asked Question: What are the Current FHA Guidelines for Condos?

Frequently Asked Question: What are the current FHA guidelines for condos?

Q: We are looking at purchasing a condo. The owner to renter ratio would be 50 to 50 if we go for this condo (currently it is at 49% to 50%). What are the guidelines for FHA when it comes to this currently? Where can I find that information because our current mortgage guy keeps telling us things that we don't believe sound correct?

A: HUD has previously announced new procedure for approving condominiums for FHA-insured mortgages.

Effective with case numbers ordered on February 1, 2010, FHA Spot Approvals of condominium projects will no longer available. Most lenders will require that a condominium project be approved with FHA or they will not underwrite the mortgage application.

A few lenders will run non-approved condominium projects through the HUD Review and Approval Process (HRAP) PROVIDED that the condo project is not already working with another lender for approval. The "turn-time" for HRAP approval is expected to take 4-6 weeks.

Due to these changes by HUD, the Veteran's Administration and Fannie Mae have both announced that HUD approval of condo projects will no longer be eligible. Projects secured by VA financing must be approved by VA. Conforming loans must meet Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac requirements to be eligible.

FHA has made the following changes to its condominium requirements: 

  • The minimum required number of units in a project is reduced from 4 to 2
  • Owner-occupancy ratio requirement within a project is reduced from 51% to 50%
  • Pre-sale percentage within project is reduced to 50%
  • FHA Concentration level is increased to 30%
  • One year waiting period for conversions is eliminated
  • Spot Approval is eliminated

In order to address current housing market conditions, FHA has temporarily waived some of the provisions of the new guidance for case numbers assigned on or after 12/7/09 through 12/31/10:

  • FHA Spot Loan Approval process is extended to case numbers assigned on or before 1/31/10
  • FHA Concentration requirement increased from 30% to 50% with the ability to permit FHA concentration up to 100% if the project meets certain criteria
  • Owner-occupancy ratio permitted to 50% of the number of presold units when the project is proposed, under construction or still in the initial marketing phase
  • Presale requirement reduced to 30%

To see whether or not a condominium project is approved by HUD, go to https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/condlook.cfm.

For additional information, go to http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/faqs/atl1val.cfm.

 

Lew Corcoran
Licensed Real Estate Professional

Best Choice Real Estate Services
133 Turnpike St, South Easton, MA 02375
Phone Toll-Free: (800) 984-3341

Serving Easton MA and the Surrounding Area

 

Search the MLS for:

Homes for Sale | Homes for Rent

Short Sales (Pre-Foreclosures)

Government and Bank Foreclosed Homes for Sale

Learn how to Avoid Foreclosure with Home Rescue Plans

Get the latest Easton MA Real Estate Market News

4 commentsLew Corcoran • January 11 2010 03:23PM

Frequently Asked Question: Can We Get an FHA Loan for a Second Home?

Frequently Asked Question: Can We Get an FHA Loan for a Second Home?

Q: We currently own our first home. We want to buy a second home out of state. We will be living in the second home within a year, after we sell our first home. Could we use an FHA loan for the second home even though it won't be our primary residence for 6-9 months? Do they allow a window?

A: FHA does not allow one borrower to have more than 1 FHA mortgage. In other words, you can not use an FHA mortgage to purchase a second home.

However, there are only a few exceptions where this is allowed. One exception is relocation. If you are transferring for work and the distance to the new work location is not within a reasonable distance commuting distance, then you can buy a second home with an FHA mortgage.

Another exception is if you are vacating a jointly owned property. You may be eligible for another FHA mortgage if the borrower is vacating a residence that will remain occupied by a co-borrower. For example: there is a divorce and the vacating ex-spouse will purchase a new home.

Another exception is an increase in family size. You may be eligible for another home with an FHA mortgage if the number of legal dependents increases to the point that the present house no longer meets the family's needs. The borrower must provide satisfactory evidence of the increase in dependents and the current property's failure to meet family needs.

In the third case, you must also pay down the outstanding mortgage balance on the present property to a loan-to-value (LTV) of 75% or less. (The mortgage balance can not be more than 75% of the value of the home.) A current residential appraisal must be used to determine compliance with the LTV requirement.

 

Lew Corcoran
Licensed Real Estate Professional

Best Choice Real Estate Services
133 Turnpike St, South Easton, MA 02375
Phone Toll-Free: (800) 984-3341

Serving Easton MA and the Surrounding Area

 

Search the MLS for:

Homes for Sale | Homes for Rent

Short Sales (Pre-Foreclosures)

Government and Bank Foreclosed Homes for Sale

Learn how to Avoid Foreclosure with Home Rescue Plans

Get the latest Easton MA Real Estate Market News

2 commentsLew Corcoran • January 11 2010 01:50PM

Frequently Asked Question: If a condo complex is FHA and CHFA approved does it still require there to be a 51% owner to renter ratio?

Q: If a condo complex is FHA and CHFA approved does it still require there to be a 51% owner to renter ratio?

A: FHA is currently permitting financing of condo units where the owner to renter ratio is as low as 30%. In addition, they have increased the maximum number of units that can have an FHA mortgage from 30% to 50%. No more than 10% of the units can be owned by one person or entity, and no more than 15% of the condo owners can be in arrears in their homeowner association dues.

There are other restrictions as well. Be sure you consult with a mortgage professional before you make an offer on a condominium.

 

 

Lew Corcoran
Licensed Real Estate Professional

Best Choice Real Estate Services
133 Turnpike St, South Easton, MA 02375
Phone Toll-Free: (800) 984-3341

Serving Easton MA and the Surrounding Area

 

Search the MLS for:

Homes for Sale | Homes for Rent

Short Sales (Pre-Foreclosures)

Government and Bank Foreclosed Homes for Sale

Learn how to Avoid Foreclosure with Home Rescue Plans

Get the latest Easton MA Real Estate Market News

2 commentsLew Corcoran • January 08 2010 07:11PM

FHA Lending Guidelines After A Short Sale | HREU CDPD Short Sale

Here's an article that discusses how you can buy and finance another home with FHA after you went through a short sale.

Via Tim and Julie Harris (Harris Real Estate University):

First Time Home Buyer Credit

This has been an interesting topic to watch evolve.

2 months ago we shared on our main blog (BLOG: TimandJulieHarris.com) how a borrower could obtain a FHA backed loan immediately following a Short Sale.

Many less informed folks doubted this and questioned the validity of the information. And, thats OK.

We were expecting the back lash and doubters. Frankly, we are more than used to be far ahead of the information curve and suffering the cynics.

Remember, back in 2007 HREU introduced Short Sales to a national audience...loooong before the sea of small start-ups selling their 'short sale designations'.

I remember that event well...we were presenting to close to 1000 Keller/ Williams agents. The number one question we had during that live event was....

"what is a short sale"

Oh, have times changed! Now, everyone is talking about short sales!

Here is the breaking information:

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released a letter to lenders regarding borrower eligibility for a new Federal Housing Administration (FHA) mortgage after pursuing a short sale.

Download the new guidelines (available to download here)

Here is the actual language from the new FHA Guidelines:
FHA Guidance on Short Sales Borrowers are not eligible for a new FHA mortgage if they pursued a short sale agreement on his or her principal residence simply to take advantage of declining market conditions, and purchase, at a reduced price, a similar or superior property within a reasonable commuting distance.
Reference:  For detailed information on converting existing principal residences into rental properties, see 4155.1 4.E.4.g

Here is the exception:
Guidance on Borrowers current at the time of Short Sale Borrowers are considered eligible for a new FHA-insured mortgage if they were current on their mortgage and other installment debts at the time of the short sale of their previously owned property, and the proceeds from the short sale serve as payment in full.
Reference:  For detailed information, see “Short Sales” at 4155.1 4.C.2.l.

Translation: I had to read that a few times…here is the translation. If the homeowner/ borrower didn’t miss any payments prior to doing the short sale AND their overall credit history will allow…they CAN buy immediately following a short sale using FHA financing. The focus seems to be on rewarding those who made their payments on time..and did a short sale VS. those who missed payments prior to a short sale.

More info:
Guidance on Borrowers in default at the time of Short Sale  Borrowers in default on their mortgage at the time of the short sale (or pre- foreclosure sale) are not eligible for a new FHA-insured mortgage for three years from the date of the pre-foreclosure sale.  Lenders may make exceptions to this rule under certain circumstances.
Reference:  For detailed information, see “Short Sales”, at  4155.1 4.C.2.l.

Translation: Borrowers CAN use a new FHA-insured mortgage if they were current on their previous mortgage and other debts at the time of the short sale and if the proceeds from the short sale serve as payment in full.

Agents, getting the impression that 2010 IS going to be all about Short Sales? Thousands of  agents have received their HREU CDPD* (Certified Distressed Property Designation). We have made it easy for you to learn everything you need to know to easily list and sell short sales. Watch the FREE Short Sale Secrets video and grab your FREE Short Sale Book. If you would like to go ahead and enroll now for only $97 call 1-866-422-9497 or sign up here.

Bottom line, missed payments = no FHA financing…for 3 YEARS. If a borrower executes a short sale while in default on their mortgage would not be eligible for a FHA-insured mortgage for three years from the date of the pre-foreclosure sale. Some lenders can make exceptions if the default was due to circumstances beyond the borrower’s control such as the death of the primary wage earner.

Anyone eligible for the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives program (HAFA) would not be eligible for a new FHA-insured mortgage for three years. WHY? Because to qualify for HAFA the homeowners has to MISS PAYMENTS! Under HAFA, the US Treasury Department provides incentives to servicers, banks and investors to pursue a short sale for seriously delinquent borrowers.

Understanding that HREU CDPD agents…agents who know how to list and sell short sales….will be in huge demand in 2010-? the only real question now is….

what are you going to do now?

Thousands of  agents have received their HREU CDPD* (Certified Distressed Property Designation). We have made it easy for you to learn everything you need to know to easily list and sell short sales. Watch the FREE Short Sale Secrets video and grab your FREE Short Sale Book. If you would like to go ahead and enroll now for only $97 call 1-866-422-9497 or sign up here.

 

Lew Corcoran
Licensed Real Estate Professional

Best Choice Real Estate Services
133 Turnpike St, South Easton, MA 02375
Phone Toll-Free: (800) 984-3341

Serving Easton MA and the Surrounding Area

 

Search the MLS for:

Homes for Sale | Homes for Rent

Short Sales (Pre-Foreclosures)

Government and Bank Foreclosed Homes for Sale

Learn how to Avoid Foreclosure with Home Rescue Plans

Get the latest Easton MA Real Estate Market News

3 commentsLew Corcoran • December 20 2009 04:47PM