Loan Programs
There are a few different types of loans and it can be difficult to know which program will work for you and your current situation. That’s why I’m here. We can go over each of these together, but here are the basics:
‘Conforming Loan’
The term “conforming” is most often used when speaking specifically about a mortgage amount; however, the terms “conforming” and “conventional” are frequently used interchangeably. Mortgages that exceed the conforming loan limit are classified as non-conforming or jumbo mortgages.
- Down Payment can come from gift
- Seller can cover closing costs up to 3% of purchase price
- Monthly MI: TBD Varies by LTV and Credit Scores
- Maximum Loan Amount SFR: $510,400
- Minimum FICO 620, The higher the score the better the rates.
- Rate and Term and Cash Out Refinancing is allowed
- Both Fixed-Rate and Adjustable-Rate loans permitted
- Roof & Pest inspections not mandatory unless noted by appraiser or called for in contract
- Do not have to be a first-time buyer
- Loan to Value ( LTV) Minimum Owner Occupied 97% LTV, Second Home 90% LTV, Investment properties 80% LTV
- No requirement for reserves when purchasing a single family dwelling
- Non-Occupying co-borrowers allowed on Owner-Occupied Homes
FHA
An FHA loan is a mortgage insured by the Federal Housing Administration. They are a popular option for a few reasons:
- Down Payment: May come as a “gift” from approved Sources. There are also periodic grant programs that can help borrowers to pay for their down payment
- Minimum FHA FICO requirement without additional down payment requirements is 580, but most companies require at least 620.
- No income limits.
- Do not have to be a first-time buyer.
Other factors to take into account when considering an FHA loan:
- Up Front Mortgage Insurance (MI) of: 1.75%, can be added to Loan
- Monthly MI of: .85%
- Maximum Loan Amount for Single Family Residences: Loan amounts are set by HUD and may vary by county.
- Maximum Seller Concession: 6%
- Refinancing is allowed, at high loan to value ratios
- Both Fixed-Rate and Adjustable-Rate loans permitted
- Roof & Pest inspections not mandatory unless noted by appraiser or called for in contract.
FHA 203(k) (Full or Streamlined)
The 203(k) Rehabilitation Loan provides funds for both the purchase of the property and the costs of its rehabilitation. Here are a few other facts about the FHA 203(k) loan:
- 1 to 4 Units / refinance and purchase transactions.
- Threshold for rehabilitation work is at least $5000.
- Streamline 203(k) available for smaller non-structural work. Full 203(k) is required if there are any structural fixes needed.
- FHA 203(k) loans must be used
- Rehab work funds are escrowed and dispersed upon completion and inspection.
- When the home is appraised, there will be an as-is current appraisal, and a projected appraisal value which takes into consideration the work completed. The home must appraise, as-is, at or above the amount being borrowed to purchase the house from the current owner(s). The house with completed rehabilitation must appraise at or above the total amount being borrowed in the loan.
USDA Loans
Depending on where you live, the U.S. Department of Agriculture loan may be available to you. What’s great about these loans, if you qualify, is that they offer 100% financing with no down payment. These loans are meant to assist those living in (or looking to live in) rural areas. Here are a few other requirements of USDA loans, which will affect whether or not the transaction qualifies for the loan:
- Property must be 25 acres or less.
- Property can’t have a pool.
- Properties must be located in eligible rural areas (generally towns with a population of 20,000 or less that are removed from an urban area).
- Income limits are 115% of the U.S. Median Income.
- No cash reserves are required.
- Borrowers are not required to be first time homebuyers.
- Minimum credit score of 620 from most lenders.
VA Loans
- One of the only 100% LTV programs around. No down payment required. VA is now available up to 2 Million loan amount depending on credit scores.
- Must have DD214 with honorable discharge.
- The home must be owner occupied.
- Bankruptcy and foreclosures do not necessarily eliminate a veteran from qualifying, but your lender may want to see a few years between then and now.
- No cash reserves required.
- Available only to Veterans with full entitlement. Borrower with partial entitlements are limited to Freddie Mac loan limits on 100% LTV loans.
- Loan Amount $1.5m – $2m minimum FICO 700
- Loan Amount $1.0m – $1.49m minimum FICO 680
- Loan Amount $750k – $999k minimum FICO 620
- Loan Amount <$750k – normal guidelines apply (down to 580 FICO)
- Loan Amount up to county loan limits ($786k for HI) – Standard VA Guidelines apply (down to 580 FICO)
Reverse Mortgages*
- One borrower must be 62 years of age, or older.
- Must be owner occupied.
- Must be able to demonstrate your ability to pay your property taxes and insurance.
- Available for most property types – Single Family, FHA approved condominiums, PUD’s and manufactured homes that meet FHA and lender guidelines.
- Can be used as a tool for guaranteed income, periodic payment of obligations, or in purchasing a home with no mortgage payment.
*Reverse mortgages are loans offered to homeowners who are 62 or older who have equity in their homes. The loan programs allow borrowers to defer payment on the loans until they pass away, sell the home, or move out. Homeowners, however, remain responsible for the payment of taxes, insurance, maintenance, and other items. Nonpayment of these items can lead to a default under the loan terms and ultimate loss of the home. FHA insured reverse mortgages have an up front and ongoing cost; ask your loan officer for details. These materials are not from, nor approved by HUD, FHA, or any governing agency.
CONTACT YOUR MORTGAGE GLADIATOR
10365 SE Sunnyside Rd #310,
Clackamas, OR 97015
Offices in Portland, Clackamas, & Hillsboro
Licensed in OR, WA
NMLS: 542397
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