Buying Real Estate

FHA Mortgages

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What Is An FHA Loan? The FHA does not make loans. It insures, in the event of a default, mortgage loans made by approved lending institutions. FHA's analysis of the transaction takes into consideration the applicants income, past credit history, work history and ability to save and manage financial affairs. Each applicant is considered individually as no two families have exactly the same situation. Family obligations, responsibilities, future prospects, motivation and spending patterns all differ widely.

Advantages of FHA Loans

  • Low down payment
  • Less cash from borrower than a conventional loan
  • Less stringent loan underwriting guidelines
  • Fully assumable (with qualifying)
  • No prepayment penalty
  • Eligibility Requirements

FHA financing may be by any qualified person, whether a U.S. citizen or not. However, the property must be the occupying borrowers principal residence. The borrower must also have a social security number.

FHA Mortgage Insurance: Mortgage insurance is required on all FHA loans. The insurance is collected by the lender and paid to FHA, who in turn reimburses lenders in the event of loan defaults.

MMI & MIP are the two existing types of FHA insurance. MMI (Mutual Mortgage Insurance) is collected monthly on approved condominiums. Insurance is paid on the remaining balance of the loan only, therefore the payments will decrease gradually over the life of the loan. MIP (Mortgage Insurance Premium) is a one-time premium calculated as a percentage of the loan amount that applies to Single Family Residences (SFR) and Planned Unit Developments (PUD). This fee can be 100% financed and added to the base loan.

FHA Loan Programs And Amounts: The maximum FHA loan amount varies by county.

The three programs available are the 30-year fixed/level payment where the monthly principle and interest payment remains the same for the life of the loan, the one-year ARM (Adjustable Rate Mortgage) which can fluctuate based on the index (1-year Treasury Bill) and has a 1% annual cap and a 5% lifetime cap, and the GPM (Graduated Payment Mortgage) which allows the borrower to qualify at a lower rate but requires a down payment and has negative amortization.

Interest Rates: FHA does not set interest rates. Rates reflect current market conditions. Discount points need not be paid by anyone, but discount points to obtain a lower than market rate can be paid by either the buyer or the seller.


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