FHA says its tightening standards, but doesn't seem like it

By -

Here’s the new rules:

 

As part of the plan, FHA is increasing up-front mortgage insurance premiums paid by borrowers from 1.75 percent to 2.25 percent. The change will go into effect “in the spring,” the agency said.

FHA has also requested legislative approval to raise the maximum annual premiums that FHA can charge. If this authority is granted by Congress, then the second step will be to shift some of the premium increase from up-front to the annual fees assessed. FHA says this shift will allow it to increase capital reserves with less impact to the consumer, because the annual premium is paid over the life of the loan instead of at the time of closing.

Changes are being made on the seller side of the equation, as well. Beginning this summer, the amount that sellers can kick in – typically in the form of closing costs – will drop from 6 percent to 3 percent of the home’s value. FHA says the current level exposes the agency to excess risk by creating incentives to inflate appraised value, and the reduction will bring its criteria in line with industry standards on seller concessions.

Okay raising fees and reducing seller credits will make it harder for some to qualify and will increase real equity. However this next change is either no change or still silly.

 

New borrowers will now be required to have a minimum FICO score of 580 to qualify for FHA’s 3.5 percent down payment program. Homebuyers with less than a 580 FICO score will be required to put down at least 10 percent. This change is expected to take effect early this summer.

From what I heard about 9months back, most of the big banks stopped lending FHA to anyone with less than a 580 score a while back. So I guess the shady banks were still doing this. But really, why are they lending to anyone with only 3.5% down with only a 580 FICO. Let’s be conservative and say those whose FICO is less than stellar need to put more down (make that a 680 minimum FICO) and those whose FICO is higher than 680 can put less cash down.

 

-sunil

 

SUNIL SETHI REAL ESTATE

Sunil Sethi / Broker, President, REALTOR, MBA / SUNIL SETHI  REAL ESTATE
38750 Paseo Padre Pwky Suite B3 / Fremont, CA 94536
Main 510 200 0505 / Cell 510 388 2436 / Fax 510 431 9046  

    My Bio: http://sunilsethi.com/about_me.htm

Personal: http://www.sunilsethi.com  
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/fremontrealtor

CA DRE#: 01173766

 

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Mission Lakes Neighbors Ask Union City Mayor and Council to ​Rethink East West Connector

By -
Tomorrow ​ (2/27/18)​ will be your LAST, but also BEST opportunity to stop the East West Connector as currently planned.   The city council was trying to rush this decision through quietly.  But this is now receiving the attention it deserves.  Mercury News blasts funding diversion from Rail to Highway: https://www.mercurynews.com/ 2018/02/26/union-city-looks- to-divert-75-million-in- public-transit-funds-for-new- 320-million-road/ Bike East Bay declares Opposition to East West Connector Proposal: https://www.mercurynews.com/ wp-content/uploads/2018/02/ bike-east-bay-opposition-to- east-west-connector-proposal. pdf East Bay Times provides additional information on UC fiscal emergency: https://www.eastbaytimes.com/ 2018/02/22/union-city-council- to-weigh-fiscal-emergency- declaration/ The East West Connector has been on the books since the 60s and reflects the thinking of that era.  This $320M road is oversized.  This 90ft wide road will cross the Old Alameda Creek twice and will const...
Read more

Fremont's New Housing Legislation is another step in the right direction!

By -
Image
Fremont has now taken another step into the future, requiring that all new houses be delivered ready for the installation of electric-car charging stations.  According to the  East Bay Times , the city of Fremont has announced that any new housing project must include both solar panels and the electrical wiring required for the installation of a charging station Will this new legislation make the ownership of electric vehicles even more appealing to residents? Will Fremont turn into a zero-emission vehicle hub? http://www.greencarreports.com/news/1110317_solar-panels-ev-chargers-required-in-new-homes-in-fremont-ca Sunil Sethi  /  REALTOR,  Broker, MBA, CPA(inactive), GREEN Sunil Sethi Real Estate   38750 Paseo Padre Pkwy #B3, Fremont, CA 94536   www.sunilsethi.com BRE #01173766                              
Read more

Important Easement Information

By -
Image
  it's definitely worth being concerned about encroachments, especially in situations where someone is using a small portion of their neighbor's property without permission. Even if the neighbor is currently okay with it, there's no guarantee that they'll continue to be permissive in the future. It's definitely a problem that needs to be addressed prior to close of escrow. This is where property easements come into play, as they provide legal permission for someone to use a portion of another person's property for a specific purpose. It's important to understand the details of any easements that may be relevant to your situation, as they can impact your rights and obligations as a...
Read more