Tag: fha

How to Rock the 2023 FHA Loan Limits!!!

~ Rob Spinosa ~ Leave a comment

I ain’t foolin’!

Even though it seems like there’s been nothin’ but a whole lotta interest rate hikes in 2022, thankfully FHA borrowers, including first-time homebuyers, will see an increase to the FHA loan limit in 2023.

This means that where the one-unit conforming limit was $420,680 in 2022, it will become $472,030 in 2023.  That puts a house purchase of nearly $490,000 into range with FHA’s lowest down payment requirement of 3.5%.

And in high-cost (aka high balance) metropolitan statistical areas like much of CA, NY and other housing-expensive counties, you will see the FHA limit go from $970,800 all the way up to $1,089,300.  And that means that the maximum purchase price with the minimum down payment approaches $1,129,000 in those counties!

Been a long time!

Rob Spinosa
SVP of Mortgage Lending

Guaranteed Rate
NMLS: 22343 
Cell/Text: 415-367-5959 
rob.spinosa@rate.com

Marin Office:  324 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo, CA  94960 

*The views and opinions expressed on this site about work-related matters are my own, have not been reviewed or approved by Guaranteed Rate and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Guaranteed Rate.  In no way do I commit Guaranteed Rate to any position on any matter or issue without the express prior written consent of Guaranteed Rate’s Human Resources Department.

How (NOT) to Destroy Your Mortgage Approval!!!

~ Rob Spinosa ~ Leave a comment

Ever wondered about the most common (as well as lesser known) ways mortgage borrowers sabotage their own loan process?

  • Do they dispute credit items and try to fix their FICO scores?
  • Do they change jobs without telling their lender or broker?
  • Do they mistakenly wire their down payment to a cyber criminal in Russia?

All of the above can be mortgage destroyers — and not like the KISS kind of Destroyer — the one that captivated me as a child.

So, let’s take the mask off the Top 10 ways unsuspecting homebuyers and those looking to refinance encounter the God of Mortgage Thunder.  Don’t be next! 

Get up, everybody’s gonna move their feet!

Rob Spinosa
SVP of Mortgage Lending

Guaranteed Rate
NMLS: 22343 
Cell/Text: 415-367-5959 
rob.spinosa@rate.com

Marin Office:  324 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo, CA  94960 

*The views and opinions expressed on this site about work-related matters are my own, have not been reviewed or approved by Guaranteed Rate and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Guaranteed Rate.  In no way do I commit Guaranteed Rate to any position on any matter or issue without the express prior written consent of Guaranteed Rate’s Human Resources Department.

How to Rock the 2023 Conforming Loan Limits!!!

~ Rob Spinosa ~ Leave a comment

I ain’t foolin’!

Even though there’s been a whole lotta interest rate hikes in 2022.  And even though there’s been a whole lotta rumbling about home values declining in some areas, the FHFA will again be increasing the conforming loan limits into 2023.

This means that where the one-unit conforming limit was $647,200 in 2022, it will become $726,200 in 2023.

And in high-cost (aka high balance) metropolitan statistical areas like much of CA, NY and other housing-expensive counties, you may see the conforming limit go from $970,800 all the way up to $1,089,300.

Note that FHA and VA loan limits fall outside of this change, so if you need to know the specific loan maximums for any program, in any area, just get in touch!

Been a long time!

Rob Spinosa
SVP of Mortgage Lending

Guaranteed Rate
NMLS: 22343 
Cell/Text: 415-367-5959 
rob.spinosa@rate.com

Marin Office:  324 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo, CA  94960 

*The views and opinions expressed on this site about work-related matters are my own, have not been reviewed or approved by Guaranteed Rate and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Guaranteed Rate.  In no way do I commit Guaranteed Rate to any position on any matter or issue without the express prior written consent of Guaranteed Rate’s Human Resources Department.

How to Rock a Low House Appraisal Value!!!

~ Rob Spinosa ~ Leave a comment

You found the perfect home…

And the seller accepted your offer…

And your mortgage application is underway…

Until your appraisal comes in low.  What now???

Never mind all the bad advice that swirls around this dilemma.  There are a handful of effective ways to deal with an appraisal value that comes in under your offer price, so if you find yourself in this stressful situation today, get in touch.  Or perhaps you’re a Realtor or buyer looking to better understand all of the tactics and tips that you can use to negotiate a low appraisal in today’s challenging real estate market.  If so, come as you are and let’s learn how to rock a low appraisal value today. 

Smells like teen spirit,

Rob Spinosa
SVP of Mortgage Lending

Guaranteed Rate
NMLS: 22343 
Cell/Text: 415-367-5959 
rob.spinosa@rate.com

Marin Office:  324 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo, CA  94960 

*The views and opinions expressed on this site about work-related matters are my own, have not been reviewed or approved by Guaranteed Rate and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Guaranteed Rate.  In no way do I commit Guaranteed Rate to any position on any matter or issue without the express prior written consent of Guaranteed Rate’s Human Resources Department.

How to Rock an FHA Home Loan!!!

~ Rob Spinosa ~ Leave a comment

Are FHA loans just for first time home buyers?  

Is an FHA mortgage the best choice if you have bad credit?

What if you have a low down payment, or even no down payment from your own savings?

If you’re ready to quit renting right here and right now, let’s learn how to rock an FHA home loan:

Watching the world wake up,

Rob Spinosa
SVP of Mortgage Lending

Guaranteed Rate
NMLS: 22343 
Cell/Text: 415-367-5959 
rob.spinosa@rate.com

Marin Office:  324 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo, CA  94960 

*The views and opinions expressed on this site about work-related matters are my own, have not been reviewed or approved by Guaranteed Rate and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Guaranteed Rate.  In no way do I commit Guaranteed Rate to any position on any matter or issue without the express prior written consent of Guaranteed Rate’s Human Resources Department.

#OKBoomer, You Don’t Need 20% Down

~ Rob Spinosa ~ Leave a comment

Bound to happen from time to time in the digital age, a saying goes viral — in this case, “OK, boomer,” — which is meant to expose a close-minded or out-of-touch opinion, thought or mindset of one generation by another (I’ll let you figure out the age demographics here). Hopefully, the topic of this blog will transcend generational differences and address the assumptions about the down payment one needs to make when purchasing a home, versus the reality of what we see every day with those who are actually buying homes. I think you’ll be surprised at the expanse between fact and fiction.

Let’s start by saying that in the US, it’s been widely assumed that a homebuyer must make a 20% down payment of the purchase price. This concept has been propagated from one generation to the next and since Americans have been buying homes instead of carving them out of frontier land. In fact, not a week goes by where we don’t get a call from a prospective buyer that starts with an iteration of, “We’d like to buy our first home but we haven’t saved 20% yet…” Yet, over at least the last 20 years, the average down payment across the US has hovered closer to 6 or 7% of the purchase price. A far cry from the gold-standard 20% many buyers struggle to save. Let’s look at the number of ways that contribute to a buyer’s access to lower down payments:

0% Down Payment

Veterans and those in rural areas may have access to 100% financing. The VA loan program is a huge benefit and great way for our industry to show appreciation for those who have served our nation. The USDA loan program has geographic restrictions, but for some may also allow access to the financing without a down payment.  VA loans also have access to 0% or reduced down payments at loan levels that exceed the nationwide, $484,350 1-unit max.

3% Down Payment

Conforming loans still permit a 3% down payment up to a loan amount of $484,350 (thus permitting a purchase price of approximately $510K at max leverage). Yes, these loans have PMI, but they can be a great entry program for the first-time buyer, and they are not restricted to veterans, rural areas, income limitations or property types. Conforming loans are accessible by all who qualify and programs like the Home Ready mortgage have PMI that is less expensive as well.

3.5% Down Payment

FHA loans come in at 3.5% down, and in many areas, FHA loans are the bread and butter of the market. Borrowers with lower FICO scores, higher debt-to-income ratios and other challenges that could trip up a conforming loan, may find the FHA program to be the best fit. And, FHA will permit 3.5% down even in high-cost areas where the conforming loan limit exceeds $484,350. Remember that on conforming loans, even in high cost areas, once above a loan amount of $484,350, the down payment requirement steps up to 5%.

5% Down Payment

Conventional, high-balance (or super-conforming) and even jumbo will come into play with a 5% down payment. Again, the higher loan amounts and purchase prices may not touch every state, but across the country stats have proven that this level of initial investment is closer to the norm when it comes to buying into the real estate market.

10% Down Payment

Even in super jumbo land (loan amounts that exceed the high-balance conforming limits) and up to price points that much of the country would consider absurd ($3MM+), believe it or not, a 10% down payment mortgage is an option. And we do them with frequency here in CA. For a while, the toughest aspect of getting a 10% down loan had nothing to do with the borrower, but instead we observed that sellers in competitive markets overlooked these offers in favor of buyers who structured their financing with a larger down payment. Now that we’ve seen some softening in the higher price points, motivated sellers are again considering qualified buyers with 10% down payments.

If you examine the statistics for down payment patterns, you’ll see that some states, like California, tend to trend toward the higher end of percentage down payments (approaching 20%). This is due to higher purchase prices in many cases and the fact that those prices push out some of the programs that permit lower down payments. But in other states (GA, for example), home prices in concert with percentage of veterans, rural areas, and so on, can push the down payment average percent below 3%. As always, all real estate is local and you should consult with local professionals on your options. But make no mistake, boomer or otherwise, you don’t need 20% to get into most markets. And if you have questions, send me a letter or give me a call or page me or e-mail or text or Skype or message me when you’re ready to set aside your preconceived ideas and focus on the way it really is today.

Stop, hey, what’s that sound? 

 

Robert J. Spinosa
Vice President of Mortgage Lending
Guaranteed Rate
NMLS: 22343
Cell/Text: 415-367-5959
rob.spinosa@rate.com

Marin Office: 324 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo, CA 94960
Berkeley Office: 1400 Shattuck Ave., Suite 1, Berkeley, CA 94709

*The views and opinions expressed on this site about work-related matters are my own, have not been reviewed or approved by Guaranteed Rate and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Guaranteed Rate. In no way do I commit Guaranteed Rate to any position on any matter or issue without the express prior written consent of Guaranteed Rate’s Human Resources Department.

Guaranteed Rate. Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee NMLS License #2611 3940 N. Ravenswood Chicago, IL 60613 – (866) 934-7283

I’m SUArta Back! The FHA Spot Condo Approval

~ Rob Spinosa ~ Leave a comment

Mortgage lenders that see a fair amount of FHA loans have, for the last few years, lamented the loss of the condominium “spot” approval. This erstwhile shortcut would allow a single unit of a condo project to be eligible for an FHA loan even where the entire project might otherwise not pass muster. And for FHA, it’s been widely recognized since the sunsetting of the spot approval that buyers whose search requires an FHA loan and a price range that might only include condos, had real challenges ahead. Specifically, their target inventory would need to be confined only to existing FHA-approved projects, which can be found on the FHA approved condo list.

However, as of 10/15/2019, the Federal Housing Administration has reinstated a version of the spot approval. As one would expect with such news, there are misconceptions about how it will be implemented. The main ones stem from announcements suggesting a tremendous anticipated increase in FHA condo approvals as a result of the new FHA spot approval process.  While there will undoubtedly be an increase in FHA condo lending, it will mainly be because the new process allows lenders that were not previously authorized or willing to assume the risk of full project approvals to do SINGLE UNIT APPROVALS (SUA) in projects that are not currently FHA approved.

However, this new SUA/SPOT program is not a streamlined review process and it is not similar to Fannie Mae’s “Limited Review” or Freddie Mac’s “Streamlined Review” on the conventional side. SUA documentation requirements are similar to FHA full project approval criteria, and obtaining documentation for full FHA project approval can take anywhere from 30 to 90 days. Guaranteed Rate will be providing SUA (Spot) Approval within 24 HOURS from receipt of ALL of the required documents, but the time and effort needed to collect the required documentation remains the same. Another misconception is that it will somehow be easier for projects to qualify for SUA (SPOT). In actuality, it is the opposite, as there are items that are more stringent for SUA/SPOT approval than full project approval.

That said, we here at Guaranteed Rate still see this as a great thing for our buyers and our industry. For instance, there will undoubtedly be condo loans originated on projects that do NOT qualify for SUA (examples: FHA concentration within the project or single entity ownership exceeds SUA thresholds). In these cases, we’re capable and staffed to handle full FHA (HRAP or DELRAP) approvals, adding additional value to condo agents, buyers, owners, and sellers. Get in touch any time if you feel these are services that can help you today.

I’ll be back, 

 

Robert J. Spinosa
Vice President of Mortgage Lending
Guaranteed Rate
NMLS: 22343
Cell/Text: 415-367-5959
rob.spinosa@rate.com

Marin Office: 324 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo, CA 94960
Berkeley Office: 1400 Shattuck Ave., Suite 1, Berkeley, CA 94709

*The views and opinions expressed on this site about work-related matters are my own, have not been reviewed or approved by Guaranteed Rate and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Guaranteed Rate. In no way do I commit Guaranteed Rate to any position on any matter or issue without the express prior written consent of Guaranteed Rate’s Human Resources Department.

Guaranteed Rate. Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee NMLS License #2611 3940 N. Ravenswood Chicago, IL 60613 – (866) 934-7283

FHA FAQ

~ Rob Spinosa ~ Leave a comment

Maybe you just got the news from your loan officer that you need an FHA loan in order to qualify for your home purchase. “Oh brother,” you say, another acronym, additional lending jargon and still more ways to be confused about the whole mortgage process. Or not? What are the differences between an FHA loan and a “regular” or conventional mortgage? Let’s take a look at some of the most frequently asked questions that swirl around FHA loans and cut right to the chase of what you need to know in order to determine if an FHA loan is a good fit for you.

 

Q)  Is an FHA loan different than a regular mortgage?

A) Not really. At the end of the day, you’ll probably find yourself in a 30-year fixed rate loan. In fact, the core loan program is no different than a conventional or “conforming” mortgage but when you get an FHA loan, the lender who makes the loan to you is “insured” by the Federal Housing Administration.

 

Q)  Do I have to be a first-time buyer to get an FHA loan?

A) No! There are no first-time buyer requirements for FHA borrowers. Shoot, you can even refinance an existing conventional mortgage with an FHA loan if it ends up being the best option.

 

Q)  What’s the minimum down payment requirement for an FHA loan?

A) 3.5% in most cases. And even in high-cost areas where FHA loan amount maximums on a single-family home get to $726,525 (as of May, 2019), you can still put down only 3.5% if you qualify.

 

Q)  Do all FHA loans have mortgage insurance?

A) Yes, they do, but there are some key things to know about how it works. First, when you obtain an FHA loan, the lender will add UFMIP (up front mortgage insurance premium) of 1.75% of the loan amount to the loan balance but not to the loan-to-value. In effect, this form of insurance is paid as part of your regular payment of principal and interest because it is added to the initial loan balance. Then, you will also have monthly MIP (mortgage insurance premium) as an additional component of your total monthly housing payment. The amount of MIP and the duration for which it will stay depends on your scenario. Ask me or your loan officer if you have questions about this.  FHA loans require an impound account for taxes and insurance so when you make your payment each month, the MIP will be included in the total (along with principal and interest, property taxes and homeowner’s insurance).

 

Q)  Are the rates good on FHA loans?

A) Yes! Comparatively speaking, you’ll find that FHA rates are excellent.

 

Q)  My credit isn’t the best. Will I still qualify?

A) FHA has a very forgiving tolerance for lower FICO scores, as well as some of the shortest seasoning periods from a past bankruptcy, foreclosure or short sale. If you have credit challenges in your past, an FHA loan might just be the best fit for a mortgage with decent terms.

 

Q)  Are there any prepayment penalties on an FHA loan?

A) Never. And if rates get better in the future, you may be able to avail yourself of an FHA streamline refinance.

 

Q)  Can I use a non-occupant co-borrower to help me qualify?

A) Yes. Also known as “co-signers,” FHA loans permit a family member, for example, to assist with your qualification if you are unable to go it alone.

 

Q)  Are gift funds allowed for my down payment?

A)  Yes, and they may constitute 100% of the down payment.

 

Q)  I have a lot of student loan and credit card debt. Is that OK?

A) All of your obligations are considered in an FHA qualification, but we allow a maximum total debt ratio of 57%, which is very forgiving (conforming loans max out at 49.99%). Be mindful of the fact that if you live in a community property state (like California) and you are married, the liabilities of your spouse must be considered as well, even if that person is not on the loan itself.

 

Q)  Can I finance a condo with an FHA loan?

A)  Yes, but the condo project must be FHA approved and not all will be on the FHA approved list, which you can find HERE.

 

Q)  Can I get a renovation loan through the FHA?

A) Yes. The FHA 203K loan is specifically designed for renovation projects.

 

Q)  I found a two-unit home that I love. Will FHA permit multi-unit real estate?

A) Yes, the FHA program allows properties between one- and four-units. You can use the rental income from the other units to help qualify, though some restrictions and important guidelines apply. If you are considering a multi-family dwelling, be sure to discuss this with your loan officer.

 

Q)  Can I use an FHA loan for an investment property?

A)  No. FHA loans are limited to primary residencies only.

 

Of course, you may have other questions about FHA mortgages that are not addressed here and that’s an invitation to get in touch at any time and let me know what’s on your mind. The FHA program has helped countless buyers realize the dream of responsible home ownership and if you think it may be a good fit for you, we look forward to being of service.

Frequently asked, seldom imitated… 

 

Robert J. Spinosa
Vice President of Mortgage Lending
Guaranteed Rate
NMLS: 22343
Cell/Text: 415-367-5959
rob.spinosa@rate.com

Marin Office: 324 Sir Francis Drake Blvd., San Anselmo, CA 94960
Berkeley Office: 1400 Shattuck Ave., Suite 1, Berkeley, CA 94709

*The views and opinions expressed on this site about work-related matters are my own, have not been reviewed or approved by Guaranteed Rate and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Guaranteed Rate. In no way do I commit Guaranteed Rate to any position on any matter or issue without the express prior written consent of Guaranteed Rate’s Human Resources Department.

Guaranteed Rate. Illinois Residential Mortgage Licensee NMLS License #2611 3940 N. Ravenswood Chicago, IL 60613 – (866) 934-7283