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We are your local home buying specialists and will find you the best loan at the best rate for your home financing needs and goals, every time.

Prequalification Is Critical	FHA Loan Modification	Mortgage Insurance
First Time Home Buyer	Reverse Mortgage, HECM
Streamline Refinance	FHA Counseling

In today’s mortgage market obtaining a Pre-Approval is of utmost importance before you start your home shopping process. Most Realtors require a Pre-Approval letter from a mortgage broker or lender before they will schedule any viewing appointments.

Obtaining a Pre-Approval and Pre-Approval letter is a fairly easy process. We recommend to first gather all the necessary requirements for our lenders and/or banks to render an accurate decision. But if you would like to know today, if you qualify for a loan, call us now to conduct a short interview with our licensed Broker at 949-378-6550.

FHA’s “First Time Home Buyer” Program is a fantastic loan program for desiring, potential homeowners with little money for a down payment. This program allows borrowers to achieve the American dream, of homeownership, with requiring a low down payment of only 3.5% of the total purchase price. FHA classifies a “First Time Home Buyer”, as someone who has not owned a home in three years or more. You will have to document your income and expenses and have a credit score of at least 620. Call us today to see what you qualify for! 949-378-6550

FHA has permitted streamline refinances on insured mortgages since the early 1980's. The "streamline" refers only to the amount of documentation and underwriting that needs to be performed by the lender, and does not mean that there are no costs involved in the transaction. The basic requirements of a streamline refinance are:

Lenders may offer streamline refinances in several ways. Some lenders offer "no cost" refinances (actually, no out-of-pocket expenses to the borrower) by charging a higher rate of interest on the new loan than if the borrower financed or paid the closing costs in cash. From this premium, the lender pays any closing costs that are incurred on the transaction.

Lenders may offer streamline refinances and include the closing costs into the new mortgage amount. This can only be done if there is sufficient equity in the property, as determined by an appraisal. Streamline refinances can also be done without appraisals, but the new loan amount cannot exceed the original loan amount. Investment properties (properties in which the borrower does not reside in as his or her principal residence) may only be refinanced without an appraisal.

On May 20, 2009, the President signed the “Helping Families Save Their Homes Act of 2009.” This new law provides the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) with additional loss mitigation authority to assist FHA mortgagors under the Making Home Affordable Program (MHA). The MHA Program is designed to help homeowners retain their homes and to prevent the destructive impact of foreclosures on families and communities.

One key component of MHA provides homeowners the opportunity to reduce their mortgage payments by the use of a loan modification through the Home Affordable Modification Program. When initially introduced to the public, MHA excluded FHA insured mortgages, stating that FHA would develop its own standalone program. This Mortgagee Letter announces a new FHA Loss Mitigation option, the FHA-Home Affordable Modification Program (FHA-HAMP). FHA-HAMP will provide homeowners in default a greater opportunity to reduce their mortgage payments to a sustainable level. This Mortgagee Letter is effective August 15, 2009.

The new FHA-HAMP authority will allow the use of a partial claim up to 30 percent of the unpaid principal balance as of the date of default combined with a loan modification. The objective of FHA-HAMP is to assist FHA mortgagors who are in default to modify their mortgage to an affordable payment. According to Mortgagee Letter 2000-05 and subsequent guidance, disposition options (pre-foreclosure sales and deeds-in lieu of foreclosure) are available immediately upon default, if the cause of the default is incurable, i.e. the borrower has no realistic opportunity to replace the lost income or reduce expenses sufficiently to meet the mortgage obligation.

To confirm if the mortgagor is capable of making the new FHA-HAMP payment, the mortgagor must successfully complete a trial payment plan. The trial payment plan shall be for a three month period and the mortgagor must make each scheduled payment on time. The mortgagor’s monthly payment required during the trial payment plan must be the amount of the future modified mortgage payment. The Mortgagee must service the mortgage during the trial period in the same manner as it would service a mortgage in forbearance. If the mortgagor does not successfully complete the trial payment plan by making the three payments on time, the mortgagor is no longer eligible for FHA-HAMP. Prior to proceeding to foreclosure, the Mortgagee must re-examine and re-evaluate the borrower’s financial condition and confirm that none of FHA’s other Loss Mitigation options could assist the mortgagor.

The attachment to this Mortgage Letter supplements program guidelines for FHA-HAMP, including a requirement that the servicer obtain an executed Hardship Affidavit (available at https://www.hmpadmin.com/portal/docs/mod_docs/hamphardshipaffidavit.pdf) from every mortgagor and co-mortgagor seeking an FHA-HAMP. FHA-HAMP is a permanent addition to HUD’s Loss Mitigation Program as of the date of this Mortgagee Letter.

To be eligible under FHA-HAMP, the front end debt to income ratio must be as close as possible, but not less than, 31 percent. This ratio is defined as the total monthly mortgage payment (PITI) for the modified mortgage divided by the mortgagor’s gross monthly income (the “Front End Ratio”). The back end debt to income ratio must not exceed 55 percent and is defined as the total monthly mortgage payment plus all recurring monthly debt divided by the mortgagor’s gross monthly income (the “Back End Ratio”). Please refer to the sections in the Attachment regarding Underwriting – Front End and Back End Debt to Income Ratios.

The maximum partial claim amount under FHA-HAMP consists of the sum of (i) arrearages, (ii) legal fees and foreclosure costs related to a canceled foreclosure action and (iii) principal reduction. Arrearages that may be included in the partial claim shall not exceed 12 months of PITI. The maximum partial claim amount under FHA-HAMP is 30 percent of the outstanding principal balance as of the date of default. The principal deferment on the modified mortgage is determined by multiplying the outstanding principal balance by 30 percent and then reducing that amount by arrearages advanced to cure the default for up to 12 months PITI, and any foreclosure costs incurred to that point subject to the requirements provided in Mortgagee Letter 2008-21. The principal deferment amount for a specific case shall be limited to such an amount that will bring the mortgagor(s) total monthly mortgage payment to 31 percent of gross monthly income.

Mortgagor had a reduction of income and is delinquent 3 full mortgage payments. The unpaid principal balance on the mortgage on the date of default is $150,000 and the monthly payment is $1,220 (consisting of P&I of $920 and escrows, including MIP, of $300). The financial analysis reveals that the mortgagor’s gross monthly income is $3,500 and the total monthly other recurring debt payments are $800.

In order to fulfill the 31% Front End Ratio requirement, the mortgagor(s) total monthly mortgage payment would have to be reduced to $1,085 ($3,500 x 31%). Therefore, P&I would have to be reduced to $785 ($1,085 total monthly mortgage payment less $300 escrow and MIP). Assuming that the loan modification will have an interest rate of 6% and a P&I of $785, the new mortgage amount would have to be $130,931, resulting in a principal reduction of $19,069 ($150,000 unpaid principal balance less $130,931). In this example, the mortgagor’s Back End ratio is 53.9% ($1,885/$3,500), which satisfies the 55% Back End Ratio limitation.

In this example, the maximum principal deferment is $41,340 (30% of $150,000, less the $3,660 delinquency, or $45,000 - $3,660). However, based on their gross income, mortgagor is eligible only for a principal deferment of $19,069 plus $3,660 arrearages (which would include any foreclosure costs incurred to that point, in accord with Mortgagee Letter 2008-21) for the total Partial Claim of $22,729.

FHA-HAMP can be utilized only if the mortgagor(s) does not qualify for current loss mitigation home retention options (priority order FHA Special Forbearance, Loan Modification and Partial Claim) under existing guidelines (ML 2008-21, 2003-19, 2002-17, 2000-05). To qualify for the FHA-HAMP program, Mortgagees must evaluate the defaulted mortgage for loss mitigation actions using the aforementioned priority order. According to Mortgagee Letter 2000-05 and subsequent guidance, disposition options (pre-foreclosure sales and deeds-in lieu of foreclosure) are available immediately upon default, if the cause of the default is incurable, i.e. the borrower has no realistic opportunity to replace the lost income or reduce expenses sufficiently to meet the mortgage obligation.

If the mortgagor does not successfully execute the loan modification, the mortgagor is no longer eligible for FHA-HAMP. In such cases, per 24 CFR 203.355, the Mortgagee must re-evaluate the mortgagor’s eligibility for the other appropriate loss mitigation actions prior to commencing or continuing a foreclosure.

Mortgagees that utilize FHA-HAMP are eligible to receive incentive payments. Mortgagees utilizing this initiative will be allowed to first file for a partial claim (to bring the loan current and defer principal where appropriate), followed by a loan modification claim (claim type 32). Under FHA-HAMP, the Mortgagee may receive an incentive fee of up to $1,250. This total includes $500 for the partial claim and $750 for the loan modification. Mortgagees may also claim up to $250 for reimbursement for a title search and/or recording fees.

Reverse Mortgages for Seniors - FHA's Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM)

Looking for housing options for yourself, an aging parent, relative, or friend? A reverse mortgage may be right for your situation. [Photo: A senior couple]

The loan, commonly known as Home Equity Conversion Mortgage or HECM, is originated by a lending institution such as a mortgage lender, bank, credit union or savings and loan association. Senior homeowners age 62 and older can use FHA-insured reverse mortgages to convert the equity in their homes into monthly streams of income and/or a line of credit to be repaid when they no longer occupy the homes. Homeowners are required to receive consumer education and counseling by a HUD-Approved counselor so they can be sure this program meets their needs.

HECM counselors will discuss program eligibility, financial implications and alternatives to obtaining a HECM plus provisions for the mortgage becoming due and payable. Upon the completion of HECM counseling, you should be able to make an independent, informed decision of whether this product will meet your needs.

You can use a reverse Mortgage Calculator to help you see if you qualify. Homeowners who meet the eligibility criteria can complete a reverse mortgage application. Search for a FHA-approved HECM lender or request a listing of FHA-approved lenders from the HECM counselor.

How FHA's Reverse Mortgage Program Works

Homeowners 62 and older who have paid off their mortgages or have only small mortgage balances remaining, and are currently living in the home, are eligible to participate in FHA's reverse mortgage program. The program allows homeowners to borrow against the equity in their homes.

Homeowners whose circumstances change may be able to restructure their payment options for a nominal fee of $20. Please consult your lender for more information.

Unlike ordinary home equity loans, an FHA-insured reverse mortgage does not require repayment as long as the home is the borrower's principal residence. Lenders recover principal, plus interest, when the home is sold. If any home equity remains after sale, the remaining value of the home goes to the homeowner, estate or heirs. You can never owe more than your home's value when sold.

If the sales proceeds are insufficient to pay the amount owed, HUD will pay the lender the amount of the shortfall. The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) collects an insurance premium from all borrowers to provide this coverage.

The amount you can borrow depends on your age, the current interest rate, other loan fees, and the appraised value of your home or FHA's HECM mortgage limit for your area, whichever is less. Generally, the more valuable your home is, the older you are, and the lower the interest, the more you can borrow. If there is more than one owner, the age of the youngest owner is used to determine the amount you can borrow. For an estimate of HECM cash benefits based on your age, home value, and current interest rate, go to the online calculator.

For example, based on a loan with interest rates of approximately 9%, and a home qualifying for $100,000, a 65-year-old could borrow up to 34% of the home's value; a 75-year-old could borrow up to 47% of the home's value; and, an 85-year-old could borrow up to 64% of the home's value. The percentages do not include closing costs because these charges vary.

There are no asset or income limitations in order for you to be eligible for a HECM. In addition, there is no limit on the value of homes qualifying for a HECM. The value of your home will be determined by an appraisal. However, the amount that you may borrow is derived from the lower of the appraised value or the FHA HECM mortgage limit for your area. Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), the national FHA loan limit for HECM increased from $417,000 to $625,500 (from 100 percent to 150 percent of the conforming limit). The change in loan limits is applicable to all FHA-insured mortgage loans originated until December 31, 2009. You are charged an upfront insurance premium of 2 percent of the maximum claim amount that may be borrowed plus a 0.5 percent annual premium.

You can pay for most of the costs of a HECM by financing them and having them paid from the proceeds of the loan. Financing the costs means that you do not have to pay for them out of your pocket. On the other hand, financing the costs reduces the net loan amount available to you.

The HECM loan includes several fees, including an origination fee, closing costs, mortgage insurance premium, interest and servicing fees.

You will pay an origination fee to compensate the lender for processing your HECM loan. A lender can charge a HECM origination fee up to $2,500 if your home is valued at less than $125,000. If your home is valued at more than $125,000 lenders can charge 2% of the first $200,000 of your home's value plus 1% of the amount over $200,000. HECM origination fees are capped at $6,000.

Closing costs from third parties can include an appraisal, title search and insurance, surveys, inspections, recording fees, mortgage taxes, credit checks and other fees.

You will incur a cost for HECM insurance. You can finance the mortgage insurance premium (MIP) as part of your loan. You will be charged an upfront MIP at closing which will be 2% of the lesser of your home's value or the FHA HECM mortgage limit for your area. You will also be charged a monthly MIP that equals 0.5% of the mortgage balance.

The HECM insurance guarantees that you will receive expected loan advances and that you will not have to repay the loan for as long as you live in your home. The insurance also guarantees that, if you or your heirs sell your home to repay the loan, your total debt can never be greater than the value of your home.

Lenders or their agents provide servicing throughout the life of the HECM. Servicing includes sending you account statements, disbursing loan proceeds and making certain that you keep up with loan requirements such as paying taxes and insurance. HECM lenders may charge a monthly servicing fee of no more than $30 if the loan has an annually adjusting interest rate and $35 if the interest rate adjusts monthly. At loan origination, HECM lenders set aside the servicing fee and deduct the fee from your available funds. Each month the monthly servicing fee is added to your loan balance.

HECM borrowers can choose an adjustable interest rate or a fixed rate. If you choose an adjustable interest rate, you may choose to have the interest rate adjust monthly or annually. Lenders may not adjust annually adjusted HECMs by more than 2 percentage points per year and not by more than 5 total percentage points over the life of the loan. FHA does not require interest rate caps on monthly adjusted HECMs.

A HECM loan must be repaid in full when you die or sell the home. The loan also becomes due and payable if:

Need answers to additional questions about FHA-insured Reverse Mortgages (HECMs)? Call today 949-378-6550.

Housing Counseling Program (New buyers, renters, homeowners)

Summary:
This program provides counseling to consumers on seeking, financing, maintaining, renting, or owning a home.

Purpose:
The Housing Counseling Assistance Program enables anyone who wants to (or already does) rent or own housing--whether through a HUD program, a Veterans Affairs program, other Federal programs, a State or local program, or the regular private market--to get HUD-approved housing counseling they need to make their rent or mortgage payments and to be a responsible tenant or owner in other ways.

HUD intends that these strategies together will create a new expectation among mortgage lenders and insurers, homebuilders, real estate brokers, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies that makes counseling an integral part of services for potential renters and homebuyers.

Mortgage Insurance

(New Buyers and Homeowners)

Section 203(b)

Through this program, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) insures mortgages made by qualified lenders to people purchasing or refinancing a home of their own.

FHA's mortgage insurance programs help low- and moderate-income families become homeowners by lowering some of the costs of their mortgage loans. FHA mortgage insurance also encourages lenders to make mortgages to otherwise creditworthy borrowers and projects that might not be able to meet conventional underwriting requirements, by protecting the lender against default on mortgages for properties that meet certain minimum requirements--including manufactured homes, single-family and multifamily properties, and some health-related facilities.

Section 203(b) is the centerpiece of FHA's single-family mortgage insurance programs--the successor of the program that helped save homeowners from default in the 1930s, that helped open the suburbs for returning veterans in the 1940s and 1950s, and that helped shape the modern mortgage finance system. Today, FHA One- to Four-Family Mortgage Insurance is still an important tool through which the Federal Government expands homeownership opportunities for first-time homebuyers and other borrowers, as well as for those who live in underserved areas. These obligations are protected by FHA's Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund, which is sustained entirely by borrower premiums.

Type of Assistance:
This program provides mortgage insurance to protect lenders against the risk of default on mortgages to qualified buyers. Insured mortgages may be used to finance the purchase of new or existing one- to four-family housing, as well as to refinance debt. Section 203(b) has several important features: