Terms of Use What are FHA loans? The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) works to make home ownership a possibility for more Americans. The FHA is not a lender but rather an insurer of loans. The FHA issues guidelines to banks and credit unions to follow so that as long as a loan meets those terms, it agrees to insure against loss. FHA loans are attractive for first-time homebuyers who might not have saved enough for a down payment of 5% or more for a conventional loan or whose debt-to-income r  More...

Terms of Use: With current mortgage rates nearing all-time lows and home prices continuing to climb, you want to "get while the gettin's good!" But accumulating enough for a down payment on your first home can be one of the toughest financial challenges you'll face. The traditional down payment requirement used to be 20 percent of your home's purchase price. However, lending rules have changed recently, so you may be able to put down less (5 or 10 percent) to qualify for a mortgage. But keep in   More...

Terms of Use Table of Contents 1. Obtain information from several lenders 2. Obtain all important cost information 3. Obtain the best deal that you can 4. Remember: Shop, compare, negotiate 5. Fair lending is required by law 6. Credit problems? 7. Glossary 1. Obtain Information from Several Lenders Home loans are available from several types of lenders-- thrift institutions , commercial banks, mortgage companies, and credit unions. Different lenders may quote you different prices, so you shou  More...

Terms of Use The Whys: To save money when market rates are lower than what you are paying. To pay off non-deductible consumer debt using some of the equity built up in your home. To change your present adjustable mortgage to a fixed rate or vice versa. To get cash for home improvements, college education, second home purchases and personal investments. The Whens: If you are refinancing your mortgage for the reasons defined in 2-4 above, then it really comes down to understanding how much you w  More...

Terms of Use When buying your first home, navigating the world of financing options can be somewhat daunting. In addition to the options available, consider your own finances to ensure that you are getting the mortgage that best suits your needs. Here's a look at several mortgage loan types: Conventional Loans Conventional loans are fixed-rate mortgages that are not insured or guaranteed by the federal government. The good thing about these is that the interest rate is fixed, so your  More...

Terms of Use Credit Score A credit score (ranging from 300 to 850) is a measure of your credit worthiness or how likely you are to pay back your debts and do so on time. You want to have a high score. Your credit score is used by lenders, credit card companies, employers, landlords, insurance companies and others in evaluating whether to extend credit to you. The higher your credit score, the lower the assumed risk to lend you money. While no specific definition of “good” is un  More...

Terms of Use Call or write to your lender as soon as possible. Clearly explain the situation and be prepared to provide him or her with financial information. Talk to your lender or a HUD-approved counseling agency for details. Listed below are a few options that may help you get back on track. For FHA loans: Keep living in your home to qualify for assistance. Contact a HUD-approved housing counseling agency (1-800-569-4287 or TDD: 1-800-877-8339) and cooperate with the counselor/lender trying  More...

Terms of Use There are mortgage options now available that only require a down payment of 5% or less of the purchase price. Mortgages with less than a 20% down payment generally require a private mortgage insurance (PMI) policy to secure the loan. For example, if you pay 10% down on a $100,000 loan, PMI might cost you about $40/month or $480/year. However, the actual rate is based on various factors including the size of the loan, the amount of the down payment, and your individual lendi  More...

Terms of Use: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) was established in 1965 to develop national policies and programs to address housing needs in the U.S. One of HUD's primary missions is to create a suitable living environment for all Americans by developing and improving the country's communities and enforcing fair housing laws. HUD helps people by administering a variety of programs that develop and support affordable housing. Specifically, HUD plays a large role in h  More...

Terms of Use: The LTV ratio is the amount of money you borrow compared with the lower of the price or appraised value of the home you are purchasing. Each loan has a specific LTV limit. For example: with a 95% LTV loan on a home priced at $50,000, you could borrow up to $47,500 (95% of $50,000), and would have to pay $2,500 as a down payment. The LTV ratio reflects the amount of equity borrowers have in their homes. The higher the LTV ratio, the less cash homebuyers are required to pay out o  More...