Shaye P asked:




Credit requirements for FHA Loan are comparatively less stringent as compared to

Conventional Mortgage Loan VA Mortgage Loan USDA Home Loan

The first thing to understand is that there is no specific score requirement specified by FHA. The loans are underwritten based on overall credit profile of a borrower. Most lenders use automated systems like Desktop Underwriter by Fannie Mae or Loan Prospector by Freddie Mac, along with investor specified credit score requirements, to determine eligibility. If the loan is auto approved by DU or LP and score requirements are met then other factors like lates (Not Mortgage Lates), collections, charge offs are accepted, relatively easily, by underwriters. Generally a prospective Buyer may not like to pay charge offs or old collections and this may be possible on an auto approval.

Judgments and Tax Liens

Judgments and Tax Liens are a different ball game since these affect title. A 12 month history from IRS may be accepted by certain lenders and prospective Buyers may not be asked to clear the entire outstanding tax Lien in one go. Judgments normally need to be paid.

Credit Scores 640 + or 620 +

Credit requirements required by majority FHA Home Loan Lenders has already been increased to 640 for the past few months now. The earlier score requirements were 620. There are some lenders who will finance borrowers with 620 + fico. There are no additional pricing hits for FICOs being below 640 and above 620.

Credit Scores Below 620

Few FHA Home Loan lenders will accept such borrowers, if they have NO NEW lates in the last 12 months. Any new collections or charge offs opened as a result of lates before the last 12 months are considered OK.

No Active TradeLines or No Scores

The same principle applies. Some FHA Home Loan lenders will accept such borrowers if they have NO NEW lates in the last 12 months. Any new collections or charge-offs opened as a result of lates before the last 12 months are considered OK only if Non Traditional credit can be established. Non Traditional Credit for 12 months can be documented in the form of Rent payments, Telephone/ Cell phone payments, Electricity, Water, Garbage, Cable, Storage or any other payments made consistently for the last 12 months. Generally a combination of 4 Traditional or Non traditional lines are required.

Prospective Home Buyers should read comprehensive Lending information on FHA Loans, VA Mortgage Loans, USDA Loans, Conventional Loans.

Access the PreQual affordability Mortgage Calculator

Doris

Debbie V asked:


What Happen with the Senate mortgage rescue plan? was that a new plan create for first time home buyer’s?

I’m getting ready to buy my first home I was pre-approve for a FHA loan of 180k do you think any of this will affect me.
I have a good job and the 3% down, and my credit score is 710

Jessie

Carrie Reeder asked:




A jumbo mortgage is different than a conforming loan. A jumbo loan amount exceeds that limit set by FNMA. That limit can change every year, but is around $300,000. With a jumbo mortgage, the interest rate is a little higher than other similar mortgage loans that are for smaller amounts. The reason the rate is higher is because the loan has a perceived higher risk by lenders.

A jumbo loan is considered a non-conforming loan. Conforming mortgage loan programs have perceived less risk by lenders and have lower interest rates. Most mortgage loans that are done by lenders are conforming loans. Jumbo loans are a small percentage of the mortgages that are done.

Although most mortgage loans that are done in the US, are smaller loan amounts than those limits set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac for jumbo loans, in California, home prices are so high, that there are many jumbo home loans done there.

If you live in California and/or are looking to get approved for a jumbo loan, the internet is a great place to apply to get a jumbo loan for a few reasons. First of which is that there are so many lenders online competing for your business, that lenders are forced to offer their lowest possible rates in order to get your business. For example, a local broker, who has a steady client base, may not be motivated to offer the lowest rate or the lowest closing costs, when the competition is only local. However, when you have the largest group of lenders online competing for your business, you can get a much better offer.

Where is the best place to apply for a jumbo loan? There are many mortgages companies online who can provide you quotes from multiple lenders. These companies will be able to provide you with quotes for usually up to 4 different lenders. This is a great way to make sure to get competitive offers. However, make sure you still ask each competing mortgage lender about the points they will charge, their closing costs and any other fees, to make sure you are getting the best loan you can.

Getting the lowest interest rate does not always make the loan you want, the best deal. The lender can charge more in other places that you might not catch until closing.

To view our list of recommended lenders online for jumbo loans, visit this page: Recommended
Jumbo Mortgage Loan Lenders Online.

Zachary