L. Sampson asked:




If looking for a no money down or 100 percent mortgage financing, you have several options. Understandably, many homebuyers have little cash on hand for a down payment. Because of the increase in home prices, saving the typical 20% is practically impossible. Fortunately, FHA home loan programs offer 100 percent mortgage financing, which eliminates the need for a large down payment. Here are a few tips on qualifying for a FHA home mortgage loan.

Employment Guideline for Getting a FHA Mortgage Loan

FHA loans are very flexible. Still, before approving a homebuyer for a FHA loan, the lender will carefully review several factors to determine whether they are an ideal candidate for a mortgage loan.

To acquire a FHA loan, lenders require steady employment. Usually, this involves two years of continuously working. It helps to maintain the same employer throughout the two years.

Individuals who change employers every four to six months or those who only held employment for half of the 24 months may have a hard time getting approved for a FHA loan. If unemployment was due to layoffs, illness, or other legitimate excuses, the lender may consider the applicant for approval.

Credit Guidelines for FHA Loans

When reviewing a homebuyer’s application for a mortgage loan, the lender will look at all credit activity that has occurred within the last two to three years. Concerning late payments, applicants cannot have more than two 30 days late payments within a two year period.

Bankruptcies must have a discharged date of at least two years. Furthermore, foreclosures must be at least three years old. In both cases, mortgage lenders require that homebuyers have begun re-establishing credit and building a good credit history.

Income Guidelines for FHA Loans

To qualify for a FHA mortgage loan, lenders will evaluate combine household incomes and other consumer debts (auto loan, credit cards, student loans, etc) to ensure that the mortgage payment does not exceed 30% of income. However, FHA loan lenders are flexible in this regards. Because of rising home prices and modest incomes, lenders may approve loans that exceed 30% of the homebuyer’s income.

Emma

Michael Kraus asked:




For much of the past year, mortgage rates have been at or near record low points. Unfortunately, many homeowners have been unable to take advantage of these rates due to declining home equity. Many homes have lost significant amounts of value since the housing market peaked in 2006. As a result, many homeowners now owe more on their mortgage than their home is worth (this condition is known as being “underwater” or “upside-down” on one’s mortgage). Homeowners who lack equity in their homes are frequently unable to meet the loan-to-value (LTV) ratios required by lenders in order to refinance their mortgages. These borrowers may be missing out on thousands of dollars worth of savings.

In response to this situation, the government created the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP). HARP was designed to allow homeowners with little to no home equity to refinance into lower mortgage rates. HARP loans are available to borrowers with LTVs of as much as 125 percent, although the maximum LTV it varies by lender.

Some of the eligibility requirements for HARP are:

• The borrower’s mortgage must be owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac
• The home must be the borrower’s primary residence
• The borrower must be current on their mortgage with no late payments in the last 12 month period
• The new loan must lower the borrower’s monthly payments

For a complete listing of the HARP eligibility requirements, check out the Making Home Affordable Webpage here.

The HARP loan program has been extended through June 11, 2011.

Tracy

Carrie Reeder asked:




When applying for a mortgage loan, your credit score plays a huge role. Thus, many people choose to establish a good credit history before applying for a mortgage. Having a low credit score will not necessarily prevent you from getting a mortgage. Likewise, it’s possible to get a mortgage with no credit history. Before applying for a no FICO score home loan, it is important to understand how these loans work, and how to qualify.

Purpose of Credit Scoring

Without credit reports and credit scoring, potential lenders would be unable to assess an applicant’s creditworthiness. Credit reports contain very detailed information about our credit history. For example, the length of credit history, number of credit accounts, outstanding balances, etc. Along with creditor information, reports also contain a three digit number. This is the FICO score. Credit scores range from 300 to 850. Higher scores obviously means better credit.

How Credit Scores Affect Mortgage Loan Approvals

Years ago, obtaining a mortgage loan with poor credit was rare. However, lenders have begun offering flexible programs, which make it possible for more families to qualify for home loans. Among these includes a variety of mortgage loans especially for people with bad credit.

Bad credit generally consists of several late payments, bankruptcies, foreclosures, collections, judgments, etc. All of these factors contribute to very low credit scores. Low credit scores equal higher interest rates, which will increase mortgage payments. Fortunately, there are loan programs in which FICO scores are not a primary factor.

What are No Credit Score Home Loans?

If you have bad credit or no credit history, you may qualify for a no credit score home loan. In many instances, homebuyers earn a sizeable income, in which they can afford to buy a home. However, because of past credit history, many will not qualify for a conventional home loan. Rather than wait until credit improves, these individuals may apply for loans without using credit scores.

Try using one of ABC Loan Guide’s
Recommended Poor Credit Mortgage Loan Companies.

Many mortgage lenders offer these sorts of loans. However, homebuyers must meet certain criteria. For example, most lenders will only finance 70% or 80% on a no credit score loan, thus the homebuyer must have a down payment of approximately 20% – 30%. Secondly, most lenders require full documentation on these loans. Thus, homebuyers needing a no doc or stated income loan may not qualify.

Angela