I just received a newsletter from a local real estate agent which had an article about whether buyers should opt for a conventional or FHA loan. I’m pretty certain the real estate agent didn’t write the article, however the author, whoever they are, got a lot of things wrong regarding these two mortgage programs. Many of the items that were wrong are what I think are fairly common misconceptions with these two popular mortgage programs. So I thought this was a grand opportunity to write a post to correct them…I’ll skip the fine hairs 😉 [Read more…]
Stop paying rent: Mortgages with Low Down Payment Options
Recently I wrote about neighbors in West Seattle who were looking for a new place to rent because they have two cats and a dog, limiting their options. I’ve pets my entire life, this is my cat Rocko at his typical hang-out where he can view everything on our stairs.
In my last post, I shared Fannie Mae’s Home Ready mortgage program which offers a low down payment with improved pricing on rates and mortgage insurance. [Read more…]
2018 FHA Loan Limits for Washington State
HUD has just announced FHA loan limits for 2018. Due to the increased value of homes, the FHA base loan amount was increased to $294,515 for single family dwellings. FHA loan limits also match the conforming high balance limits in applicable counties. Not all counties saw an increase in FHA loan limits.
Loan limits for 2018 are in effect with FHA case numbers issued in 2018.
Here is a complete list of FHA loan limits for all counties in Washington. [Read more…]
Financing a “multi-generational” home
It’s becoming more common for families to have multiple generations living under the same roof. Some families opt to commit to buying a “multi-generational” home together designed to accommodate their lifestyle, whether it’s a home with an attached or detached dwelling unit (aka mother-in-law apartment) or even a home built specifically for generations to live together, there are options available for living with your parents and/or grown children. [Read more…]
Mortgage Master is now financing Manufactured Homes
Mortgage Master Service Corporation has started allowing the financing of manufactured homes again using FHA or VA mortgages. Here are some of our basic guidelines: [Read more…]
FHA vs Conventional Low Down Payment Mortgages for Home Buyers
It is a very competitive market for home buyers in the greater Seattle area. I’m finding that many of my clients who are using FHA for financing are not feeling the love from home sellers. It’s not unusual for home sellers, or more likely their Listing Agent, to steer away from FHA offers when a conventional offer is in hand. [Read more…]
Dr. Carson sworn in as new HUD Secretary
Yesterday, Dr. Ben Carson was formally sworn in as the Secretary of HUD. Secretary Carson, from HUD’s press release, stated:
“”I am immensely grateful and deeply humbled to take on such an important role in service to the American people,” said Secretary Carson. “Working directly with patients and their families for many years taught me that there is a deep relationship between health and housing. I learned that it’s difficult for a child to realize their dreams if he or she doesn’t have a proper place to live, and I’ve seen firsthand how poor housing conditions can rob a person of their potential. I am excited to roll up my sleeves and to get to work.” [Read more…]
BREAKING NEWS: FHA Mortgage Insurance reduction SUSPENDED INDEFINITELY
As President Trump’s inauguration ceremony is in process, HUD has suspended the reduction of the annual FHA mortgage insurance indefinitely. Mortgage Letter 2017-07 cancels Mortgage Letter 2017-01, issued by HUD just 9 days ago. [Read more…]
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