I have a great tip for you if you’re currently renting with a roommate and considering buying a home. The HomeReady program allows for you to use “boarder income” to qualify for your next home. If you’re thinking about buying a home where your roommate will continue to pay you rent, you may be able to use that rental income for qualifying for your new mortgage on a one-unit home. [Read more…]
Home Buying Hack for Roommates
May 23, 2024 by Leave a Comment
Price Adjustments coming soon to Conforming Mortgages
January 24, 2023 by Leave a Comment
Last week, the FHFA (Federal Housing Finance Agency) announced changes to how conforming mortgages are priced with loan-level price adjustments (LLPAs). Some borrowers will find improved pricing where others will have to pay more in fees. The fees are typically incorporated into the interest rate for the mortgage.
From Fannie Mae’s Lender Letter dated January 19, 2023:
“We are implementing additional changes to our LLPA framework that represent the next step in our effort to increase support for borrowers historically underserved by the housing finance market…”.
Freddie Mac Home Possible reduces income limits
June 20, 2019 by Leave a Comment
Freddie Mac has announced changes to their Home Possible mortgage program. Freddie Mac’s Home Possible and Fannie Mae’s Home Ready mortgage programs offers competitive pricing with interest rates and reduced private mortgage insurance premiums for home buyers. [Read more…]
Common Misconceptions about FHA and Conventional Mortgages
June 1, 2018 by Leave a Comment
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…]
FHA vs Conventional Low Down Payment Mortgages for Home Buyers
May 23, 2017 by Leave a Comment
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…]
Comparing Low Down Payment Mortgage Programs
April 23, 2014 by Leave a Comment
EDITORS NOTE: Fannie Mae is no longer offering the FannieMae HomePath mortgage program. If you are considering buying a Fannie Mae HomePath property (foreclosure that is owned by Fannie Mae) in Washington state, I’m happy to help you.
Home buyers have so many options today for selecting a mortgage today. We have several mortgage programs designed to help people buy a home who want to use less down payment. Many of these programs do not require the borrower to be a first time home buyer. Home buyers should compare all possible options before making a decision on what program is best suited for their personal financial scenario.
WSHFC now offers reduced mortgage rates with no DPA
March 31, 2014 by Leave a Comment
The Washington State Housing Finance Commission offers several mortgage programs with various types of down payment assistance for home buyers. In order to qualify for the program, home buyers need to have household income of $97,000 or lower and attend a WSHFC sponsored home buyers class.
Freddie Mac Home Possible Mortgage
August 30, 2013 by 17 Comments
Freddie Mac’s Home Possible Mortgage is a great mortgage program designed for first time home buyers. What’s so special about this program is that it allows a home buyer to qualify for dramatically reduced mortgage insurance premiums with a minimum down payment. The down payment may be gifted by a family member. No reserves are required for a single family dwelling.
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