To find out which loans work best for you, read through these diverse loan options and choose the one that fits your needs and preferences.

FHA Loan:

FHA mortgage loans are issued by federally qualified lenders and insured by the U.S. Federal Housing Authority, a division of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

FHA loans are an attractive option, especially for first-time homeowners:

• Generally easier to qualify for than conventional loans.

• Lower down payment requirements.

• Cannot exceed statutory loan limits.

FHA Renovation Loan 203K

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA), which is part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), administers various single family mortgage insurance programs. These programs operate through FHA-approved lending institutions which submit applications to have the property appraised and have the buyer's credit approved. These lenders fund the mortgage loans which the Department insures. HUD does not make direct loans to help people buy homes.

The FHA 203k loan program is the Department's primary program for the rehabilitation and repair of single family properties. Basically is a home improvement loan.  As such, it is an important tool for community and neighborhood revitalization and for expanding homeownership opportunities. Since these are the primary goals of HUD, the Department believes that FHA  203k loan is an important program and they intend to continue to strongly support the program and the lenders that participate in it.

Lenders have successfully used the FHA 203k loan program in partnership with state and local housing agencies and nonprofit organizations to rehabilitate properties. These lenders, along with state and local government agencies, have found ways to combine the FHA 203k loan with other financial resources, such as HUD's HOME, HOPE, and Community Development Block Grant Programs, to assist borrowers. Several state housing finance agencies have designed programs, specifically for use with FHA 203k loan and some lenders have also used the expertise of local housing agencies and nonprofit organizations to help manage the rehabilitation processing.

HUD also believes that the FHA 203k loan program is an excellent means for lenders to demonstrate their commitment to lending in lower income communities and to help meet their responsibilities under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). HUD is committed to increasing homeownership opportunities for families in these communities and Section 203(k) is an excellent product for use with CRA-type lending programs.


FHA 203K Loan - How the Program Can Be Used:
This program can be used to accomplish rehabilitation and/or improvement of an existing one-to-four unit dwelling in one of three ways:

1. To purchase a dwelling and the land on which the dwelling is located and rehabilitate it.

2. To purchase a dwelling on another site, move it onto a new foundation on the mortgaged property and rehabilitate it.

3. To refinance existing indebtedness and rehabilitate a dwelling;

To purchase a dwelling and the land on which the dwelling is located and rehabilitate it, and to refinance existing indebtedness and rehabilitate such a dwelling, the mortgage must be a first lien on the property and the loan proceeds (other than rehabilitation funds) must be available before the rehabilitation begins.

To purchase a dwelling on another site, move it onto a new foundation and rehabilitate it, the mortgage must be a first lien on the property; however, loan proceeds for the moving of the house cannot be made available until the unit is attached to the new foundation.

To be eligible for the FHA 203k mortgage loan, the property must be a one- to four-family dwelling that has been completed for at least one year. The number of units on the site must be acceptable according to local zoning requirements. All newly constructed units must be attached to the existing dwelling. Cooperative units are not eligible.

Homes that have been demolished, or will be razed as part of the rehabilitation work, are eligible provided some of the existing foundation system remains in place.

In addition to typical home improvement loan projects, the FHA 203-k mortgage loan program can be used to convert a one-family dwelling to a two-, three-, or four-family dwelling. An existing multi-unit dwelling could be decreased to a one- to four-family unit.

An existing house (or modular unit) on another site can be moved onto the mortgaged property; however, release of loan proceeds for the existing structure on the non-mortgaged property is not allowed until the new foundation has been properly inspected and the dwelling has been properly placed and secured to the new foundation.

A 203-k mortgage loan may be originated on a "mixed use" residential property provided: (1) The property has no greater than 25 percent (for a one story building); 33 percent (for a three story building); and 49 percent (for a two story building) of its floor area used for commercial (storefront) purposes; (2) the commercial use will not affect the health and safety of the occupants of the residential property; and (3) the rehabilitation funds will only be used for the residential functions of the dwelling and areas used to access the residential part of the property. 

Q&A for FHA 203K loans

What is the minimum amount of repairs required on a FHA 203k home improvement loan?
There is a minimum $10,000 requirement of eligible home improvement loan projects on the existing structure of the property. Minor or cosmetic repairs may be included after meeting the first $5,000 worth of repairs.

What are some of the repairs that qualify for the first $10,000?

Structural alterations and reconstruction: (Repair or replacement of structural damage, chimney repair, additions to the structure, installation of additional bath(s), skylights, finished attics and/or basements, repair of termite damage and the treatment against termites)

• Elimination of health and safety hazards

• Changes for aesthetic appeal:
  (New siding, adding a dormer, covered porch, attached garage).

• Air Conditioning or replacement:
  (plumbing, heating, air conditioning and electrical systems).

• Installation of well, septic system or connection to public utilities.

• Roofing, Gutter Downspouts, Flooring, Tiling and carpeting.

• Major landscape and site improvement.

• Improvements to improve accessibility and functions for the disabled.

What are the qualifications to be able to obtain a FHA 203-k loan?

The qualifications requirements are the same as a typical FHA mortgage loan. The only additional item that the borrower needs is either enough cash reserved to pay for materials and labor until they are reimbursed through a draw, or a credit card with an adequate available balance. If there is to be a contractor involved, the contractor may choose to cover these costs.

The interest rate on a typical FHA 203k mortgage loan is a little higher than a standard FHA or conventional 30/15-year fixed-rate loan. The cash requirements are the same as an FHA loan, 3 percent to 5 percent, which is less than a typical conventional loan. There are a couple of additional fees which pertain to the construction aspects of the FHA 203k loan.

Can I pick my own contractor to do the work?

You may decide on your own contractor, and they should be brought into the process in the beginning stage of the loan process. Check out the credentials of the contractor thoroughly, making sure he is knowledgeable in all aspects of rehabilitation work.

The home improvements or repairs need not be made before moving into the property, depending on how extensive the repairs are and whether the house is habitable while the repairs are being made. The home improvement loan provides the ability to include up to 6 months of mortgage payments in the improvement escrow, should you not be able to occupy the property and have to pay rent during rehabilitation.

If you have additional questions about how the loan works please don't hesitate to contact me for additional questions.  I look forward to helping you make the right loan decision as you move forward in the loan process.

Conventional Loans:

Conventional loans are mortgage loans offered by non-government sponsored lenders. These loan types include:

• Fixed Rate Loans

• Adjustable Rate Loans (ARMs)

• Combination (Hybrid) Loans

• Balloon Mortgages and Pledge Asset Loans

• Jumbo / Construction Loans

Conforming Loans:

Conforming loans are conventional loans that meet bank-funding criteria set by Fannie Mae (FNMA) and Freddie Mac (FHLMC). Both of these stock-holding companies buy mortgage loans from lending institutions and secure them for resale to the investment community. Every year, form October to October, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac establish limits on what constitutes a conforming loan in a mean home price.

Buying back mortgage loans allow these agencies to provide a continuous flow of affordable funding to banks that reinvest their money back into more mortgage loans. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac only buy loans that are conforming, to repackage into the secondary market - effectively decreasing the demand for non-conforming loans.

Conforming Loan Limits:

NOTE: The conforming loan limit in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam and the Virgin Islands is 50% higher.

Fixed Rate Mortgage:

With a fixed rate mortgage, the interest rate does not change for the term of the loan, so the monthly payment is always the same. Typically, the shorter the loan period, the more attractive the interest rate will be.

Payments on fixed-rate fully amortizing loans are calculated so that the loan is paid in full at the end of the term. In the early amortization period of the mortgage, a large percentage of the monthly payment pays the interest on the loan. As the mortgage is paid down, more of the monthly payment is applied toward the principal.

A 30 year fixed rate mortgage is the most popular type of loan when borrowers are able to lock into a low rate.

Benefits:

• Lower monthly payments than a 15 year fixed rate mortgage

• Interest rate does not go up if interest rates go up

• Payment does not go up, it stays the same for 30 years

Drawbacks:

• Higher interest rate than a 15 year fixed rate mortgage

• Interest rate stays the same even if interest rates go down

A 15 year fixed rate mortgage allows you to pay off your loan quicker and lock into an attractive lower interest rate.

Benefits

• Lower interest rate

• Build equity faster

• If interest rates go up, yours is fixed

Drawbacks:

• Higher mo Interest rate stays the same if interest rates go down

• Interest rate stays the same even if interest rates go down

Jumbo Loans:

Jumbo Loans exceed the maximum loan amounts established by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac conventional loan limits. Rates on jumbo loans are typically higher than conforming loans. Jumbo Loans are typically used to buy more expensive homes and high-end custom construction homes.

VA Loan:

Designed to offer long-term financing to American veterans, VA mortgage loans are issued by federally qualified lenders and are guaranteed by the U.S. Veterans Administration. The VA determines eligibility and issues a certificate to qualifying applicants to submit to their mortgage lender of choice. It is generally easier to qualify for a VA loan than conventional loans.

Here's how it works:

• 100% financing without private mortgage insurance or 20% second mortgage.

• A VA funding fee of 0 to 3.3% (this fee may be financed) of the loan amount is paid to the VA.

• When purchasing a home veterans may borrow up to 100% of the sales price or reasonable value of the home, whichever is less.

• When refinancing a home, veterans may borrow up to 90% of reasonable value in order to refinance where state law allows.

• Apply for a VA Loan with a VA Qualified Lender.

RHS Loan Programs:

The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers a variety of programs to help low to moderate-income individuals living in small towns or rural areas achieve homeownership. The Rural Housing Service (RHS) helps qualifying applicants, who cannot receive credit from other sources, purchase modestly priced homes as their primary residence.

RHS Loans are an attractive option because:

• Minimal closing cost

• Low or no down payment

RHS loans can be used toward the purchase and renovation of a previously owned home or a new construction. Families must be able to pay their monthly mortgage, homeowner's insurance and property taxes.

Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM):

An ARM is a mortgage with an interest rate that may vary over the term of the loan -- usually in response to changes in the prime rate or Treasury Bill rate. The purpose of the interest rate adjustment is primarily to bring the interest rate on the mortgage in line with market rates.

Mortgage holders are protected by a ceiling, or maximum interest rate, which can be reset annually. ARMs typically begin with more attractive rates than fixed rate mortgages -- compensating the borrower for the risk of future interest rate fluctuations.

Choosing an ARM is a good idea when

• Interest rates are going down

• You intend to keep your home less than 5 years

ARMs have the following distinguishing features:

• Index

• Margin

• Adjustment Frequency

• Initial Interest Rate

• Interest Rate Cap

• Convertibiity

Index

An adjustable rate mortgage's interest rate increases and decreases based on publicly published indexes. ARMS are based on different indexes including:

• United States Treasury Bills (T-bills)

• The 11th District Cost of Funds Index (COFI)

• London Interbank Offering Rate Index (LIBOR)

• Certificate of Deposit Indexes (CODI)

• 12-Month Treasury Average (MTA or MAT)

• Cost of Savings Index (COSI)

• Bank Prime Loan (Prime Rate)

Margin

Margin is a fixed percentage amount that is pointed added to the index - accounting for the profit the lender makes on the loan. Margins are fixed for the term of the loan.

interest rate = index + margin

Adjustment Frequency

Adjustment frequency reflects how often the interest rate changes - also known as the reset date. Most ARMs adjust yearly, but some ARMs adjust as often as once a month or as infrequently as every five years.

Initial Interest Rate

The initial interest rate is the interest rate paid until the first reset date. The initial interest rate determines your initial monthly payment, which the lender may use to qualify you for a loan. Often the initial interest rate is less than the sum of the current index plus margin so your interest rate and monthly payment will probably go up on the first reset date.

Interest Rate Caps

Interest rate caps put limits on interest rates and monthly payments.

Common caps:

Initial Adjustment Cap

An initial adjustment cap limits how much the interest rate can change at the first adjustment period.

Example:
If your ARM has a 1% initial adjustment cap, your interest rate may only increase or decrease by a maximum of 1% at the first adjustment period.

Periodic Adjustment Cap

A periodic adjustment cap limits how much your interest rate can change from one adjustment period to the next. Usually a six-month adjustable rate mortgage will have a one percent periodic adjustment cap while a one-year adjustable rate mortgage will have a two percent periodic adjustment cap.

Example:
If your loan has a 2% periodic adjustment cap, your interest rate may only increase or decrease by a maximum of 2% per adjustment period.

Lifetime Cap

A lifetime cap sets the maximum and minimum interest rate that you may be charged for the life of the loan. Most ARMs have caps of 5% or 6% above the initial interest rate.

Example:
If your loan has a 6% lifetime cap, your interest rate may only increase or decrease by a maximum of 6% for the life of the loan.

Initial adjustment caps, periodic adjustment caps, and lifetime caps make up an adjustable rate mortgage's cap structure, and are usually represented as three numbers:

Example:
1/2/6 -- Initial adjustment cap is 1 %/ periodic cap is 2% / lifetime cap is 6%.

Negatively Amortizing Loans

Because Negatively Amortizing Loans provide payments caps instead of interest rate caps, they limit the amount the monthly payment can increase. However, there is a risk interest rates could potentially escalate to a point where the monthly payment would not cover the interest being charged. If this scenario were to occur, the extra interest charges would be added to the principle of the loan, resulting in the borrower owing more than was initially borrowed. Borrowers are usually allowed to make payments over the loan amount to pay down the mortgage and guard against this scenario.

There are certain times when having a negatively amortizing mortgage could be beneficial. If a borrower were to lose a job or have an unexpected financial emergency a negative amortization option could ease cash flow situation. However, this should only be used as a short-term solution.

Option ARM loans

Option ARM loans allow the borrower to choose the amount to pay toward the mortgage each month. Make a minimum payment, interest-only payment, 30-year amortized payment or 15-year amortized payment. Pay the minimum amount to free up funds for other uses, or make larger payments for faster equity build up. Option Arms offer much more cash flow flexibility but must be used wisely by the borrower. Always consult a qualified loan officer to learn about all of the risks associated with these types of loans. He or she will also be able to offer valuable advice on properly managing your monthly payments.