The FHA Loan

The FHA Loan

In 1934, the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) was created by the National Housing Act for the primary purpose of insuring long-term residential mortgage loans and, thereby, promoting home ownership in the United States. Today, the FHA is the largest government insurer of mortgages in the world.

FHA loans have surged in popularity. In 2005, government-backed FHA loans represented about 2.8% of total loans originated. Today, the number is closer to 30%. Over the past couple of years, as credit standards tightened, FHA loans have become the loan of choice for many homebuyers.

Contributing to the popularity of FHA loans is that the maximum loan amount limit has increased from $417,000 to as much as $729,750, depending on the county in which the home is located. Also, if you qualify for a loan, the loan-to-value (LTV) ratios are potentially higher than those for conventional mortgage loans. With FHA loans, a buyer can borrow up to 96.5% of the value of a home. The potential for a higher LTV also makes FHA loans an attractive option for homeowners wanting to refinance. And FHA loans come with fixed mortgage rates providing stable payments over the life of the loan. Also, FHA closing costs can be financed into the total amount of the mortgage.

Traditionally, FHA mortgages were used to assist first-time homebuyers who may not have otherwise qualified for a loan. But FHA loans are no longer just for first-time homebuyers. They are increasingly used by move-up buyers. The only restriction is that a purchaser may have only one FHA loan at a time.

If you would like to learn more about the FHA loan process — and how it might help you move into a new home — please call me today.

I have closed 4 FHA loans in May. I can help you get yours as well!