FHA Threatens to Ban Downpayment Assistance Programs

Today, the New York Times revealed the FHA's plan to do away with downpayment assistance programs offered through non-profits because they expect $4.6 Billion in losses, which they attribute to these programs. FHA commissioner, Brian D. Montgomery, warns that the F.H.A., "would have to renew its efforts to end the seller-financed down payment program, which accounted for 35 percent of its loans in 2007."

Rachel L. Swarns, the writer of this news piece explains how these seller-financed downpayment programs work:

"Under the program, a home seller arranges to cover the buyer’s down payment, using financial help from a nonprofit company, but typically adds that sum or more to the price of the house. The deal has been particularly attractive to financially struggling buyers and to owners in depressed markets, according to Congressional officials."

There is much debate with congressional leaders as to whether or not the FHA should ban these programs. On one side, critics say that these programs put overpriced homes in the hands of the poor. On the other side, supporters claim that banning these programs would make homeownership unattainable for low income families.

I believe there is a middle ground somewhere. Downpayment assistance programs are ok so long as buyers can afford them. The problem starts when buyers cannot afford the higher purchase price that results from adding the downpayment and closing costs to the purchase price so that the seller is willing to pay them on the buyer's behalf. Instead of banning these important programs, it would make more sense to implement stricter income qualifying requirements for buyers intending to use these downpayment assistance programs OR any other alternative to a straight ban on downpayment assistant programs.

Read full article here, F.H.A. Faces $4.6 Billion in Losses.

The Six Essentials of Qualifying for FHA Loans

While FHA is a very helpful program designed to help Americans achieve homeownership, there are a few helpful things to know about what it takes to qualify for this type of financing. The six main points of pre-qualifying for this type of mortgage program--as described by fha.com--include, as a rule of thumb:

1. Steady employment history, at least two years with the same employer.

2. Consistent or increasing income over the past two years.

3. Credit report should be in good standing with less than two thirty day late payments in the past two years.

4. Any bankruptcy on record must be at least two years old with good credit for the two consecutive years.

5. Any foreclosure must be at least three years old with good credit for the past three years.

6. Mortgage payment qualified for must be approximately 30 percent of your total monthly gross income.

For more information about FHA mortgages, and other helpful homebuying tips, please visit the official web site of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). FHA can help buyers whether they are first time homebuyers, or they are buyers who would like to buy and renovate a fixer. FHA also has a reverse mortgage program for seniors, as well as, programs for buyers of manufactured homes. Information about these different programs can be found by visiting HUD's loan program page.

Basic eligibility requirements for an FHA mortgage can be found through their knowledge base.