An FHA loan is a mortgage loan that is insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA)
So why is an FHA loan a viable option to be considered?
Compared to conventional loans, an FHA loan offers some advantages for borrowers. Some of these advantages are due to recent changes in the rules for FHA loans, along with some changes in guidelines for conventional loans. Here are some things to consider when looking to purchase a primary residence or even if potentially refinancing a current FHA loan:
- Allowable debt-to-income ratio: this is often higher on FHA loans than conventional loans
- Waiting periods: If your credit has been impacted in recent years, FHA has the
following waiting periods that are often much shorter than for conventional loans.
Bankruptcy (Chapter 13) = 1 year
Bankruptcy (Chapter 7) = 2 years
Foreclosure = 3 years [Conventional = 7 years]
Short Sale = 3 years [Conventional = 4 years]
- Loan Limits: In the DC Metro Area, an FHA loan is limited to $625,500, with a 3.5% down payment. Conventional loans between $417,000 and $625,500 typically require a 10% down payment.
Recently, the FHA reduced the monthly mortgage insurance factors from 1.35% to .85%. This will mean lower monthly payments for purchases and provides current FHA loans to be refinanced with a lower mortgage insurance payment. For example, on a loan amount of $400,000, there is a monthly savings of $161 with the new monthly mortgage insurance payment. In addition, 100% of the down payment can come in the form of a gift from appropriate sources.
Every borrower has a unique need, as far as their loan is concerned. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact our preferred Lender, Keith Harris at Intercoastal Mortgage Company.
Keith Harris
Senior Loan Officer
NMLS Registry # 838973
Office: 703.259.0788
Mobile: 703.395.6601
KeithH@icmtg.com
The JS Realty Team – not only serving Brambleton, serving all of Northern Virginia.
