Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Government Loan Programs For Mortgages

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What Are Lender Overlays On Government And Conventional Loans

Government mortgage modification program may be improving

Lenders can impose lender overlays on just about anything. For example, HUD, the parent of FHA, requires a 580 credit score for a 3.5% down payment FHA loan. However, many lenders will require a 620 or 640 credit score for borrowers even though HUD Agency Guidelines only require a 580 credit score. There are so many lender overlays one lender may have but not another lender. Just because a borrower cannot qualify for a mortgage at one lender does not mean they cannot qualify for a mortgage at another lender.

Best Types Of Lenders With No Overlays And Lenient Mortgage Guidelines

Gustan Cho Associates is a mortgage banker/correspondent lender with no overlays on government and conventional loans and has the ability to broker non-QM and specialty mortgage loans. GCA Mortgage gets daily inquiries from realtors throughout the country about the specialty products we have to offer their home buyers. Many realtors have requested that I write a blog about the mortgage loan program loan programs we have available and the services

Gustan Cho Associates provides. In this article, we will discuss and cover the personal service Gustan Cho Associates can offer with the various mortgage programs we have to offer. We have a national reputation for being able to do loans other mortgage companies cannot do.

Fha Va And Usda Refinancing

Both the FHA and VA refinance mortgages including cash-out refinancing.

And there are “low-doc” versions, too.

“For a refinance, both FHA and VA offer a ‘streamlined’ version that reduces or eliminates the need for income-qualifying documentation. In most instances, there is no appraisal required,” Pataky says.

The USDA also offers streamlined and non-streamlined refinancing on its direct and guaranteed home loans.

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Are There Other Income

There are five income-driven repayment plans available to federal student loan borrowers. The exact rules vary by plan, but you can expect payments to be capped at 10% to 20% of your discretionary income. After making payments for 20 or 25 years, any remaining balance can be forgiven. Not all types of federal loans are eligible for every plan.

If youâre not sure which repayment option is best for you, use Federal Student Aidâs Loan Simulator tool to see how different plans will affect your loans.

Pros And Cons Of Refinancing Second Mortgages

Government loan programs

here are a number of pros and cons to consider when it comes to refinancing second mortgages.

Pros:

  • Change your existing loan rate and term: If interest rates have dropped, you may want to consider refinancing to take advantage of new rates.
  • Lower monthly payments: Lower interest rates may also mean lower monthly payments on your house.
  • Allow you to switch to a fixed interest rate: This is good for those who are at a variable rate and would want a fixed rate due to rising interest rates.
  • Consolidate debt: Refinancing your second mortgage will give you access to more funds, depending on your homes equity, that you can then use to consolidate high-interest debt, such as credit card debt or student loans.

Cons:

  • Consider the extended life of the loan: If you refinance a second loan, you will usually be prolonging the life of the loan and, therefore, be making payments longer.
  • Cost: Refinancing can be costly, as you will need to pay, at minimum, an appraisal fee, as well as closing costs.

Summary

Refinancing a second mortgage may be the right option for you if you are seeking a more favorable interest rate or lower monthly mortgage payments. Refinancing a second mortgage is similar to refinancing a first mortgage you will want to have a good credit score, employment history, and debt-to-income ratio to qualify for the best interest rates.

Talk to an expert before pursuing a refinancing of a second mortgage to ensure that it is the best choice for you.

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If You Are Behind On Your Mortgage Payments

Do not abandon your property, and make sure you respond to inquiries from your lender. If you abandon your property or are unreachable by your lender for more than 90 days, they can foreclose.

If you are overwhelmed by your options, contact a HUD-approved housing counselor. They are located in every state and will work with you free of charge to help you prevent foreclosure.

Is There A Congress Mortgage Stimulus Program

With Covid-era relief efforts winding down, some Congress mortgage stimulus programs are coming to a close.

Fortunately, homeowners who need to lower their mortgage payments are not out of options.

Millions of homeowners are still refinance eligible. And with a wide variety of mortgage programs available, even those with little or no equity might qualify for a lower rate and cheaper monthly payment.

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Finding A Lender With Mortgage Loan Programs With No Overlays

Gustan Cho Associates has no lender overlays on government and conventional loans. Each lender can have its own lender overlays. One lender may have lender overlays on credit scores but not a debt to income ratio and a different lender can have overlays on DTI but not credit scores. There are a few lenders that claim they have zero overlays.

However, completely zero overlays are non-existent. Here is a complete list I have of overlays that lenders who claim they have zero overlays still question. I have had some success getting around things like maximum debt to income rations, DTI, and some of the rental verification stuff with supporting documentation such as letters of explanation.

State And Local Programs

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Many states, local governments, and nonprofits offer programs to make homeownership more affordable. Many of these programs focus on low- and moderate-income families buying their first home, though some may be available to families who have previously owned a home. Other programs target teachers, firefighters, and other public service employees, or people interested in purchasing a home in a particular neighborhood.

Many programs offer down payment assistance that can be used with a regular FHA or conventional loan. Some programs lend money directly through subsidized loans.

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Fha Mortgages & Home Loans

Federal Housing Administration loans are insured by the government and therefore often offer more attractive interest rates than conventional mortgages. Because the Government doesnt mandate a minimum credit score as most lenders do, they are more flexible regarding who qualifies.

If youve had some problems in your credit history but are on a solid track, you may qualify for an FHA loan, which require lower down payments than some other conventional programs. These loans are not only for first-time home owners. There are also refinances available up to $793,750, depending on where the home is located.

Check out our guide to FHA loans in New York for more information, including details about eligibility requirements, loan limits, how to apply, and more.

What Are Government Loans

Government loans are insured or backed by the U.S. federal government. There are many types of government home loans as well as government loans for college education, disaster relief, opening a business and supporting veterans. Government-backed mortgages help all types of home buyers purchase their dream home.

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Get Professional Help Exploring Options

Foreclosure is a stress-filled situation no homeowner wants any part of, but unexpected financial setbacks happen to some of us and it helps to know where to go for assistance.

The first stop always should be your lender. They dont want to foreclose on you. It costs them far more to foreclose a home than to work with the consumer on finding an affordable mortgage payment. Ask them for assistance and you will be surprised at how willing they are to keep you in the home.

If that doesnt work, research the many programs offered by the Housing and Urban Development, the federal agency that oversees housing issues in the United States.

Beyond that, consider a HUD-approved nonprofit credit counseling agency is another source of help for mortgage and housing counseling. They can look at your income and expenses and offer suggestions that could create enough room in your budget to make payments on your mortgage.

In short, there are ways to deal with foreclosure.

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What About State Taxes

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In some states, you may be required to pay state income tax on canceled student loan debt. According to an analysis from the nonprofit Tax Foundation, 13 statesâArkansas, Hawaii, Idaho, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsinâhave the potential to tax forgiven student debt. To find out how the Biden administrationâs student loan relief may affect your state tax bill, check with your stateâs department of revenue or speak with a tax professional.

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Mortgage Relief Options From Fannie Mae And Freddie Mac

Homeowners with conforming loans backed by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac have options for mortgage relief.

If youre experiencing a temporary hardship, its not too late to ask about forbearance. Theres currently no deadline to make an initial forbearance request with your loan servicer.

If you have a conventional loan, theres currently no deadline to make an initial forbearance request with your loan servicer.

In addition, Fannie and Freddie recently came out with expanded refi programs that make it easier and cheaper to lower your interest rate and mortgage payment.

Fannie Maes RefiNow and Freddie Macs Refi Possible are designed for low- to moderate-income homeowners. You might qualify if you make average or below-average income for your area.

These refinance programs have unique benefits that can offer financial relief to homeowners, including:

  • Lower mortgage rate and monthly payment
  • Reduced closing costs with no appraisal fee
  • Easier debt-to-income qualification

These new loan options can offer big savings for homeowners who might not otherwise qualify to refinance.

You can check your areas median income using Fannie Maes lookup tool and Freddie Macs lookup tool.

Financial Help For Homeowners And Landlords

Forbearance is not the same as forgiveness. Forbearance only puts off the inevitable day when paused payments must be made up. Programs funded by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 provide financial assistance to homeowners and landlords under two programs: the Homeowner Assistance Fund and the Emergency Rental Assistance program.

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Mortgage Loan Programs With No Overlays On Fha Loans

Gustan Cho Associates has mortgage loan programs with no overlays on FHA loans. Borrowers can qualify for an FHA loan with credit scores down to 500 FICO. To qualify for a 3.5% down payment home purchase FHA loan, the borrower needs a 580 credit score. Borrowers with under 580 credit scores require to approve/eligible per Automated Underwriting System and a 10% down payment.

Manual underwriting is available for borrowers who meet manual underwriting agency guidelines. Debt to income ratios up to 46.9% front-end and 56.9% back-end. Non-occupied co-borrowers are allowed on FHA loans. Up to 6% sellers concession allowed on FHA loans to cover buyers closing costs and escrows. Open collections, late payments, bank overdrafts, and charged-off accounts are allowed.

Do You Qualify For A Lower Interest Rate

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Refinancing can offer relief from high mortgage payments. By lowering your mortgage interest rate and/or extending your loan term, you can typically reduce your monthly payment and take some pressure off your budget.

To qualify for a refinance, youll need to meet some basic criteria. But these can be very flexible depending on the loan program.

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Home Renovation Programs: Allow You To Include Renovation Money In The Mortgage

Although not stand-alone loans, government home renovation programs and insurance can simplify the often complicated and costly process of financing both a home and its necessary renovations. Here are two home renovation options offered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development :

  • FHA 203 Rehab Mortgage Insurance: Allows homebuyers to finance a home and the cost of rehabilitation through a single mortgage.
  • Energy Efficient Mortgage Program: Allows those with an FHA-insured mortgage to include the cost of energy-efficient improvements in their financing.

There are a variety of federal home loans available for home improvements. Check out more options here.

Va Mortgages & Home Loans

Veterans Affairs loans are available to active duty military personnel, retired military personnel , Reservists or National Guard members and their families.

VA mortgages are guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and are made to encourage lenders to work with Veterans and their families. Our experienced loan representatives will work with you to acquire a Certificate of Eligibility in order to apply. Current loans are available up to $625,500, depending on the actual location of the subject home.

The VA Loan Guarantee allows the purchase of New York homes without a down payment, providing the purchase price does not exceed the reasonable value of the home. The Veteran will need to occupy the residence in order to qualify. VA refinance loans of an existing residence are also available and can be streamlined they may not require an appraisal and the closing costs may be rolled into the new loan.

Get more details about VA mortgages in NY including details about how to qualify, refinancing options, loan limits, and more by reviewing our guide to New York VA mortgages.

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Emergency Rental Assistance Program

The Emergency Rental Assistance program provides funding to help renters who are unable to pay rent or utilities. The funds are provided directly to states, U.S. territories, local governments, American Indian tribes, Tribally Designated Housing Entities, and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands. These entities may use ERA funds to provide assistance through existing or newly created rental assistance programs.

We Know Government Loans

FHA

FedHome Loan Centers specializes in delivering advantageous government loan products and providing solutions for customers seeking flexible credit qualifying requirements with low out-of-pocket costs. Today, the best loan products for someone with perfect or even bad credit are government insured home loans. VA, USDA and FHA first time home buyer programs offer $0 down / low down payments, low interest rates and relaxed credit standards. In some cases we can approve buyers with less than a 585 FICO score.

Government backed loans are easier to qualify for and require less money down that conventional loans.. VA and USDA loans are currently the best way to buy a home, and the only mortgage with zero down payment required. HUD / FHA only requires a 3.5% down-payment . This program allows the downpayment funds to come from family, friends, a 401k or from a housing grant. Unlike conforming loans, these programs also accept borrowers with fair/bad credit.

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Who Is A Federal Government Employee

Government employees are anyone who works for the federal, state, county, or city government. These can include employees from federal government agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, to librarians and park rangers. In many cases, this also includes teachers in public education and those working in healthcare.

What Is The Home Stimulus Program

Better known as the Homeowners Assistance Fund , this program is part of the American Rescue Plan for providing relief to Americans amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of the HAF is to prevent Americans from losing their homes, utilities or insurance during a time of economic hardship. You can find more information about the HAF on the U.S. Treasury website.

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How To Request Homeowner Assistance Funds

Homeowner assistance funds are in the process of being distributed to states for redistribution to homeowners. The U.S. Department of the Treasury has provided guidance for states to use in developing their individual HAF plans.

You will request funds from your state after your states HAF plan has been approved and its system is up and running. Meanwhile, the National Council of State Housing Agencies Homeowner Assistance Fund webpage features a map showing the status of each states HAF to date.

Us Department Of Veterans Affairs Loans

Home Renovations with VA Home Loan Refinancing | Department of Veterans Affairs | theSITREP

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs guarantees VA loans. The VA does not make loans itself but guarantees mortgages made by qualified lenders. These guarantees allow veterans to obtain home loans with favorable terms .

In most cases, VA loans are easier to qualify for than conventional loans. Lenders generally limit the maximum VA loan to conventional mortgage loan limits. Before applying for a loan, youll need to request your eligibility from the VA. If you are accepted, the VA will issue a certificate of eligibility that you can use to apply for a loan.

In addition to these federal loan types and programs, state and local governments and agencies sponsor assistance programs to increase investment or homeownership in certain areas.

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Covid + Credit: I Cant Pay My Mortgage What Are My Options

Every homebuyers nightmare is being suddenly unable to pay your mortgage. If youre unable to pay your mortgage, consider these steps.

Reading time: 6 minutes

Every homebuyers nightmare is that you suddenly wont be able to pay your mortgage. Whether youre out of work and struggling due to the Coronavirus/Covid-19 pandemic or youre simply dealing with other financial challenges, there could be any number of reasons that youve fallen behind on your monthly payments. Assuming youve already done all you can to adjust your budget, here are some additional steps to consider if you find yourself suddenly unable to pay your mortgage.

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