FHA MIP

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Hello Hampton Roads,

An FHA loan allows buyers who have good credit but who may not neccessarily have the 20% downpayment required for a conventional loan to purchase a home.  For this benefit, HUD charges an upfront MIP (mortgage insurance premium) that buyers are required to pay when they get an FHA loan. These funds are pooled in FHA's Mutual Mortgage Insurance Fund which is used to protect investors against default since HUD guarantees FHA loans and protects a percentage of the lender's investment.  Due the number of defaults, this Mortgage Insurance Fund is undercapitalized and the rules for the FHA MIP are changing to help shore up the fund.

As of Oct. 4, 2010 buyers will pay a smaller upfront mortgage insurance premium, but higher monthly premiums effectively paying more in the long run. Under the new rules, assuming a 30-year fixed rate FHA mortgage with a minimum of 5 percent down:

• Upfront MIP drops to 1.000% of the amount borrowed from 2.250% (100 basis point decrease)
• Annual MIP increases to 0.850% of the amount borrowed from 0.500%

For example, for a $100,000 mortgage,  the upfront MIP falls to $1,000 from $2,250; monthly MIP jumps to $70.83 from $41.67. The FHA expects the change will yield an additional $300 million in premiums monthly.

A great article to read more on this is Look What’s Happening to FHA Mortgage Insurance!
 
If you are considering buying a home in this market, if may benefit you to do so before the rules change.

Thanks for Reading,


_________________________
Serving your Hampton Roads and Virginia Beach Real Estate needs.

How do I find a HUD home in Virginia?

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Hello Hampton Roads,

HUD homes are a popular choice in today's market.   Perhaps you have wanted to know more about them and how to find them in your area.  "How do I find a HUD home in Virginia, or specifically in any of the cities of Hampton Roads?

First let's start by defining what a HUD home: 
HUD homes are foreclosured homes that were insured by an FHA mortgage and are now owned by the Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).  Like other foreclosed properties, these homes can be terrific values and are attractive to both home buyers and investors alike. 

Finding a HUD home in Virginia is easy:
You can ask your Realtor as these listings are typically found in the MLS and you can also check directly on HUD's website .  Simply select your city of interest to view a list of all available properties along with the property details provided by HUD, including any type of property condition report or environmental report that may be attached.  Since HUD homes are sold strictly "AS IS WHERE IS" without warranty as to condition, please note that these reports are for informational purposes only.  In addition, new listings are posted weekly on Friday mornings so you know exactly when to check for new inventory!
 
Your Realtor can show you any available homes and can assist you with submitting an offer.
It is important that you work with a Realtor who is familiar with HUD homes and the home buying process as HUD has very specific instructions about submitting bids and paperwork. Any delay or mistake could cost your offer to be bypassed as HUD has no qualms about moving to the next bid if there are mistakes or if paperwork is not received on time. 

If you are interested in finding out more about HUD homes in general or would like to view HUD properties, please contact me at 757-235-0274.


Thanks for Reading,

_________________________  
Serving your Hampton Roads and Virginia Beach Real Estate needs.