Tuesday, December 2, 2008

FHA - 3 things every homebuyer should know

With the re-emergence of FHA as one of the best ways to buy a home this year (or in my opinion, the best way) many old wives tales have come back into water cooler & family dinner table discussions about FHA loan qualifications.

FHA Myth #1 - FHA is for First Time Home Buyers
FHA Reality: FHA is for all Home Buyers, there is NO requirement that you be a First Time HomeBuyer (FTHB). It has just always been most common that people use FHA for their first home, as they may not have a large downpayment. Most second time buyers are carrying equity from the sale of their last home into the new sale, hence that lack of need for the low downpayment FHA loan.

FHA Myth #2 - FHA is for low income buyers (or low income refinancers).
FHA Reality: FHA has no income limits. Once again, FHA is flexible in terms of credit, income qualification, and low downpayment requirements, hence the perception. But many of our clients have a very decent income, they just want the advantages that FHA loans have to offer in the way of less downpayment required, lower fico score requirements, and more liberal credit history evaluation when compared to Conventional loans.

FHA Myth #3 - FHA loans can only be used one time.
FHA Reality: There is no limit as to how many homes you can purchase with FHA. You can however only own one primary residence that is secured by a FHA Loan at a time. So if you currently have a FHA loan on your home, and you sell it to purchase another, you can get another FHA Loan for the new home.

And one more thing: FHA Appraisals are not nearly as stringent as they were just 7 years ago. FHA just wants to ensure that your new home is Safe, Secure & Sound, much like your finances.
The home needs to be in working order, free of obvious water damage, infestations, or structural damage which may effect the safety & structural integrity of the home. But the days of replacing dirty carpet, wall scratches, & flaky paint are over. If you want to buy it in that condition, chances are, FHA will allow it. As long as it is Safe, Sound, & Secure.

VanDyk Mortgage has been making FHA loans since 1987. We are a HUD recognized Full Eagle FHA DE underwriter and FHA Direct Lender. Go with the Government Loan Pros, go with VanDyk. Visit us at www.vandykfunding.com or call Brian Skaar at 760-752-4480 for help with your FHA loan. We offer FHA, FHA Secure, FHA Jumbo, FHA Manual Underwrite, FHA Rehab 203K, VA, Conforming & Jumbo Loans.

VanDyk Mortgage lends accross America including: Southern California, Northern California, Washington, Texas, Georgia, Florida, & more.