If you are in the market to purchase a condo and are using an FHA loan (most loans now are FHA), then you or your agent can use this site to see if the home that you want to make and offer on is FHA approved.
What does that mean? It measn when many of these developments were constructed several years ago, there were no FHA loans and so no one bothered to go thru the FHA certifiation process. So many of the developments are not FHA approved.
Single family homes are usually approved for FHA financing as long as the price parameter and the condition requirements are met. Attached housing (condos and townehomes) need to be FHA approved. Read further for more details on how this works:
HUD Section 234(c) of the National Housing Act provides authority to insure any mortgage covering a one-family unit in a project coupled with an undivided interest in the common areas and facilities which serve the project. The project may include dwelling units in detached, semidetached, row, garden-type, low- or high-rise structures. Generally these types of properties are referred to as Condominiums.
HUD will insures mortgagees against losses on mortgage loans used for buying a condo or to refinance individual units in eligible condominium projects provided that they meet certain guidelines.
A. Project Eligibility. The condominium project must be on HUD's approved condominium list.
B. Applicant Eligibility. Eighty percent of the HUD-insured mortgages in a condominium project must be the principal residence of the owners (owner-occupants).
C. Maximum Insurable Mortgage: Same as Section 203(b) (except that the mortgage amount must be in multiples of $50).
D. Minimum Investment: Same as Section 203(b).
E. Mortgage Term: Same as Section 203(b).
F. Mortgage Insurance Premium: Monthly+Upfront MI of 1.5%
G. Refinancing: Same as Section 203(b).
If the Condominium is not approved then the Lender may go through the "Spot Approval" process.
The following requirements must be satisfied before a spot loan is endorsed:
• The condominium project must be complete. There should be no ongoing or anticipated addition of any units, common elements, and/or facilities.
• Control of the common areas of the project must have been turned over to the unit owners association for at least one year.
• The owners association must provide evidence that the project has the appropriate hazard, liability and flood insurance.
• Individual units in the project must be owned in fee simple or be an eligible leasehold interest. The project's legal documents must provide for undivided ownership of common areas by unit owners. By virtue of this ownership, unit owners must have the right to use all facilities and unrestricted common elements.
• The project's documents should not place any legal restrictions on conveyance. Any provisions that seek to limit the free transferability of title is generally unacceptable. Such restrictions include rights of first refusal and restrictive covenants. Certain governmental or nonprofit programs designed to assist in the purchase or rental of low- or moderate-income housing are exempted from the restrictions on conveyance provisions.
• At least 90% of the units in the project must have been sold.
• At least 51% of the units in the project must be owner-occupied.
• No single entity may own more than 10% of the units in a project. "Entity" includes an individual partnership, corporation, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, joint venture, investor group or other natural or legal person qualified to hold an interest in real property. The 10% restriction does not apply when the ownership of less than three units would disqualify an otherwise eligible project.
• HUD recognized that the 10% cap on the number of units that may secure FHA insured mortgages in a given project can place a small regime at a disadvantage, since only a few units will invoke the limit. Accordingly, a two-tiered system was established. For condominium projects having more than 30 units, no more than 10% of the units may have FHA insured loans at any given time. Condominium projects consisting of 30 units or less, can have up to 20% of the units encumbered by FHA insured mortgages under the spot loan rule.
Friday, February 27, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
An Angry Letter to Bank of America - A Day in the Life...
Message :
Hi Todd
After calling in again this week to get the
approval Bank of America has been sitting on, I
was told once again that "he will call you today"
Unfortunately, it is now too late. The buyer's
offer on another property in that area has been
accepted at $39,000. In addition, the buyer then
told his agent that it is ridiculous to wait on
this property when the area values continue to
drop right before his eyes while waiting.
Further, he has found two more at the same price,
$40k and has asked his agent to remove his money
from escrow and transfer to the new escrow
account in preparation to offer on the other
properties.
Todd, I know you don't have much time to read
this or much control over what has occurred but I
must say that I am greatly disappointed in your
company's system and jaded about the process and
principles of Bank of America at this time.
As a short sale negotiator and a first-hand
witness to the horrific one-year ordeal that I
have endured with your company, I am sure you
have experienced this before. It is sad that all
I have gained from this experience is a
paper trail of incompetence on the part of Bank of
America. It is enough to write a short book. I
could literally just print it and publish it.
This transaction has moved from the original all
cash offer of 60K, to 68K (at the unsubstantiated
request of B of A), to 71K (again at the
unsubstantiated request of B of A), and finally
down to 66K (at the substantiated request of the
buyer's lender... B of A, after the buyer took
out part of his cash to purchase a comparable REO
property in the same neighborhood).
Why do I say unsubstantiated? Because most of
your bank's "appraisers" are in it for you. The
very same tactics they used several years ago to
get "creative" loans approved they are now using
to get short sales denied or prolonged to the
death.
Yes, I understand that they are working on behalf
of the mortgage holder, as it should be, but they
are not using appropriate methods (they lump
properties without getting the specifics) and
they are self policed (which can be interpreted
as no policing).
When I ask about the methods used at coming to an
appraisal result, the negotiator on the other end
often times does not know how to interpret the
results because the negotiator in New York can
not be expected to know what the market
conditions are from county to county, let alone
state to state (I'm in Sacramento, CA).
The result, a short sale offer/transaction which
began in April of '08 is ending in February
of '09 with the buyer walking away and purchasing
two REO properties at the price of one short
sale. Even further, B of A loses four times, they
lose the buyer twice (lost the original offer
where they could have had more money, lost the
last offer where they could have had less but
could have had something), they lose the borrower
as a customer (the mortgage has gone unpaid for
one year), and they will lose again when the
property goes REO due to the costs and losses
incurred with that transition.
Talk about mismanagement of funds and resources.
Actually, there have been all kinds of
misappropriations with this one transaction. I am
left speechless and hopeless for those
individuals yet to come that will succumb to the
same fate with your company.
This is the sad reality that our legislators do
not see, yet they parade themselves and
grandstand on our televisions and radios as if
they are doing America a favor by passing laws
which, by the time they trickle to the general
populace, are way too little, and way too late.
For several weeks (weeks have turned to months)
now I have been told that the file was in a
closing status. For the sake of my personality
type, I will publish this letter in my blog as a
way of attaining some true form of closure.
Disgusted,
Keisha M. Mathews, REALTOR®
Century 21 Landmark Network
Short Sale Negotiator/Pre-Foreclosure Specialist
8801 Folsom Blvd #260
Sacramento , CA 95826
(916) 266-4835 office - direct
(916) 405-3886 efax
Hi Todd
After calling in again this week to get the
approval Bank of America has been sitting on, I
was told once again that "he will call you today"
Unfortunately, it is now too late. The buyer's
offer on another property in that area has been
accepted at $39,000. In addition, the buyer then
told his agent that it is ridiculous to wait on
this property when the area values continue to
drop right before his eyes while waiting.
Further, he has found two more at the same price,
$40k and has asked his agent to remove his money
from escrow and transfer to the new escrow
account in preparation to offer on the other
properties.
Todd, I know you don't have much time to read
this or much control over what has occurred but I
must say that I am greatly disappointed in your
company's system and jaded about the process and
principles of Bank of America at this time.
As a short sale negotiator and a first-hand
witness to the horrific one-year ordeal that I
have endured with your company, I am sure you
have experienced this before. It is sad that all
I have gained from this experience is a
paper trail of incompetence on the part of Bank of
America. It is enough to write a short book. I
could literally just print it and publish it.
This transaction has moved from the original all
cash offer of 60K, to 68K (at the unsubstantiated
request of B of A), to 71K (again at the
unsubstantiated request of B of A), and finally
down to 66K (at the substantiated request of the
buyer's lender... B of A, after the buyer took
out part of his cash to purchase a comparable REO
property in the same neighborhood).
Why do I say unsubstantiated? Because most of
your bank's "appraisers" are in it for you. The
very same tactics they used several years ago to
get "creative" loans approved they are now using
to get short sales denied or prolonged to the
death.
Yes, I understand that they are working on behalf
of the mortgage holder, as it should be, but they
are not using appropriate methods (they lump
properties without getting the specifics) and
they are self policed (which can be interpreted
as no policing).
When I ask about the methods used at coming to an
appraisal result, the negotiator on the other end
often times does not know how to interpret the
results because the negotiator in New York can
not be expected to know what the market
conditions are from county to county, let alone
state to state (I'm in Sacramento, CA).
The result, a short sale offer/transaction which
began in April of '08 is ending in February
of '09 with the buyer walking away and purchasing
two REO properties at the price of one short
sale. Even further, B of A loses four times, they
lose the buyer twice (lost the original offer
where they could have had more money, lost the
last offer where they could have had less but
could have had something), they lose the borrower
as a customer (the mortgage has gone unpaid for
one year), and they will lose again when the
property goes REO due to the costs and losses
incurred with that transition.
Talk about mismanagement of funds and resources.
Actually, there have been all kinds of
misappropriations with this one transaction. I am
left speechless and hopeless for those
individuals yet to come that will succumb to the
same fate with your company.
This is the sad reality that our legislators do
not see, yet they parade themselves and
grandstand on our televisions and radios as if
they are doing America a favor by passing laws
which, by the time they trickle to the general
populace, are way too little, and way too late.
For several weeks (weeks have turned to months)
now I have been told that the file was in a
closing status. For the sake of my personality
type, I will publish this letter in my blog as a
way of attaining some true form of closure.
Disgusted,
Keisha M. Mathews, REALTOR®
Century 21 Landmark Network
Short Sale Negotiator/Pre-Foreclosure Specialist
8801 Folsom Blvd #260
Sacramento , CA 95826
(916) 266-4835 office - direct
(916) 405-3886 efax
Monday, February 23, 2009
Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan - Q&A
Borrowers Who Are at Risk of Foreclosure Are Asking:
What help is available for borrowers who are at risk of foreclosure either because they are behind on their mortgage or are struggling to make the payments?
The Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan offers help to borrowers who are already behind on their mortgage payments or who are struggling to keep their loans current. By providing mortgage lenders with financial incentives to modify existing first mortgages, the Treasury hopes to help as many as 3 to 4 million homeowners avoid foreclosure regardless of who owns or services the mortgage.
Do I need to be behind on my mortgage payments to be eligible for a modification?
No. Borrowers who are struggling to stay current on their mortgage payments may be eligible if their income is not sufficient to continue to make their mortgage payments and they are at risk of imminent default. This may be due to several factors, such as a loss of income, a significant increase in expenses, or an interest rate that will reset to an unaffordable level.
How do I know if I qualify for a payment reduction under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
In general, you may qualify for a mortgage modification if (a) you occupy your house as your primary residence; (b) your monthly mortgage payment is greater than 31% of your monthly gross income; and (c) your loan is not large enough to exceed current Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loan limits. Final eligibility will be determined by your mortgage lender based on your financial situation and detailed guidelines that will be available on March 4, 2009.
I do not live in the house that secures the mortgage I’d like to modify. Is this mortgage eligible for the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
No. For example, if you own a house that you use as a vacation home or that you rent out to tenants, the mortgage on that house is not eligible. If you used to live in the home but you moved out, the mortgage is not eligible. Only the mortgage on your primary residence is eligible. The mortgage lender will check to see if the dwelling is your primary residence.
I have a mortgage on a duplex. I live in one unit and rent the other. Will I still be eligible?
Yes. Mortgages on 2, 3 and 4 unit properties are eligible as long as you live in one unit as your primary residence.
I have two mortgages. Will the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan reduce the payments on both?
Only the first mortgage is eligible for a modification.
I owe more than my house is worth. Will the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan reduce what I owe?
The primary objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to help borrowers avoid foreclosure by modifying troubled loans to achieve a payment the borrower can afford. Lenders are likely to lower payments mainly by reducing loan interest rates. However, the program offers incentives for principal reductions and at your lender’s discretion modifications may include upfront reductions of loan principal.
I heard the government was providing a financial incentive to borrowers. Is that true?
Yes. To encourage borrowers who work hard to retain homeownership, the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan provides incentive payments as a borrower makes timely payments on the modified loan. The incentive will accrue on a monthly basis and will be applied directly to reduce your mortgage debt. Borrowers who pay on time for five years can have up to $5,000 applied to reduce their debt by the end of that period.
How much will a modification cost me?
There is no cost to borrowers for a modification under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan. If you wish to get assistance from a HUD-approved housing counseling agency or are referred to a counselor as a condition of the modification, you will not be charged a fee. Borrowers should beware of any organization that attempts to charge a fee for housing counseling or modification of a delinquent loan, especially if they require a fee in advance.
Is my lender required to modify my loan?
No. Mortgage lenders participate in the program on a voluntary basis and loans are evaluated for modification on a case-by-case basis. But the government is offering substantial incentives and it is expected that most major lenders will participate.
I'm already working with my lender / housing counselor on a loan workout. Can I still be considered for the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
Ask your lender or counselor to be considered under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan.
How do I apply for a modification under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
You may not need to do anything at this time. Most mortgage lenders will evaluate loans in their portfolio to identify borrowers who may meet the eligibility criteria. After March 4 they will send letters to potentially eligible homeowners, a process that may take several weeks. If you think you qualify for a modification and do not receive a letter within several weeks, contact your mortgage servicer or a HUD-approved housing counselor. Please be aware that servicers and counseling agencies are expected to receive an extraordinary number of calls about this program.
What should I do in the meantime?
You should gather the information that you will need to provide to your lender on or after March 4, when the modification program becomes available. This includes
- information about the monthly gross income of your household including recent pay stubs if you receive them or documentation of income you receive from other sources
- your most recent income tax return
- information about any second mortgage on the house
- payments on each of your credit cards if you are carrying balances from month to month, and
- payments on other loans such as student loans and car loans.
My loan is scheduled for foreclosure soon. What should I do?
Contact your mortgage servicer or credit counselor. Many mortgage lenders have expressed their intention to postpone foreclosure sales on all mortgages that may qualify for the modification in order to allow sufficient time to evaluate the borrower's eligibility. We support this effort.
Borrowers Who Are Current on Their Mortgage Are Asking:
What help is available for borrowers who stay current on their mortgage payments but have seen their homes decrease in value?
Under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan, eligible borrowers who stay current on their mortgages but have been unable to refinance to lower their interest rates because their homes have decreased in value, may now have the opportunity to refinance into a 30 or 15 year, fixed rate loan. Through the program, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will allow the refinancing of mortgage loans that they hold in their portfolios or that they placed in mortgage backed securities.
I owe more than my property is worth, do I still qualify to refinance under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
Eligible loans will now include those where the new first mortgage (including any refinancing costs) will not exceed 105% of the current market value of the property. For example, if your property is worth $200,000 but you owe $210,000 or less you may qualify. The current value of your property will be determined after you apply to refinance.
How do I know if I am eligible?
Complete eligibility details will be announced on March 4th when the program starts. The criteria for eligibility will include having sufficient income to make the new payment and an acceptable mortgage payment history. The program is limited to loans held or securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
I have both a first and a second mortgage. Do I still qualify to refinance under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
As long as the amount due on the first mortgage is less than 105% of the value of the property, borrowers with more than one mortgage may be eligible to refinance under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan. Your eligibility will depend, in part, on agreement by the lender that has your second mortgage to remain in a second position, and on your ability to meet the new payment terms on the first mortgage.
Will refinancing lower my payments?
The objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to provide creditworthy borrowers who have shown a commitment to paying their mortgage with affordable payments that are sustainable for the life of the loan. Borrowers whose mortgage interest rates are much higher than the current market rate should see an immediate reduction in their payments. Borrowers who are paying interest only, or who have a low introductory rate that will increase in the future, may not see their current payment go down if they refinance to a fixed rate. These borrowers, however, could save a great deal over the life of the loan. When you submit a loan application, your lender will give you a "Good Faith Estimate" that includes your new interest rate, mortgage payment and the amount that you will pay over the life of the loan. Compare this to your current loan terms. If it is not an improvement, a refinancing may not be right for you.
What are the interest rate and other terms of this refinance offer?
The objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to provide borrowers with a safe loan program with a fixed, affordable payment. All loans refinanced under the plan will have a 30 or 15 year term with a fixed interest rate. The rate will be based on market rates in effect at the time of the refinance and any associated points and fees quoted by the lender. Interest rates may vary across lenders and over time as market rates adjust. The refinanced loans will have no prepayment penalties or balloon notes.
Will refinancing reduce the amount that I owe on my loan?
No. The objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to help borrowers refinance into safer, more affordable fixed rate loans. Refinancing will not reduce the amount you owe to the first mortgage holder or any other debt you owe. However, by reducing the interest rate, refinancing should save you money by reducing the amount of interest that you repay over the life of the loan.
How do I know if my loan is owned or has been securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac?
To determine if your loan is owned or has been securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac and is eligible to be refinanced, you should contact your mortgage lender after March 4, 2009.
When can I apply?
Mortgage lenders will begin accepting applications after the details of the program are announced on March 4, 2009.
What should I do in the meantime?
You should gather the information that you will need to provide to your lender after March 4, when the refinance program becomes available. This includes:
- information about the gross monthly income of all borrowers, including your most recent pay stubs if you receive them or documentation of income you receive from other sources
- your most recent income tax return
- information about any second mortgage on the house
- payments on each of your credit cards if you are carrying balances from month to month, and
- payments on other loans such as student loans and car loans.
What help is available for borrowers who are at risk of foreclosure either because they are behind on their mortgage or are struggling to make the payments?
The Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan offers help to borrowers who are already behind on their mortgage payments or who are struggling to keep their loans current. By providing mortgage lenders with financial incentives to modify existing first mortgages, the Treasury hopes to help as many as 3 to 4 million homeowners avoid foreclosure regardless of who owns or services the mortgage.
Do I need to be behind on my mortgage payments to be eligible for a modification?
No. Borrowers who are struggling to stay current on their mortgage payments may be eligible if their income is not sufficient to continue to make their mortgage payments and they are at risk of imminent default. This may be due to several factors, such as a loss of income, a significant increase in expenses, or an interest rate that will reset to an unaffordable level.
How do I know if I qualify for a payment reduction under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
In general, you may qualify for a mortgage modification if (a) you occupy your house as your primary residence; (b) your monthly mortgage payment is greater than 31% of your monthly gross income; and (c) your loan is not large enough to exceed current Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loan limits. Final eligibility will be determined by your mortgage lender based on your financial situation and detailed guidelines that will be available on March 4, 2009.
I do not live in the house that secures the mortgage I’d like to modify. Is this mortgage eligible for the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
No. For example, if you own a house that you use as a vacation home or that you rent out to tenants, the mortgage on that house is not eligible. If you used to live in the home but you moved out, the mortgage is not eligible. Only the mortgage on your primary residence is eligible. The mortgage lender will check to see if the dwelling is your primary residence.
I have a mortgage on a duplex. I live in one unit and rent the other. Will I still be eligible?
Yes. Mortgages on 2, 3 and 4 unit properties are eligible as long as you live in one unit as your primary residence.
I have two mortgages. Will the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan reduce the payments on both?
Only the first mortgage is eligible for a modification.
I owe more than my house is worth. Will the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan reduce what I owe?
The primary objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to help borrowers avoid foreclosure by modifying troubled loans to achieve a payment the borrower can afford. Lenders are likely to lower payments mainly by reducing loan interest rates. However, the program offers incentives for principal reductions and at your lender’s discretion modifications may include upfront reductions of loan principal.
I heard the government was providing a financial incentive to borrowers. Is that true?
Yes. To encourage borrowers who work hard to retain homeownership, the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan provides incentive payments as a borrower makes timely payments on the modified loan. The incentive will accrue on a monthly basis and will be applied directly to reduce your mortgage debt. Borrowers who pay on time for five years can have up to $5,000 applied to reduce their debt by the end of that period.
How much will a modification cost me?
There is no cost to borrowers for a modification under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan. If you wish to get assistance from a HUD-approved housing counseling agency or are referred to a counselor as a condition of the modification, you will not be charged a fee. Borrowers should beware of any organization that attempts to charge a fee for housing counseling or modification of a delinquent loan, especially if they require a fee in advance.
Is my lender required to modify my loan?
No. Mortgage lenders participate in the program on a voluntary basis and loans are evaluated for modification on a case-by-case basis. But the government is offering substantial incentives and it is expected that most major lenders will participate.
I'm already working with my lender / housing counselor on a loan workout. Can I still be considered for the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
Ask your lender or counselor to be considered under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan.
How do I apply for a modification under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
You may not need to do anything at this time. Most mortgage lenders will evaluate loans in their portfolio to identify borrowers who may meet the eligibility criteria. After March 4 they will send letters to potentially eligible homeowners, a process that may take several weeks. If you think you qualify for a modification and do not receive a letter within several weeks, contact your mortgage servicer or a HUD-approved housing counselor. Please be aware that servicers and counseling agencies are expected to receive an extraordinary number of calls about this program.
What should I do in the meantime?
You should gather the information that you will need to provide to your lender on or after March 4, when the modification program becomes available. This includes
- information about the monthly gross income of your household including recent pay stubs if you receive them or documentation of income you receive from other sources
- your most recent income tax return
- information about any second mortgage on the house
- payments on each of your credit cards if you are carrying balances from month to month, and
- payments on other loans such as student loans and car loans.
My loan is scheduled for foreclosure soon. What should I do?
Contact your mortgage servicer or credit counselor. Many mortgage lenders have expressed their intention to postpone foreclosure sales on all mortgages that may qualify for the modification in order to allow sufficient time to evaluate the borrower's eligibility. We support this effort.
Borrowers Who Are Current on Their Mortgage Are Asking:
What help is available for borrowers who stay current on their mortgage payments but have seen their homes decrease in value?
Under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan, eligible borrowers who stay current on their mortgages but have been unable to refinance to lower their interest rates because their homes have decreased in value, may now have the opportunity to refinance into a 30 or 15 year, fixed rate loan. Through the program, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will allow the refinancing of mortgage loans that they hold in their portfolios or that they placed in mortgage backed securities.
I owe more than my property is worth, do I still qualify to refinance under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
Eligible loans will now include those where the new first mortgage (including any refinancing costs) will not exceed 105% of the current market value of the property. For example, if your property is worth $200,000 but you owe $210,000 or less you may qualify. The current value of your property will be determined after you apply to refinance.
How do I know if I am eligible?
Complete eligibility details will be announced on March 4th when the program starts. The criteria for eligibility will include having sufficient income to make the new payment and an acceptable mortgage payment history. The program is limited to loans held or securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
I have both a first and a second mortgage. Do I still qualify to refinance under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan?
As long as the amount due on the first mortgage is less than 105% of the value of the property, borrowers with more than one mortgage may be eligible to refinance under the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan. Your eligibility will depend, in part, on agreement by the lender that has your second mortgage to remain in a second position, and on your ability to meet the new payment terms on the first mortgage.
Will refinancing lower my payments?
The objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to provide creditworthy borrowers who have shown a commitment to paying their mortgage with affordable payments that are sustainable for the life of the loan. Borrowers whose mortgage interest rates are much higher than the current market rate should see an immediate reduction in their payments. Borrowers who are paying interest only, or who have a low introductory rate that will increase in the future, may not see their current payment go down if they refinance to a fixed rate. These borrowers, however, could save a great deal over the life of the loan. When you submit a loan application, your lender will give you a "Good Faith Estimate" that includes your new interest rate, mortgage payment and the amount that you will pay over the life of the loan. Compare this to your current loan terms. If it is not an improvement, a refinancing may not be right for you.
What are the interest rate and other terms of this refinance offer?
The objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to provide borrowers with a safe loan program with a fixed, affordable payment. All loans refinanced under the plan will have a 30 or 15 year term with a fixed interest rate. The rate will be based on market rates in effect at the time of the refinance and any associated points and fees quoted by the lender. Interest rates may vary across lenders and over time as market rates adjust. The refinanced loans will have no prepayment penalties or balloon notes.
Will refinancing reduce the amount that I owe on my loan?
No. The objective of the Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan is to help borrowers refinance into safer, more affordable fixed rate loans. Refinancing will not reduce the amount you owe to the first mortgage holder or any other debt you owe. However, by reducing the interest rate, refinancing should save you money by reducing the amount of interest that you repay over the life of the loan.
How do I know if my loan is owned or has been securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac?
To determine if your loan is owned or has been securitized by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac and is eligible to be refinanced, you should contact your mortgage lender after March 4, 2009.
When can I apply?
Mortgage lenders will begin accepting applications after the details of the program are announced on March 4, 2009.
What should I do in the meantime?
You should gather the information that you will need to provide to your lender after March 4, when the refinance program becomes available. This includes:
- information about the gross monthly income of all borrowers, including your most recent pay stubs if you receive them or documentation of income you receive from other sources
- your most recent income tax return
- information about any second mortgage on the house
- payments on each of your credit cards if you are carrying balances from month to month, and
- payments on other loans such as student loans and car loans.
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