Looking for FHABook.com?  Don’t worry, you’re not in the “wrong” place.  It’s all right here.  As of December 2008, FHABook.com’s two principal writers are now full-time contributors to FHA Mortgage Center.com’s Blog as well as to our Consumer Guides, Loan Library, and all of our resouces on FHA Loans.

After being a fan of FHABook for some 2 years, our staff was happy to strike an arrangement to bring our forces together under one website.  If you’re a fan or reader from FHABook - please update your RSS feeds or blogroll mentions accordingly.  Welcome to FHAMC!

And if the new partnership isn’t enough to be excited about, this week will see the launch of our first project together with FHABook - the FHA Mortgage Center.com FHA Loan Guide.  It’s got everything a prospective home buyer could ever want to learn about using an FHA Loan.

This is just the first example of our collaborations yet to come, all in the name of keeping our readers and the general public informed about one of the most frequently-used home loan options on the market today.

The housing market is struggling nationwide. That does not mean that your local market is struggling, though. Nearly all neighborhoods in the country have seen some fall in value. Yet, this does not mean that the horrors that are happening in some areas of California and Nevada are playing out in your back yard. Your area may actually have some strengths in it right now. Many markets are stable and many others are on the rise.

Before you right off the current condition to be too risky to invest in a home loan, find out what is happening in your local area. There are a variety of online appraisal websites that can give you a free estimate (which is not always 100 percent accurate, but close) to help you to see what is actually happening in your market. It may be that your area has just what you need: well-priced homes and affordable mortgage prices.

Contrary to what many people believe, there are still mortgage loans available to those who are qualified to get them. Does this mean you have to have a credit score in the 800’s to qualify? No. Those with scores much lower will qualify. To find out if you qualify, consider the following:

• Do you have steady employment?
• Do you have excessive debt: if so, you may not qualify if your debt is too high compared to the amount of money you are bringing in each month.
• Do you have a down payment: Down payment amounts are much lower for FHA loans, but some money to put down is necessary.
• Do you have good credit or better: Those with very low credit scores may not qualify for a home loan right now.

To find out if you qualify, it is best to talk with an FHA loan specialist one on one. They will help you to determine not only if you qualify but how much of a home you can purchase, the cost of a monthly mortgage payment, and the current interest rates available. It is highly recommended that you consider FHA loans since they are more affordable and they often cater to a wider array of home loan borrowers.

The local housing market and loan market is really the only concern you should have in terms of buying and selling property right now. While the big picture may seem dark, there are plenty of bright spots under that dark cloud. These are mainly average neighborhoods dotting the country and often are great places to call home.

You are likely hearing a lot about the FHA, or Federal Housing Administration. They have become the backbone of the housing market currently and likely will continue to play a significant role until the economic crisis and financial markets free up. This is a good thing since the FHA has a long history of providing stability in the American housing market. They could be the resource you need to get into a home loan.

While this blog is about the FHA and loan available through it, it may be important to take a step back and find out who this organization is and why they are even around.

The FHA was created by the National Housing Act of 1934. It was created during the Great Depression, as a way of helping to support the American people in finding loans to borrow money to buy homes. The goals of the organization are specific:

• Improve housing standards and conditions
• Provide home loan financing through an insurance program for mortgage lenders
• Stabilize the mortgage market

During the Great Depression, the banking system had fallen and home loans availability was next to nothing. People could not afford their homes. When the banks failed, any mortgages out during that time (which ere shorter term and had no amortization) were called due. This caused many homeowners to foreclose on their homes for lack of funds to pay back the loans. When the Federal Housing Administration was created, its initial goal was to help regulate the interest and terms of the mortgages. Now, more people could afford a down payment and the monthly payment of their loan.

Over the last 70 plus years, the job of the Federal Housing Administration has changed somewhat, but in most terms, it still has the same job of stabilizing the housing market, specifically in terms of the availability of loans to buy homes.

Today’s Job

The FHA provides a level of insurance protection for the commercial lender. You borrow an FHA approved loan through these commercial lenders. They agree to charge you a lower rate of interest for this protection. If you default on the loan, the lender is able to get a payout for your loan.

The FHA has become one of the backbones in the housing market right now and will continue to be so. Home ownership is one of the most important factors of success in an economy. This is why so much attention is being placed on this department of the government right now. To right the economy, the housing market has to stabilize.

If you are interested in getting a home loan, find out what FHA loans are available to help you accomplish this.

President-Elect Obama announced that he would appoint Shaun Donovan to head up Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD. HUD is an important part of the mortgage industry, indirectly. This department is responsible for the housing within the country. In this administration, during this economy, this new Secretary will need to find ways to jumpstart the housing market to help individuals find the homes they need.

In his radio address on December 13th, Mr. Obama said this about the housing market: “To end this economic crisis, we must end the mortgage crisis where it began.” He continued, “This all started when Americans took out mortgages they couldn’t afford. Some were reckless, aware of the risks they were accepting. But many were innocent, tricked by lenders out to make a quick buck.” Later, he added, “This is deeply troubling. It not only shakes the foundation of our economy, but the foundation of the American Dream.”

Later in his broadcast, he mentioned that one in ten homeowners face some level of stress in regards to their homeownership.

What This Means To You

Depending on who you are and what your circumstances are, there is hope available. While the new administration will likely put in place programs to continue to support the housing within the country, there are many programs already in place to help struggling homeowners. Those facing foreclosure or the risk of getting behind on their mortgage should take the time now to contact an FHA loan specialist. Determine what your options are, including programs like HOPE for Homeowners and easy refinancing options already in place.

What about those who are looking for a home to purchase? Are they safe to buy? Many of the predator lenders are gone. They have lost their funding since investors are no longer willing to gamble with high risk mortgages. It is safe to borrow money. Commercial lenders are actively seeking borrowers who are qualified to borrow. Interest rates are very low and FHA loans are readily available to help those who are able to make payments to get into homes.

While you may not be able to improve the economic crisis fully, you can improve your financial security by considering new loans now. Home prices are low. Home interest rates on loans are low. Programs are in place for refinancing quickly and affordably. Determine if you qualify for a home loan through an FHA specialist. You may be happy to learn there are so many options available.

As a potential homeowner may find it difficult to qualify for a home loan in the current real estate mortgage market. With credit markets moving in every direction, it becomes very important for those who may want to buy a home to make wise decisions. FHA loans could be the way that people get into the homes of their dream homes, safely.

Today, the FHA helps to provide insurance backing for more than one third of all homes in the United States. Just a handful of years ago, few people took advantage of these loan programs. Many saw them as something for people who were non-creditworthy. Yet, this is no longer the case. In fact, it is safer to get your home mortgage loan through these FHA programs than it is to get your loan from other methods. In addition, it may even be less expensive.

Are FHA Loans The Only Option?

Much of the credit market’s liquidity has dried up. In many situations, it has become difficult to obtain these loans. Regardless of what is happening to help encourage banks to lend, it will still be likely that only well qualified individuals will be able to get affordable home loans through conventional loans. These loans are available, but there are fewer of them receiving approval than ever before.

FHA loans are more readily available. While they are not the only game in town, they definitely are becoming the most accessible option. In some markets, 60 to 80 percent of home loans are now FHA loans. These government backed loans are simply safer for the investor. They provide a bit of extra leverage for the investor to get back some of his money should you default on your home loan. Many of these investors have been burned by the recent foreclosure mess. They want protection for their investment. FHA loans provide this type of protection.

It is important to note that FHA loans are not government loans specifically. The government does not lend to borrowers. Rather, they provide a level of insurance to the commercial lender. You will still get your loan through a commercial bank. The only difference is that there is an insurance protection for the lender. If you default, the government will refund the lender up to a certain point for their loss. This reduces the risk of the lender.

FHA loans are a good option for many homeowners because of lower interest rates. Yet, until the housing market strengthens and the credit markets thaw, these loans are going t be the biggest game in town.

With the current economic crisis in line, many individuals are wondering what they should be doing about their current mortgages. The Federal Reserve is again considering a drop in the key lending rate paid by commercial lenders to borrow money. This rate then is translated to the average consumer at a higher level, of course. Nevertheless, when this key lending rate is cut by the Fed it does translate into a lower interest rate for most all consumers. Does this mean anything to you, as a mortgage holder?

It Should

For those currently with an interest rate higher than the average rate, consider your options for refinancing.  A drop in this lending rate would likely translate into a lower interest rate available for most qualified home buyers or mortgage borrowers. If you currently have a mortgage, you could, potentially, refinance the home loan you have. This would translate into a lower monthly payment and a lower cost in the home loan totally.

Here are some numbers to consider:

Let’s say you have a mortgage loan of $150,000 and your home is appraised for at least that much. Your current interest rate is 8 percent. You are likely paying about $1100 a month. When you finish repaying your mortgage loan, you would have paid more than $246,000 worth of interest alone (not including the original borrowed $150,000.)

If interest rates drop as they should, you could see current rates fall as low as 5 percent. You refinance your $150,000 mortgage for 30 years at this new rate. Your monthly payment would drop to about $805. More importantly, over the course of the loan, you would pay a bit more than $139,800 in interest, plus the principle. As you can see, that’s a sizable difference and it is your money, after all. It is over $106,000 of your money, in fact.

What To Do

If you know that your home’s value is high enough to refinance, you should consider it. If you are unsure, you can contact any of the FHA loan specialists available to help you. Remember that even those with credit that may not be perfect can qualify for FHA loans. In addition, these loans often help you to qualify for lower down payments on standard loans and easier refinancing terms if you currently have an FHA loan.

In other words, if interest rates do drop, you should be part of that benefit.

With the economy so low, you may be struggling to keep up with payments and you are worried about your job. This may be a good time to refinance. FHA mortgage refinancing is an option that many homeowners want to consider. Interest rates are very low right now, the lowest they have been in the last few years. Lenders are looking harder and faster for new borrowers that are qualified. Refinancing your home loan that is in good standing is relatively easy to do, right now.

3 Reasons To Refinance Now

Why should you refinance your home loan right now? Take into consideration the following 3 reasons.

#1: Interest Rates Are Lower

Interest rates are a fraction of what they normally are. Many economists believe they are at the lowest they will go. This means that you won’t get a much lower rate any time in the near future, assuming they are right. If you have a home loan that currently has an interest rate that is one or more percentage points higher than what FHA lender can provide you, consider the benefits of refinancing.

#2: Refinancing May Cut Monthly Payments

Another reason to refinance right now is that you could get a lower monthly payment, which can help many to put more money in the bank, have more money for every day needs and even help to feel more secure financing in the current economy. You can extend the terms of your loan to cut the amount you pay each month. Or, if your current interest rate is high, you will save money simply by refinancing at a lower rate.

#3: A Fast, Easy Refinancing Program Is Available

If you already have an FHA insured mortgage, that is current, and you will be refinancing to lower your monthly loan payment, and do not plan to take any cash out of the loan, you can qualify for the FHA streamline refinance. It is a simple, no hassle way of refinancing. You simply need to work with an FHA loan specialist to help you to qualify. There is minimal cost, minimal documentation required and smaller underwriting requirements.

Worried?

I have spoken to a number of people right now that are worried about losing their home or their job. They fear that they will be unable to make payments, especially those that have a mortgage that will be adjusting in the next 12 months. Yet, there is hope available to help you through the process.

Refinancing FHA mortgage loans like this can help you to lower you monthly commitment. There are a variety of programs available to help you get into a home loan you can afford. You do not have to worry about your home, but you do have to be proactive. If you can save a few hundred dollars a month off your mortgage payment, would it e worth going through the process of refinancing? For most, the answer is yes.

Definitely take the time to consider the benefits.

When It’s Not Time To Refinance

There are some situations where refinancing FHA mortgages may not be in your best interest:

• If you have a comparable low interest rate already, there is likely no benefit to refinancing unless you change the terms of the loan.
• If you have very poor credit right now, you may need to work on boosting that credit before you will be able to qualify for an FHA loan.
• If your home is in foreclosure, and is too far into the process, there may not be the option to refinance.

Before you make that decision on your own, though, be sure to contact the FHA loan specialists here. They can provide you with guidance as to if you qualify and what the benefits of refinancing your FHA mortgage will be. Even if you are in foreclosure, they may be able to help.

FHA loans are loan insured through the Federal Housing Administration.  These loans are not held by or funded by the FHA, but rather funded by commercial lenders (they must be approved prior to providing these loans.) What makes them different is that the lender is able to take an “insurance policy” out on the loan. If the borrower of the loan defaults, the lender is able to recoup some of their invested money by selling the property and by collecting an FHA insurance payment.

What Does This Mean To You?

As you take into consideration how the FHA works, consider how it affects you, the individual hoping to purchase a home in a troubled economy. There is no doubt: now is the time to buy especially if you have a good credit score, a down payment and want a good deal. Home prices are at much lower prices than they were just a few years ago. But, what if you want to save even more money on your home loan purchase?

To get cheap home loans, consider FHA loans. Because these loans have an insurance policy on them, of sorts, the lender is less at risk of losing their investment in the loan. With the opposite type of loan, a conventional loan, there is no guarantee that they will be able to make up this cost. Even if they foreclose on the property of a default borrower, they still take thousands in losses.  To the lender, the risk of an FHA loan is lower and therefore they are not as worried about the loan. In return, interest rates are lower.

Lower Risk = Lower Interest Rate

There is no way to know what your interest rate will be until you apply for or at least talk to an FHA loan specialist. You are likely to get a far lower interest rate with an FHA loan than you would if you obtained a conventional loan.

Where’s The Catch?

Many people fear a catch. What is behind this type of loan? You still have to qualify for the home loan. You still have to have a down payment for the home loan, but it is far lower than those f conventional loans. You do have to have a decent credit score. The days of having a very low credit score and no down payment and still getting a home loan are gone.

Nevertheless, FHA loans are solid investments. They can help more people to qualify and they are, by all accounts, the cheap home loans you are looking for.

While there are many proposals in the works to help the ailing mortgage industry, one group seems to still be struggling to get into a decent home loan even with good credit. That is the self employed. Mortgage loans have always been somewhat difficult to get if you do not have a standard job, but the current trends seem to make it a bit harder.

Are You Self Employed?

The credit markets are starting to thaw and that means that more people are able to qualify for home loans. Those that are self-employed are still struggling to get the same treatment.

Self employed individuals, such as doctors, attorneys, small business owners and even accountants, may have good or better credit and a sizable back account, but without that steady paycheck, many lenders have shied away from loaning to these individuals. The problem is the lack of a W-2, the document that most people get in the mail at the end of the year stating that they worked for a company and earned a set amount of money. Rather, self employed individuals seeking a home loan will need to use an income tax return instead. Tax deductions that many of the self-employed receive often lessen the income, too, making it harder to prove that they do make enough to afford a home loan.

What Can You Do?

If you are in this position, where you are struggling to get a home loan because you are self employed, you may qualify for FHA financing. The FHA provides more flexible terms for borrowers. There are still specific goals that need to be met, including minimal down payments on the home and a decent credit score. Yet, the FHA loans are often easier to obtain for those who have trouble proving their income. These loans can be the best opportunity for individuals who may struggle to qualify for other types of loans.

According to some lenders, credit is the most important factor in obtaining a home loan. Yet, for the self employed, even high credit scores (in one case a woman was denied a home loan even though her net worth was three times that which she was requesting and her credit score ranked in the high 700’s) can hold you back. Proving to lenders that you are a good credit risk can be tricky, but it is something you must do.

FHA lenders can help you to avoid some of those obstacles. You still need to show income proof and you will need to be qualified for the home loan. FHA requirements are much lower. You will still need to meet qualifications including:

• 2 years worth of income tax returns
• If you have less than one year of self employment income to prove, you may not be eligible without some other proof of employment prior to this
• Federal business income tax returns for the last two years, for all corporations of “S” corporations and all partnerships
• Profit and loss statement and balance sheet showing your income
• A credit report from your business, in some cases

The FHA lender will need to take your income over the last two years (which you need to have proof of,) and will average it over that time. Provide them with additional information, such as income growth patterns over the last months. A detailed letter explaining expenses as well as any fluctuations in income is important.

With a good credit score, there is help for those who do have the need for a home loan even if they are self-employed.  FHA specialists can help you to qualify for these loans.

As a homeowner struggling to make your monthly payment, you may have to choose between things like seeing a movie, Christmas presents or even food on the table just to keep the roof over your head. In a recent press release, HUD, the Department of Housing and Urban Development announced a new loan modification program, which has plans to offer individuals struggling with their mortgage some help.

Note The Changes

The program, being called Hope for Homeowner, has undergone some further modifications. The goal is to get lenders to participate, something that has to happen for anyone to get their loan under the microscope for improvement. The new modifications to the program allow the lenders to write off less of the loan value than in prior situations.

The homeowner will benefit from this program because the lender will renegotiate the mortgage with them. They get a lower monthly payment and therefore have the money they need to make the monthly payment. In order to help make this possible, the loan terms (the length of the loan) can now go to as much as 40 years.

The Hope for Homeowners program is designed to help individuals to get into new loans if they are struggling with their own. The goal is to make the loans affordable for each borrower, so that foreclosure can be avoided. To do this, the rules of the program state that the monthly payment on the mortgage cannot be more than 31 percent of the homeowner’s monthly income.

The rules also allow for the lender to write down the loan to 96.5 percent f the home’s actual value. This is up from the 90 percent it was when the program first came to be this summer.  Another change is in the amount of debt that the home has. As a homeowner, you may not have household debt of more than 43 percent of your monthly income.

In order to qualify for the Hope for Homeowners program, your home loan must have originated prior to January of 2008. You also have to have a loan amount that is lower than $550,440.

Do You Qualify?

Many people may qualify for this program. Others may not. All should make the move now to find a solution to their current financial situation.  The Hope for Homeowner program is one option that many people have, and anyone who may be struggling right now to make their loan payments should contact a loan specialist to get some help in qualifying.

If you are otherwise struggling with your debts, even if you do not quality for this specific program there is still help available to some. Refinancing your loan is an option. There are also program in place to help you to liquidate the lien you have on your home through a second mortgage or equity line, so that you can actually qualify for the Hope for Homeowners program or refinance your home otherwise.

These changes to the program may in fact help encourage more lenders to start working with their struggling borrowers. You do not have to wait to see if your lender approaches you, though. In fact, you likely should not do this. Rather, you should work with an FHA loan specialist or other lender to try and find a better solution for your loan. In many situations, homeowners are never aware that they do have options for saving their home.

In fact, even if you are not behind on payments or struggling to make them, these professionals can help you to refinance your loan into more affordable terms or to help you simply to save money.