fha-insured loans

Financing Residential Real Estate

Lesson 11: FHA-Insured Loans

Introduction

In this lesson we will cover:

  FHA loan programs,

  rules for FHA loans (including those governing maximum loan amounts, the minimum cash investment, sales concessions, secondary financing, and assumption),

  FHA insurance premiums,

  underwriting FHA loans, and

  specialized FHA programs.

Overview of FHA Loans

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) was created in 1934 as part of National Housing Act.

Federal Housing Administration


Federal Housing Administration (FHA) was created in 1934 as part of National Housing Act.

Purpose of act was to:  generate new jobs by increasing construction

activity,  stabilize mortgage market, and  promote financing, repair, improvement, and

sale of real estate.



Today, the FHA is part of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

 Primary function is insuring mortgage loans.

 Compensates lenders for losses from borrower default.

 Does not build homes or make loans.



FHA insurance program is called the Mutual Mortgage Insurance Plan.

 Funded by premiums paid by FHA borrowers.

FHA mortgage insurance


Prospective FHA borrowers apply to lender, not directly to FHA.




Lenders authorized to make FHA loans either:

 submit applications to FHA for approval, or

 underwrite applications themselves.




Lenders authorized to make FHA loans either:

 submit applications to FHA for approval, or

 underwrite applications themselves.

 Direct endorsement lender: Lender authorized to underwrite its own FHA loans.



If FHA borrower defaults on loan:

 FHA reimburses lender for full amount of loss.

 Borrower required to repay FHA.



FHA-insured loan program is intended to help low- and moderate-income home buyers.

Role of FHA loans



 But eligibility isn’t restricted by income.  Instead, FHA sets maximum loan amounts.  Maximum generally only enough to buy

moderately priced house.

Role of FHA loans



 But eligibility isn’t restricted by income.  Instead, FHA sets maximum loan amounts.  Maximum generally only enough to buy

moderately priced house.

 FHA also has low downpayment requirements, lenient underwriting standards, etc., to help buyers.

Role of FHA loans


FHA loans fell out of favor during subprime boom.

 Conventional underwriting standards were loosened and loans were easier to obtain.

 FHA maximum loan amounts were too low to use in some areas.

Role of FHA loans


Now, however, low-downpayment conventional loans are harder to get, and FHA maximum loan amounts have been increased.

FHA loans are once again becoming more popular.

Role of FHA loans


FHA has many different programs to fit different needs.

Programs are referred to by section numbers taken from provisions of National Housing Act.

FHA loan programs

FHA Loan Programs

Section 203(b) is the standard FHA program.

 Most FHA loans are 203(b) loans.

 Other programs are based on 203(b).

Section 203(b) – standard program

FHA Loan Programs

Section 203(b) is the standard FHA program.

 Most FHA loans are 203(b) loans.

 Other programs are based on 203(b).

203(b) loan can be used for purchase or refinancing of principal residences with up to four units.

Section 203(b) – standard program

FHA Loan Programs

203(k) program insures mortgages used to purchase/refinance and rehabilitate homes.

203(k) loans are discussed in more detail at the end of this lesson.

Section 203(k) – rehabilitation loans

FHA Loan Programs

234(c) program covers purchase or refinancing of unit in condominium approved by FHA.

Section 234(c) – condominium units

FHA Loan Programs


 Developer usually applies for FHA approval when project is built or converted.


FHA Loan Programs


 Developer usually applies for FHA approval when project is built or converted.

 Spot loan: Loan for condominium unit in project that isn’t FHA-approved.


FHA Loan Programs

Section 251 ARM program can be used to purchase or refinance owner-occupied residence with up to four units.

 Must have 30-year loan term.

 After initial fixed-rate period, adjustments occur on an annual basis.

Section 251 – ARMs

FHA Loan Programs

1-year, 3-year, and 5-year ARMs

 Annual interest rate adjustment limited to 1%

 Total rate increase over life of loan limited to 5%


FHA Loan Programs

1-year, 3-year, and 5-year ARMs



7-year and 10-year ARMs




FHA Loan Programs

Qualifying rate: Interest rate used to calculate monthly payment when qualifying buyer.

 For most FHA ARMs:

 qualifying rate is initial interest rate

 For 1-year ARM with LTV 95% or above:

 qualifying rate is initial interest rate + 1%


FHA Loan Programs

Section 255 provides insurance for reverse mortgages, which the FHA calls home equity conversion mortgages (HECMs).

255 loans are discussed in more detail at the end of this lesson.

Section 255 – HECMs

Summary Overview of FHA Loans

 FHA  HUD  Mutual Mortgage Insurance Plan  Direct endorsement lenders  203(b) program  234(c) program  251 program

Rules for FHA Loans

When FHA-insured financing is used, transaction must comply with FHA rules regarding:  owner-occupancy,  maximum loan amount,  minimum cash investment,  sales concessions,  secondary financing,  property flipping, and  assumption.

Rules for FHA Loans

FHA borrower must intend to occupy home as principal residence.

Owner-occupancy

Rules for FHA Loans


 FHA loan may be used for secondary residence only in limited circumstances involving hardship.

Owner-occupancy

Rules for FHA Loans


 FHA loan may be used for secondary residence only in limited circumstances involving hardship.

 Investor loans generally not permitted.

 Exception may be made for investor buying property that HUD owns due to foreclosure.

Owner-occupancy

Rules for FHA Loans

FHA sets maximum loan amounts that vary from area to area and are based on local median housing costs.

These limits are tied to the conforming loan limits set annually by the secondary market agencies.

Local maximum loan amounts

FHA Local Maximum Loan Amounts

Currently, the basic maximum for FHA loans is 65% of Freddie Mac’s conforming loan limit.

In 2009, conforming loan limit for one-unit property is $417,000.

 So 2009 basic maximum FHA loan amount for a one-unit property is $217,050:

$417,000 × .65 = $271,050

Basic maximum – most areas


In high-cost areas, the maximum may be increased up to 125% of the area median home price.

 But maximum loan amount in any area can’t exceed 175% of conforming loan limit.

 In 2009, this “ceiling” is $729,750.

  Higher ceiling applies in AK, HI, Guam, and Virgin Islands.

Maximums in high-cost areas


FHA generally sets maximum loan amounts on a county-by-county basis.

 Limit may be adjusted periodically to reflect changes in the cost of housing.

 Check with a local lender for the current FHA maximum loan amount in your area.

Adjusted to reflect housing costs

Rules for FHA Loans

Borrower must make minimum cash investment of at least 3.5% of appraised value or sales price, whichever is less.

 So maximum loan-to-value ratio for FHA loans is 96.5%.

Borrower-paid closing costs, discount points, and prepaid expenses don’t count toward minimum cash investment.

Minimum cash investment and LTV

Rules for FHA Loans

Interest rates are negotiable between lender and FHA borrower.

Lenders can charge whatever closing costs are “customary and reasonable” in their area.

Prepayment penalties are prohibited.

Loan charges and closing costs

Rules for FHA Loans

FHA limits amount that seller or other interested party can contribute to buyer in transaction.

Purpose is to prevent parties from using contributions to defeat FHA’s LTV and minimum cash investment rules.

Sales concessions

FHA Sales Concession Rules

It’s a seller contribution if seller (or other interested party) pays for all or part of:

 buyer’s closing costs or prepaid expenses

 any discount points

 temporary or permanent buydown

 buyer’s mortgage interest

 upfront premium for mortgage insurance

Seller contributions

FHA Sales Concession Rules

Seller contributions are limited to 6% of sales price.

 Excess contributions are treated as inducements to purchase and deducted from sales price in loan amount calculations.

6% limit doesn’t apply to fees and closing costs that sellers typically pay according to local custom.

Seller contributions

FHA Insurance Premiums

Insurance premiums for FHA loans are called the MIP (mortgage insurance premiums).

For most programs, borrowers pay:

 an upfront premium, plus

 annual premiums.


Upfront premium (UFMIP) is also called the one-time premium (OTMIP).

 Percentage of loan amount.  Currently 1.75%.

In 2008, FHA briefly applied risk-based pricing to UFMIP, but plan was put on hold.  Riskier borrowers with high LTVs were

charged higher percentage of loan amount for UFMIP.

Upfront MIP

Upfront MIP

UFMIP can be:

 paid in cash at closing by either borrower or seller, or

 financed over loan term.

If financed:

UFMIP + Base Loan = Total Amount Financed

Paying the UFMIP

Upfront MIP

 FHA buyer can borrow local maximum loan amount plus UFMIP.

 Total amount financed can’t exceed property’s appraised value.

Financed UFMIP and loan amount

Upfront MIP

 Loan origination fee is based only on base loan amount, not including UFMIP.

 Discount points are based on total amount financed, including UFMIP.

Financed UFMIP and loan fees

Upfront MIP

FHA borrower may be entitled to refund of part of UFMIP if loan is paid off early.

 Refunds eliminated for loans made on or after December 8, 2004.

UFMIP refund


Most FHA borrowers are required to pay annual premiums in addition to UFMIP.

 One-twelfth of premium included in monthly loan payment.

Annual MIP


Most FHA borrowers are required to pay annual premiums in addition to UFMIP.

 One-twelfth of premium included in monthly loan payment.

 Between 0.25% and 0.55% of loan balance per year, depending on loan term and LTV.

Annual MIP

Annual MIP

Loan term exceeds 15 years

Annual premium is canceled:

 when LTV reaches 78%,

 if premiums have been paid for at least 5 years.

Cancellation

Annual MIP

Loan term of 15 years or less

Annual premium is canceled:

 when LTV reaches 78%,

 regardless of how long premium has been paid.

Cancellation

Annual MIP

FHA determines when borrower has reached 78% threshold based on loan’s amortization schedule.

 Borrower who prepays can request earlier cancellation.

 Even after cancellation of annual MIP, FHA mortgage insurance remains in effect for rest of term.

Cancellation

Summary FHA Insurance Premiums

 UFMIP (OTMIP)  Total amount financed  Annual MIP  Cancellation

FHA Underwriting

FHA underwriting standards aren’t as strict as Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac standards.

FHA Underwriting

FHA requires lenders to consider credit scores, if available.

No FHA loan if credit score is below 500 (unless LTV is under 90%).

 This minimum is considerably lower than Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac minimums.

Credit reputation

FHA Underwriting

Nontraditional credit analysis:

 Applicant may qualify for FHA loan even if no credit report and no credit scores available.

 Underwriter analyzes applicant's reliability over past year in paying rent, utilities, and other obligations.

Credit reputation

FHA Underwriting

FHA underwriter determines applicant’s monthly effective income.

Effective income

Gross income from all sources expected to continue for first 3 years of loan term.

Income analysis

FHA Underwriting

At closing, borrower needs enough cash to cover:

 minimum cash investment;

 prepaid expenses;

 any discount points;

 upfront MIP (if not financed);

 any closing costs, repair costs, or other expenses not financed.

Assets for closing

Assets for Closing

Generally, borrower not required to have reserves for FHA loan.

 But reserves may be a compensating factor if income ratios exceed limits.

No reserves required

Assets for Closing

FHA borrower may use gift funds for part or even all of the funds needed for closing.

 Donor must be employer, labor union, close relative, close friend, charitable organization, or government agency.

 Gift letter is required.

Gift funds

Assets for Closing

FHA borrower may also borrow funds needed for closing. Unsecured loan:

 Lender must be a close family member. Secured loan:

 Collateral must be property other than the home being purchased.

 Lender can’t be seller, real estate agent, or other interested party.

Borrowed funds

Section 255 – FHA HECMs

FHA calls its reverse mortgages home equity conversion mortgages (HECMs).

Used by elderly homeowner to convert equity into monthly income or line of credit.

 Repayment not required as long as home remains owner’s primary residence.

Home equity conversion mortgages


 Homeowner must be at least 62.

 Property must be principal residence and owned free and clear (or with only small mortgage balance).

 Loan amount depends on local area maximum, appraised value, current interest rate, and borrower’s age.

 No income requirements or credit qualifications.

Requirements


Lender recovers principal and interest when property is sold.

Any excess sale proceeds to go seller (or heirs).

Sale of property

fha-insured loans

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