Basics to Qualifying for a FHA Mortgage Loan

Buy Baby A New Home!FHA mortgage loans offers some of the most flexible financing available for today’s home buyers!  With FHA, you can purchase a property that’s located almost anywhere, (unlike USDA that has a “footprint” of where you can purchase) and you don’t have to be a Veteran (a requirement for VA home loans ).  AND you can use a GIFT for your downpayment!  

Here are the Basic Guidelines:

  • You can Own property somewhere else…. meaning if you move to NC from Ohio (for instance) and you own a property there, you can still qualify for a FHA mortgage loan in NC! (but there are some details you need to remember about using rental income so click here to learn more!)
  • You can get a Gift for the Downpayment!
  • We can use income from a Second Job if you’ve had that job for at least 18 months, and/or you have a history of working 2 jobs!
  • Minimum Credit Scores are more difficult to pin down.  In GENERAL – you need at least 12 months of “clean credit,” and no collections or judgements in the last 12 months.  I you are new to the credit “game” it’s going to be tough to get a loan, but we do have some investors that will help with “non-tradtional credit.”
  • Debt To Income Ratios are “loosly” 33/43.  This means that based upon your GROSS income, you can have 33% of your monthly income going to your housing expense (which includes Principal and Interest, Taxes, Insurances and HomeOwner Dues, if you have them!).  Then you take your Gross Monthly Income and only 43% of your income can be gong to TOTAL debt – which includes the Housing expense above, but it also includes the items which report to the credit report (car payments, credit cards, etc.)
  • Downpayment is 3.5%!
  • You do not have to count child care payments!  (WHEW!)
  • You can use a non-occupying co-borrower.  This means that if your parents want to help you by being on the mortgage loan, you can use their income and assets to qualify.  BIG, BIG, B-U-T here… you can not have sorry credit, and overcome that with a co-borrower. 
  • The maximum loan amount for Wake County and Johnston County in NC is $271,050.  The maximum loan amount in Orange and Durham Counties is over $330,000!
  • You can STREAMLINE refinance to a lower rate FHA Mortgage with minimal costs!

If you are considering a purchase or refinance and have questions about FHA mortgage financing – please call us!

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One Works at Bragg – One in Wake County!

ft braggWe are working with a couple looking for property that will allow the Veteran to commute to Fort Bragg (in Fayetteville, NC) and the spouse to work in Apex, NC (Wake County).

Since we’ve been making mortgage loans for many years in the Triangle, this is not the first couple we’ve met who decide to purchase a home in Harnett County or the Southern Most areas of Johnston or Wake County!  It’s a “hot spot” for Veterans – and the homes are VERY affordable

Lot prices in this area are also lower than in more populated sections of Raleigh, making new homes, custom built in this area very attractive right now!

The Veteran’s Administration does not make VA loans, just HUD does not issue FHA loans.  The VA insures these loans.  Here are the basic guidelines for qualifying for a VA loans:

  • Total Debt Ratios not to exceed 41 to 43% (depending on energy efficiency of home).
  • Credit needs to have a score, however the VA does not publish a guide on a minimum credit score.  Most Investors want a score of at least 600 – although exceptions are certainly made.  The VA is most interested in a 12 month history of “clean credit.” (click here for more details)
  • Must be a Veteran (to see if your service experience qualifies click here).  If you are qualifying with another person’s income, they must also be a veteran, or a spouse. (more information about co-signors here)
  • We must verify employment, there are no stated income VA loan products.
  • You can receive a gift for closing costs, and/or the seller can pay for closing costs.

If you have other questions about VA home loans, please call us, we’d love to help you too!

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