HUD Facts Versus Fiction In Qualifying For FHA Loans

This Article Is About HUD Facts Versus Fiction In Qualifying For FHA Loans

The U.S. Department of Housing Administration (HUD) is the parent federal agency of the Federal Housing Administration (FHA). FHA is not a lender.

The role of the Federal Housing Administration is to insure FHA Loans originated and funded by private mortgage companies against the loss sustained by borrowers who default and foreclose on their FHA Loans
However, in order for FHA to insure and guarantee FHA Loans, the lender needs to follow all HUD Lending Guidelines per HUD 4000.1 FHA Handbook
If the lender does not follow the FHA Guidelines, the FHA Loan will not be insured
Over 75% of our borrowers at Gustan Cho Associates are folks who either got a last-minute mortgage denial or are stressing over their mortgage process
Other borrowers are told they do not qualify even though they meed HUD Guidelines

In this blog, we will discuss HUD Facts Versus Fiction on FHA Loans. Why is it that so many lenders have different FHA Lending Requirements. What are HUD Facts Versus Fiction?

First-time home buyers and experienced homeowners alike may have misconceptions about what it means to get an FHA loan. Here are some of the most common facts and fictions about buying a house with an FHA loan.

What Are The Down Payment And Credit Score Requirements On FHA Loans

HUD’s role is to promote homeownership to home buyers. This holds especially true for first time home buyers and buyers with less than perfect credit. HUD has made it possible for home buyers to purchase a home with very little down payment. Here are the down payment HUD FACTS Versus Fiction:

3.5% down payment for borrowers who have a 580 credit score
Borrowers with under 580 FICO can qualify for FHA Loans with 10% down payment with approve/eligible per automated underwriting system findings
The minimum credit score allowed by borrowers to qualify for FHA Loans is 500 FICO
Many borrowers are told they do not qualify for FHA Loans by other lenders because they do not meet a 620 or 640 credit score
This is not correct
Many lenders will require a higher credit score requirement because they have lender overlays
Lender overlays are lending guidelines that are above and beyond the minimum HUD Agency Guidelines

Are FHA Loans For Low-Income Borrowers Or First Time Home Buyers?

Another common HUD FACTS Versus Fiction is that FHA Loans are NOT for low-income borrowers or first time home buyers. Massimo Ressa is the Chief Executive Officer of Gustan Cho Associates Mortgage Group. This is what Massimo Ressa states about the type of borrowers who qualify for FHA Loans:

Neither of these things are true. Home buyers CAN get an FHA loan as a low-income borrower or as a first-time home buyer, but you do NOT have to be one or both.

Are Home Appraisals And Home Inspections Required

Home appraisals are mandatory and required by lenders on both purchase and refinance transactions.

An appraisal is not a home inspection
Home inspections are optional by home buyers
Home inspections are highly recommended for all home buyers
Appraisers do not thoroughly inspect the condition of the house
Appraisers only make sure that the subject property is in habitable condition and is safe and secure and all mechanicals is in proper working condition
A home inspector will be more thorough and inspect the condition of the HVAC systems, plumbing, electrical, roof
Home inspectors will also check for any signs of cracked foundations, the life of the roof, signs of mold and termites, and other defects associated with the subject home

Home inspections are done prior to the appraisal. This way, the buyers can back out if they find anything wrong with the home. There is a big difference between an appraisal versus home inspections.

HUD Facts Versus Fiction On Collections And Charge Off Accounts

HUD Guidelines does not require borrowers to pay outstanding collections and/or charge off accounts. Borrowers can qualify for FHA Loans with outstanding collections and charge off account. Please read more on this topic by clicking: FHA GUIDELINES ON COLLECTIONS AND CHARGED OFF ACCOUNTS

There is no waiting period after a timeshare foreclosure to qualify for FHA Loans. HUD does not consider a timeshare foreclosure as a real estate foreclosure. Under the eyes of HUD, a timeshare is an installment loan. It is not a real estate loan.

HUD Facts Versus Fiction In Qualifying For A FHA Loan During And After Chapter 13 Bankruptcy

Many borrowers get conflicting answers on HUD Guidelines in qualifying for an FHA Loan During and After Chapter 13 Bankruptcy. Here are the general rules in qualifying for FHA Loans after bankruptcy and foreclosure:

There is a 2-year waiting period after Chapter 7 Bankruptcy discharge date
There is a 3-year waiting period after foreclosure, deed in lieu of foreclosure, short-sale
Home buyers can qualify for an FHA Loan during Chapter 13 Bankruptcy repayment plan one year into the payment plan with Trustee Approval with Trustee Approval
There is no waiting period to qualify for FHA Loans after Chapter 13 Bankruptcy discharge date
Any Chapter 13 bankruptcy discharge that has been seasoned for two years or less needs to be manually underwritten

If you have any questions on this blog and/or other mortgage topics, please contact us at 800-900-8569 or text us for faster response. Or email us at gcho@gustancho.com.