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FHA loans are loans that are insured by Federal Housing Administration. These loans are originated by FHA approved lenders such as mortgage companies, banks, savings and loans, and credit unions. FHA’s role is to provide insurance to the lender in the event the borrower defaults on the loan. Because the insurance is provided by the federal government, lenders are willing to offer FHA loans with very favorable terms to borrowers.
For most FHA loans, both an up-front and a monthly mortgage insurance premium is required. The up-front premium can be included in the loan amount.
The loan amount for an FHA loan is limited depending upon the county where the property in located. In Colorado, the maximum loan amount ranges from $172,632 to $290,319, with the maximum loan amount in the Denver metropolitan area at $261,609.
Key Features
The features of an FHA loans are such that, when combined together, results in a very advantageous loan, especially for the first time homebuyer. These features include the following:
ü In most cases, only a 3% down payment is required.
ü Interest rates that are frequently lower than loans with similar features.
ü Fixed interest rate, fixed payment loans
ü Adjustable rate loan program with very consumer friendly features
ü Terms of 15 years and 30 years
ü Qualification standards that are somewhat easier than most Conventional mortgage loans
FHA Loans vs. Conventional Loans
FHA loans are best suited for borrowers who are limited in the amount of funds available for the downpayment or whose credit history may be less than perfect. The major negatives to FHA loans is the up-front mortgage insurance requirement (which is not required for a Conventional loan) and the loan amount limitation.
FHA loans only require a 3% downpayment while a Conventional loan with a similar interest rate requires a 5% dowpayment. However, FHA loans require an up-front mortgage insurance premium. Even though this up-front premium can be financed in the loan amount, it still means that FHA loans have a higher Closing Costs than a Conventional loan. Thus, if you have the funds to make a 5% downpayment, and your credit history is good, a Conventional loan is a less expensive loan than an FHA loan and probably a better choice.
There are various Conventional loan programs that are available for consumers with a fair to average credit history. However, these loan programs usually require a large downpayment (10%-20%) and have higher interest rates than an FHA loan. Thus, if your credit history is less than perfect, an FHA loan will be a better choice.
What Can an FHA Loan Be Used For?
An FHA loan may be used for the following purposes:
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To buy a home, including townhouse or condominium unit in an FHA-approved project.
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To refinance an existing loan and lower the interest rate
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To refinance an existing home loan and take "cash out".
Mortgage Insurance
The amount of up-front mortgage insurance premium is 1.50%. The monthly mortgage insurance premium varies from 0% - .50% depending upon the term of the loan and the LTV Ratio. For FHA loans secured by a condominium property, there is only a monthly insurance premium.
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