As FHA mortgage rates fall nationwide, so does the relative cost of owning a
home. As compared to just 4 years ago, FHA purchasing power is higher by
26%.
FHA Mortgage Rates : Approaching 3.00 Percent
The Federal Housing Administration is a government agency, created in 1934.
It serves three purposes : (1) To improve housing standards, (2) To stabilize
the mortgage market, and (3) To insure mortgage loans.
Note that the FHA doesn't make loans directly. For example, it doesn't lend
money to home buyers or give money for a refinance. Rather, the FHA insures the
loans that mortgage lenders make, so long as those loans meet the FHA's mortgage
guidelines.
FHA purchase mortgage guidelines are similar to conventional mortgage
guidelines :
- Annual income is verified with W-2 statements and tax returns
- Monthly debts are verified via a credit report and personal statements
- Employment and assets are verified prior to closing
However, the FHA tends to be more "loose" with respect to who gets approved.
The FHA will often insure the "common sense" loans that Fannie Mae or Freddie
Mac turn down as a matter of policy, and it does so without charging high
mortgage rates.
FHA mortgage rates have been under 4 percent since January.
FHA Mortgages : 16% Of All Home Purchases
FHA home loans are used in nearly 16% of home sales nationwide -- four times
the frequency of just 5 years ago. There are three reasons for this FHA
mortgage explosion.
First, the FHA offers the same low rates to all home buyers. Whereas
conventional loans via Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac raise the mortgage rate for a
buyer whose credit score is below 740, or whose subject property is a 2-unit,
3-unit or 4-unit home, the FHA does not. All FHA mortgage applicants get access
to the same mortgage rates.
Second, the FHA caters to buyers who don't want to make a 20 percent
downpayment.
In its guidelines, the FHA says that home buyers must only make a 3.5%
downpayment, and that 3.5% amount may be a gift from a family member, employer,
labor union, or a close friend with a defined and documented relationship with
the buyer. The low-downpayment option offered via the FHA plus its loose
Like with all mortgage types, FHA mortgage rates are making all-time lows
this year. The combination of a recovering U.S. economy and ongoing government
stimulus have helped to keep FHA mortgage rates down. Low rates can't be
permanent, however.
If you've been shopping for mortgage rates, see what an FHA-backed mortgage
can do for your budget. Rates are often lower than for a comparable conventional
loan and downpayment requirements are lower, too.
About the Author
Shawn Kaplan is an active, 50 state Licensed loan officer with Access National Mortgage. Email Shawn at skaplan@accessnational.com or call 615-426-3182.
Bonus: Click to get a free, no-obligation rate quote. I love to work with my readers!
