NEW FHA Policies Go Into Effect April 5th
Applications for FHA-guaranteed mortgages exceeded an annual rate of 3 million in October; nearly triple the level in 2007. In 2006, when subprime and other Wall Street programs were at full speed, the annual rate for applications was less than 600,000. As a result the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Commissioner David Stevens recently announced a set of policy changes to strengthen the FHA’s capital reserves. The changes announced are the latest in a series of changes Stevens has enacted in order to better position the FHA to manage its risk while continuing to support the nation’s housing market recovery. The goal is to balance risk management and continue to provide affordable, responsible mortgage products.
On April 5, 2010, lenders must start collecting a 2.25% Up Front Mortgage Insurance (UFMIP). The .50% increase from 1.75% will help shore up the government agency’s reserve fund which dropped to .53% in November. This reserve fund covers losses on the mortgages the agency insures. Congress mandates the agency maintain a minimum 2% ratio. Since the fall of 2008, the reserve fund has dropped steadily from a high of 3% to its low in November.
Some 14.36% of FHA loans were past due in the third quarter, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association. This compares to 9.64% of all loans.
St. Louis Mortgage Interest Rates – March 31, 2010 *
- 30-year fixed-rate mortgage 5.125% no points
- 15-year fixed-rate mortgage 4.375% no points
- 5/1 adjustable rate mortgage 3.750% no points
- FHA/VA 30-year fixed rate mortgage 5.25%
- Jumbo 5/1 ARM 4.125% no points
- Jumbo 15 year fixed rate mortgage 4.875%
For more information or if you have questions on mortgage rates in St. Louis you may contact me by phone at my direct line, (314) 372-4319, email at rfishel@paramountmortgage.com or you can visit our company website at http://www.paramountmortgage.com.
*Note- The above rates are based upon a typical sale price of $187,500 with a 20% percent down payment leaving a loan amount of $150,000 to a borrower with a 720 credit score for a loan with no discount points charged. Rates and terms will vary depending upon loan amount, home value, credit and income of borrower.
This information is provided by this author and this site for informative purposes only and is not warranted or guarteed in any way.
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