Buying a Home/U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Buying a Home/U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

 

HUD   >   Topic Areas   >   Buying a Home
Buying a Home

Thinking about buying a home? We have information that can help! Got questions? Talk to one of ourhousing counselors!

1. Figure out how much you can afford
What you can afford depends on your income, credit rating, current monthly expenses, downpayment and the interest rate.

2. Know your rights

3. Shop for a loan

4. Learn about homebuying programs

5. Shop for a home

6. Make an offer

7. Get a home inspection

8. Shop for homeowners insurance

9. Sign papers
You’re finally ready to go to “settlement” or “closing.” Be sure to read everything before you sign!

Shopping for Your Home

Shopping for Your Loan

Closing the Deal

HUD Streamline Your FHA Mortgage

HUD Streamline Your FHA Mortgage.

 

HUD   >   Program Offices   >   Housing   >   Single Family   >   Buying   >   HUD Streamline Your FHA Mortgage
Streamline Your FHA Mortgage

FHA has permitted streamline refinances on insured mortgages since the early 1980s. “Streamline refinance” refers only to the amount of documentation and underwriting that the lender must perform, and does not mean that there are no costs involved in the transaction. The basic requirements of a streamline refinance are:

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The mortgage to be refinanced must already be FHA insured.

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The mortgage to be refinanced should be current (not delinquent).

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The refinance results in a lowering of the borrower’s monthly principal and interest payments, or, under certain circumstances, the conversion of an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM) to a fixed-rate mortgage.

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No cash may be taken out on mortgages refinanced using the streamline refinance process.

Lenders may offer streamline refinances in several ways. Some lenders offer “no cost” refinances (actually, no out-of-pocket expenses to the borrower) by charging a higher rate of interest on the new loan than if the borrower financed or paid the closing costs in cash. From this premium, the lender pays any closing costs that are incurred on the transaction. FHA does not allow lenders to include closing costs in the new mortgage amount of a streamline refinance. Investment properties (properties which the borrower does not occupy as his or her principal residence) may only be refinanced without an appraisal. 

Detailed instructions to the lenders are contained in HUD Handbook 4155.1.6.C.

Contact your lender to get started. You can find your lenders contact information by clicking on ourList of approved lenders.

Kentucky FHA Loan Louisville Kentucky Mortgage Guidelines

Kentucky FHA Mortgage Loans—updated�Guidelines

via Kentucky FHA Loan Louisville Kentucky Mortgage Guidelines.

via Kentucky FHA Loan Louisville Kentucky Mortgage Guidelines.

Kentucky FHA loans

Kentucky FHA loans have always been a great alternative for people who don’t quite qualify for Conventional financing.  The guidelines are more forgiving allowing for smaller down payments, higher debt to income ratios, some credit issues, and more sources for the down payment. 

The great thing is that the interest rate is only slightly higher than a conventional loan. Sometimes the interest rate is actually lower.  Remember this!  IF you go to a Kentucky Mortgage Broker or a Bank and the rate quoted is exceptionally higher, they are charging you too much.  Call around for quotes.  You will usually get a better rate from a Kentucky Mortgage broker.

Advantages:

  1. Kentucky FHA loans are not as strict on credit scoring. We can go down to a 580 credit score with compensating factors and if it makes sense.
  2. High debt to income ratios: 31% / 55%
  3. 100% of down payment can be a gift from: relative, close friend, or employer. Currently Kentucky Housing will give you up to $6,000 for down payment assistance with Kentucky FHA mortgage loans
  4. Seller, builder, or realtor can pay up to 6% of the sales price towards the buyers closing costs, discount points, prepaids,  and up front mortgage insurance premium.
  5. Buyer can finance closing costs into the loan, except for prepaids and discount points.
  6. Credit criteria is not as strict as a Conventional loan.  In fact, you might qualify if you have filed a chapter 13 bankruptcy and have been in it for at least one year.

Disadvantages:

  1. Kentucky FHA mortgage insurance may be more expensive than Conventional mortgage insurance.
  2. Maximum loan amounts are lower than conventional loans and they are determined by area.

Louisville Ky FHA Loans

Louisville Ky FHA Loans.

via Louisville Ky FHA Loans.