HA has published the following guideline updates, which will be effective for all loans with case numbers assigned on or after September 9th
- Specific verbiage for Well Water Testing has been added indicating that it must be performed by a disinterested party in a method acceptable to the local health authority. The borrower or any other interested party may not have contact with the sample. Additionally, cases mandating a Well Water Test have been added to include (but not limited to) the following
- Newly constructed properties and/or wells
- Properties with deficiencies in the well or well water as determined by an appraiser
- Areas where water has been reported or is otherwise known to be unsafe
- Properties located in close proximity to dumps, landfills, industrial sites, farms, or other sites that could contain hazardous waste
- Properties where distance between well and septic systems is less than 100 feet
- Clarification issued indicating Overtime, Bonus, or Tip Income must be calculated using the lesser of
- Average Overtime, Bonus, or Tip income earned over the previous 2 years (or if earned less than 2 years, the total length of time it has been received); OR
- Average Overtime, Bonus, or Tip income earned over the previous year
- All requirements regarding unreimbursed business expenses and Commission Income or Automobile Allowances has been completely removed to align with current IRS tax laws
- Mortgagees and Third Party Originators have been specifically added to the list of parties to which Interested Party Contribution (IPC) limits apply, with the exception that Premium Pricing credits do not apply to the IPC limit unless the mortgagee is also acting as the seller, agent, builder, or developer.
- Rent Below Fair Market has been defined as an inducement to purchase when the borrower is allowed to live in the property rent free or at a rental amount more than 10 percent under the fair market rent as determined by the appraiser.
- Disaster Certifications and new Appraisals in Disaster Areas must now be dated at least 14 days after the Incident Period start date. NOTE: This requirement is in addition to the standard Century Disaster Area Policy.
- Clarification has been added that Reduction in Term for Streamline Refinances refers specifically to the reduction of the remaining amortization period of the existing mortgage.
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Manual Underwriting Tips for FHADon’t Forget to Submit!
- Verbal VOE, paystub(s) covering most recent 30 day period, W2’s for the past 2 years
- 2 year employment history
- At least 1 months reserves from the borrower’s own funds (cannot be a gift); 3 months required for 3-4 unit properties
- VOR or 12 months cancelled checks if credit does not report last 12 months housing history
- LOX for any derogatory credit or any late payments within the last 24 months
DTI Requirements:- 31/43% FHA (no compensating factors required)
What can trigger a downgrade to manual underwrite?- $1,000 or more in Disputed Derogatory Credit Accounts
- 20% or greater decline in self employed income
- Mortgage lates in the last 12 months (see guidelines for full list)
Payment History Requirements:- All mortgage and installment loan payments must have been on time within the last 12 months and no more than two 30 day lates within the last 24 months
- No derogatory credit on revolving accounts in the last 12 months
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FHA – Underwriting must follow DU to determine if a collection account must be paid, even on a manual underwrite. Typically DU will require the following:
- If the credit report shows a cumulative balance of $2,000 or more for collection accounts:
- The debt(s) must be paid in full prior to or at closing, or
- Payment arrangements must be made with the creditor and the monthly payment included in the DTI, or
- A monthly payment of 5% of the outstanding balances of each collection must be included in the borrower’s DTI.
- Collection accounts of non-borrowing spouses in a community property state must be included in the $2,000 cumulative balance and analyzed as part of the Borrower’s ability to pay all collection accounts. Community property states are Arizona, California, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin.
Kentucky FHA Mortgage Lender 