Are you FHA-Approved????
That's an important question all condo, townhome, and villa owners should be asking.
Why? Great question.
The government has a program run through the Federal Housing Administration that will allow qualified borrowers access to mortgages of UP TO 96.5% of the home's value (notice I did not say contract price, as an FHA appraisal will supercede a contract price). The borrower has to come up with the other 3.5% down payment, as well as closing costs. Closing costs can be paid by the seller on behalf of the buyers.
This is a terrific program that gets buyers with meager savings and blemished (but not sub-prime) credit into homes. Think first-time homebuyers, newlyweds, single parents, lower-income, etc. Truly a great program that encourages home ownership among a class that doesn't qualify for conventional loans.
Ok, so that's FHA in a nutshell. How does that help you, the condo/TH/villa owner? Well, since the 100% loans have gone the way of the dodo bird (non-existent) it is one of the most popular loan programs in the market today, aside from VA loans. This means more and more buyers are qualifying under this program. THE FLY IN THE OINTMENT IS THAT THE COMPLEX HAS TO BE APPROVED BY THE FHA FOR FHA LOANS.
It's an involved process with forms, documentation, and some elbow grease. Some complexs, due to their restrictions, will never qualify. However, it's well worth it for enterprising residents to ensure they have explored getting approved for FHA loans.
How can you tell if you're already approved? Luckily, FHA has a continuously updated website to check. It's: https://entp.hud.gov/idapp/html/condlook.cfm
Most likely your complex will not be approved, but it's normally for lack of trying. Once approved, it's something you want to SCREAM from the rooftops and let all buyers know. Ask you Association if they have ever tried to get approval. If they have not, volunteer to be a liaison and get them approved. Visit HUD.gov for more info.
FHA is a gift to buyers AND SELLERS so do your best to take advantage of it today.
About Me
- Rich Cornelius
- Born in New York, I retired to the Tampa Bay area at the ripe old age of 18 months, and have been a resident ever since. I attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, received my Bachelors Degree in Aeronautical Science and became an airline pilot with a major carrier. After 5 years in professional aviation, I joined Sand Key Realty, Sales & Rentals. While at Sand Key Realty, I successfully sold more than $10M in residential real estate, including one of the highest sales on record on Clearwater Beach. In June of '07, I joined Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate in Clearwater so I could better serve family, friends and clients alike and meet all of their real estate needs. In real estate, as in aviation, I do it right the first time because of the trust and responsibility placed in me by my clients. Simply put, it’s all about the details.
No comments:
Post a Comment