Posts Tagged ‘compensating factors’

  • You’re Credit Challenged?

     

    These guidelines can be a little tedious to work through, but if there is any strong advice that I can offer,  its to plow through the paperwork and work with an experienced real estate agent and mortgage officer. If you do,   and you are looking for that Lehigh Valley home for sale you have a great chance to get the home of your dreams.

    Many Credit Challenged Buyers Purchase HUD Homes!

    FHA underwriters have a great deal of discretion when they decide who will be approved and who will not be approved for loans. They are allowed to use compensating factors to offset conditions when a borrower’s profile falls outside general loan parameters. Any compensating factor used to justify mortgage approval must also be supported by documentation.

    The table below describes the compensating factors that may be used to justify approval of mortgage loans with ratios that exceed FHA benchmark guidelines.

    COMPENSATING FACTORS BENCHMARK GUIDELINES

    Compensating FactorGuideline Description
    Housing Expense PaymentsThe borrower has successfully demonstrated the ability to pay housing expenses greater than or equal to the proposed monthly housing expenses for the new mortgage over the past 12-24 months.
    Down PaymentThe borrower makes a large down payment of 10 percent or higher toward the purchase of the property.
    Accumulated SavingsThe borrower has demonstrated· ability to accumulate savings, and· a conservative attitude toward using credit.
    Previous Credit HistoryA borrower’s previous credit history shows that he/she has the ability to devote a greater portion of income to housing expenses.
    Compensation or Income Not Reflected in Effective IncomeThe borrower receives documented compensation or income that is not reflected in effective income, but directly affects his/her ability to pay the mortgage.This type of income includes food stamps, and similar public benefits.
    Minimal Housing Expense IncreaseThere is only a minimal increase in the borrower’s housing expense.
    Substantial Cash ReservesThe borrower has substantial documented cash reserves (at least three months worth) after closing. The lender must judge if the substantial cash reserve asset is liquid or readily convertible to cash, and can be done so absent retirement or job termination, when determining if the asset can be included as cash reserves, or cash to close.Funds and/or “assets” that are not to be considered as cash reserves include· equity in other properties, and· proceeds from a cash-out refinance.Lenders may use a portion of a borrower’s retirement account, subject to the conditions stated below. To account for withdrawal penalties and taxes, only 60% of the vested amount of the account may be used. The lender must document the existence of the account with the most recent depository or brokerage account statement. In addition, evidence must be provided that the retirement account allows for withdrawals for conditions other than in connection with the borrower’s employment termination, retirement, or death. If withdrawals can only be made under these circumstances, the retirement account may not be included as cash reserves. If any of these funds are also to be used for loan settlement, that amount must be subtracted from the amount included as cash reserves. Similarly, any gift funds that remain in the borrower’s account following loan closing, subject to proper documentation, may be considered as cash.Note: Reserves from retirement accounts and gifts as described above may be considered as cash reserves when scoring the mortgage application through TOTAL.Reference: For information on acceptable sources of cash reserve funding, see HUD 4155.1 5.B.
    Substantial Non-Taxable IncomeThe borrower has substantial non-taxable income.Note: This applies if no adjustment was previously made when computing ratios.
    Potential for Increased EarningsThe borrower has a potential for increased earnings, as indicated by job training or education in his/her profession.
    Primary Wage-Earner RelocationThe home is being purchased because the primary wage-earner is relocating, and the secondary wage-earner· has an established employment history· is expected to return to work, and· has reasonable prospects for securing employment in a similar occupation in the new area.Note: The underwriter must document the availability of the potential employment.

     

    I have worked with several good bankers and mortgage pros over the years. If you want to consider a home purchase, my suggestion is to start with the financing. With a credit approval and estimate of home purchase in hand, you will be way ahead of others  in a similar credit situation.  Email or call me for a recommendation.