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Opinion: Agencies are key to fixing housing affordability

Housing Wire

In late 2021, Congress renewed a 10-basis point tax on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac loans for another decade — not based on loan risk, but to pay for non-housing spending. Homeownership is used far too often as the federal piggy bank. But now a new threat is emerging on this front. Such opportunities may arise.

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Housing authorities and lenders added 54 homebuyer assistance programs in Q3: report

Housing Wire

A total of 224 programs will fund certain upfront loan fees including the upfront mortgage insurance premium on FHA loans , the funding fee on VA loans and the guarantee fees on USDA loans. About 74% of the 2,256 homebuyer assistance programs are down payment and closing cost assistance programs.

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What to Know About FHA Loans

Realty Biz

If qualifying for a conventional loan is difficult, and you aren't eligible for VA or USDA loans, an FHA loan could be the answer. FHA loans allow you to pay 3.5% But there are also downsides to FHA-insured loans. So is this type of loan right for you? What are FHA Loans?

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FHA Loans and Down Payment Assistance: Making Homebuying Affordable

HomeLight

The FHA backing lets lenders offer easier credit terms than non-FHA loans. FHA loans are especially important for first-time buyers. In 2020, only about 10% of all home loans were FHA-backed, according to the agency’s annual report. But more than 80% of those FHA borrowers were first-time homebuyers.

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RenoFi targets homeowners who don’t qualify for HELOCs

Housing Wire

For government loans, such as a Fannie Mae Homestyle Renovation loan, first-time buyers can qualify with a down payment as low as 3%, but renovation costs are limited to 75% of the home’s after-repair value, and borrowers must pay higher fees and closing costs than they would on other types of mortgage loans.

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How has COVID-19 changed down payment options?

Housing Wire

Bank raised its FICO score requirements to 680 on FHA, VA and USDA loans. To qualify for a VA loan, borrowers must be military members or veterans and meet certain service requirements. USDA loans, on the other hand, are options for rural homebuyers. Meanwhile, U.S.

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Mortgage group asks regulators to stop FICO’s price hikes of up to 400%

Housing Wire

. “That means FICO will collect approximately $2-8 total for all three scores out of a $40 to $50 (or more) tri-merge report and score bundle, and out of an average $3,800 in closing costs. All amounts for the tri-merge report and score bundle above this $2-8 are collected by others.

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