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Opinion: Agencies are key to fixing housing affordability

Housing Wire

With the Federal Reserve gone AWOL on purchasing mortgage loans, mortgage rates have doubled and spreads over 10-year Treasuries are at historical highs. 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.

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

Housing Wire

For this reason, many programs now allow funds to be used for buydowns and other popular financing strategies that take the edge off of monthly mortgage payments,” Rob Chrane, founder and CEO of DPR, said in a statement. Buydowns have become a preferred financing strategy for borrowers as mortgage rates have surged.

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What to Know About FHA Loans

Realty Biz

Are you trying to decide the best mortgage options for buying your first home? 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.

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

Housing Wire

Credit reports are getting a lot pricier, and some mortgage lenders are none too pleased about it. 22, the National Consumer Reporting Agency told its members that the “vast majority” of mortgage lenders would see price increases between 10% and 400% from Fair Isaac Corp. In a letter dated Nov.

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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

Mortgage lending has gotten stricter during the COVID-19 pandemic. Bank raised its FICO score requirements to 680 on FHA, VA and USDA loans. Low-down and government-backed mortgages. Both VA and USDA loans require zero down payment. Meanwhile, U.S. These typically require high credit scores to qualify.

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Mortgage, Mortgage, Mortgage: What First-Time Home Buyers Need to Know

Realty Biz

Regardless, there are many things that first-time home buyers aren't aware of when it comes to getting a mortgage. We've put together a brief mortgage guide with the key information you need to know. To get the best rate for your situation, be sure to look closely at each type of mortgage. Let's take a closer look.

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