Bill:
Its great! Thank you so much for this report. This is exactly the kind of information and skilled perspective we need to get the best value for our mother's house. I cannot think of any questions I have right now but I might come up with one down the road. I want you to know I will recommend you to anybody I know in New Jersey or parts of New York who needs your services. Did you have any further concerns about which you wish to make me aware? I'll be happy to hear from you.
Sincerely,
Helen.
WASHINGTON, 5 de marzo -- Fannie Mae (FNM/NYSE) comenzó hoy dos nuevas iniciativas: Home Affordable Refinance (Refinanciamiento del pago de la vivienda) y Home Affordable Modification (Modificación del pago de la vivienda), que estarán disponibles para sus administradores de préstamos y prestatarios como parte del programa Making Home Affordable (Facilitando el pago de la vivienda) de la Administración Obama. Las dos iniciativas están ideadas para ampliar de manera significativa la cantidad de prestatarios que puedan refinanciar o modificar sus hipotecas para llegar a un pago mensual que sea asequible ahora y en el futuro.
"Making Home Affordable ofrece herramientas clave a los prestadores hipotecarios y propietarios de viviendas que están afrontando dificultades financieras y precios de viviendas en disminución", dijo Herb Allison, presidente y CEO. "Potencialmente, millones de propietarios de viviendas podrían reunir los requisitos y beneficiarse con estas iniciativas. La gente de Fannie Mae hará todo lo que pueda para hacer que el programa sea un éxito para los propietarios de viviendas de todos los Estados Unidos y para avanzar la recuperación inmobiliaria de la nación."
Home Affordable Refinance
Home Affordable Refinance incluye nuevas flexibilidades de refinanciamiento para los propietarios de viviendas cuyos préstamos son propiedad de Fannie Mae. Entre las principales características, se encuentran:
Los que los prestatarios necesitan saber:
Home Affordable Modification
A través de la Home Affordable Modification, Fannie Mae trabajará con administradores de préstamos de todo el país con el fin de ayudar a los angustiados prestatarios a modificar su actual préstamo y convertirlo en una hipoteca que sea más asequible y sostenible. Los administradores de préstamos que participan en este programa pueden reducir las tasas de interés, alargar los tiempos de pago o tomar otras medidas, tales como ser indulgentes en cuanto a la devolución del capital (principal forbearance), para reducir los pagos mensuales hasta el 31 por ciento del ingreso bruto (antes de impuestos) del prestatario.
Lo que los prestatarios necesitan saber:
Con el fin de asegurar que los prestatarios que actualmente corren riesgo de ejecución hipotecaria (foreclosure) tengan la oportunidad de solicitar una Home Affordable Modification, se ha instruido a los administradores de préstamos de Fannie Mae que no procedan a una ejecución hipotecaria hasta que el prestatario haya sido evaluado para el programa.
Cómo saber si un préstamo es propiedad de Fannie Mae
Los prestatarios pueden averiguar si sus préstamos son propiedad de Fannie Mae en una de dos maneras:
Fannie Mae también tiene la intención de poner a disposición una herramienta en línea más adelante en el mes, de manera que los prestatarios puedan buscar sus préstamos y determinar si son propiedad de la compañía.
Fannie Mae tiene como misión ampliar el alojamiento costeable y llevar el capital global a las comunidades locales, con el fin de atender el mercado inmobiliario de los EE. UU. Fannie Mae tiene un estatuto federal (federal charter) y opera en el mercado de segunda hipoteca de los Estados Unidos, con el fin de aumentar la liquidez del mercado hipotecario, ofreciendo fondos a banqueros hipotecarios y a otros prestamistas, de manera que puedan prestar dinero a los compradores de viviendas. Nuestra función es ayudar a quienes tienen sus viviendas en los Estados Unidos.
WASHINGTON DC -- Fannie Mae (FNM/NYSE) today began making two new initiatives -- Home Affordable Refinance and Home Affordable Modification -- available to its servicers and borrowers as part of the Obama Administration's Making Home Affordable program. The two initiatives are designed to significantly expand the numbers of borrowers who can refinance or modify their mortgages to a payment that is affordable now and into the future.
"Making Home Affordable provides crucial tools to mortgage lenders and homeowners coping with financial hardship and declining home prices," said Herb Allison, president and chief executive officer. "Potentially millions of homeowners could qualify for and benefit from these initiatives. The people of Fannie Mae will do all they can to make the program a success for homeowners across America and to advance the nation's housing recovery."
Home Affordable Refinance includes new refinancing flexibilities for homeowners whose loans are owned by Fannie Mae. Key features include:
What Borrowers Need to Know:
Through the Home Affordable Modification, Fannie Mae will work with loan servicers across the country to help distressed borrowers modify their current loan into a mortgage that is more affordable and sustainable. Loan servicers participating in the program may reduce interest rates, lengthen the payment time frame or take other steps, such as principal forbearance, to bring the monthly payments down to as low as 31 percent of the borrower's gross (pre-tax) income.
To ensure borrowers currently at risk of a foreclosure have the opportunity to apply for a Home Affordable Modification, Fannie Mae servicers have been directed not to proceed with a foreclosure until a borrower has been evaluated for the program.
Finding Out if a Loan is Owned by Fannie Mae
Borrowers can find out if their loan is owned by Fannie Mae in one of two ways:
Fannie Mae also intends to make an online tool available later this month so borrowers can look up their loan and determine if it is owned by the company.
Fannie Mae exists to expand affordable housing and bring global capital to local communities in order to serve the U.S. housing market. Fannie Mae has a federal charter and operates in America's secondary mortgage market to enhance the liquidity of the mortgage market by providing funds to mortgage bankers and other lenders so that they may lend to home buyers.Our job is to help those who house America.
HUD provides program information to the public in a variety of ways. The most commonly requested information is discussed below.
Housing information for families and individuals
We have basic information on Homebuying and Rental Assistance on our web site. We also have information on resources for senior citizens and people with disabilities.
For help with housing needs, you can find the nearest HUD-approved counseling agency on the web or by calling 1 (800) 569-4287.
Grant applications
Grant applications and funding announcements are available online on the Grants Page. Further information on ordering by telephone is also available there.
Families or individuals seeking housing assistance can find basic information on Homebuying and Rental Assistance on our web site. We also have information on resources for senior citizens and people with disabilities.
Forms
Official HUD forms used in all programs and other commonly used forms are available online to print and download. Printed forms can be ordered online through the Direct Distribution System or by telephone at 1 (800) 767-7468.
Forms for housing discrimination complaints are available online.
For assistance using forms we provide information on program technical guidance below.
HUD handbooks, notices, mortgagee letters and regulations
HUD Handbooks, Notices and other documents are available to print or view at HUDCLIPS. For the FHA Home Mortgage programs, links to the most commonly used Handbooks and Mortgagee Letters are included in the FHA Mortgagee Starter Kit. Printed handbooks can be ordered online through the Direct Distribution System or by telephone at 1 (800) 767-7468. For assistance with questions on the content of handbooks we provide information on program technical guidance below.
Program technical guidance
For interpretations of program requirements or handbooks and instructions on the use of forms:
Housing Programs - See our Contact List for help.
Public Housing and Section 8 Choice Voucher Programs - Contact the Public Housing Field Office Staff.
Native American Programs - Contact the Office of Native American Programs for your area.
All other program questions - Contact the Local HUD Field Office.
Publications
To find a specific publication, you can search our entire web site.
You can also browse or search the HUDUSER Online Store Catalog.
Many pamphlets, brochures and other program publications can be ordered by telephone at 1 (800) 767-7468.
Materials on lead paint hazards, including the required lead paint pamphlet, are available from our Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control. Printed materials can be ordered from the The National Lead Information Center by calling 1 (800) 424-5323.
Research reports, executive summaries, case studies, and guidebooks, and specialized data including the Fair Market Rents and Income Limits are available online at HUDUSER. Most items can be downloaded or ordered in printed copy as well.
Bibliographies
HUDUSER maintains the only bibliographic database exclusively dedicated to housing and community development issues with more than 8,000 full-abstract citations to research reports, articles, books, monographs, and data sources in housing policy, building technology, economic development, urban planning, and a host of other relevant fields.
Informacion en español
1 (800) 483-7342 o 1 (800) 767-7468 son los números para pedir publicaciones de HUD en Español.
Comments and Questions
FHA's Streamline 203(k) Mortgage The “Streamline (K)” Limited Repair Program permits homebuyers to finance an additional $35,000 into their mortgage to improve or upgrade their home before move-in. With this product, homebuyers can quickly and easily tap into cash to pay for property repairs or improvements, such as those identified by a home inspector or FHA appraiser. More...
FHA's 203(k) MortgageThe Section 203(k) program is HUD's primary program for the rehabilitation and repair of single family properties. As such, it is an important tool for community and neighborhood revitalization and for expanding homeownership opportunities. To find out how to become a 203k consultant, read HUD mortgagee letter 00-25 and How to Become an Approved 203k Consultant.
Visit the FHA Resource Center for more 203(k) information.
regarding mortgage payment relief and protection from foreclosure provided by the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (formerly known as The Soldiers' and Sailors' Civil Relief Act of 1940).
The provisions of the Act apply to active duty military personnel who had a mortgage obligation prior to enlistment or prior to being ordered to active duty. This includes members of the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, Coast Guard; commissioned officers of the Public Health Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration who are engaged in active service; reservists ordered to report for military service; persons ordered to report for induction under the Military Selective Service Act; and guardsmen called to active service for more than 30 consecutive days. In limited situations, dependents of servicemembers are also entitled to protections.
The Act limits the interest that may be charged on mortgages incurred by a service member (including debts incurred jointly with a spouse) before he or she entered into active military service. Mortgage lenders must, at your request, reduce the interest rate to no more than six percent per year during the period of active military service and recalculate your payments to reflect the lower rate. This provision applies to both conventional and government-insured mortgages.
No. To request this temporary interest rate reduction, you must submit a written request to your mortgage lender and include a copy of your military orders. The request may be submitted as soon as the orders are issued but must be provided to a mortgage lender no later than 180 days after the date of your release from active duty military service.
If a mortgage lender believes that military service has not affected your ability to repay your mortgage, they have the right to ask a court to grant relief from the interest rate reduction. This is not very common.
Your mortgage lender may allow you to stop paying the principal amount due on your loan during the period of active duty service. Lenders are not required to do this but they generally try to work with service members to keep them in their homes. You will still owe this amount but will not have to repay it until after your complete your active duty service.
Additionally, most lenders have other programs to assist borrowers who cannot make their mortgage payments. If you or your spouse find yourself in this position at any time before or after active duty service, contact your lender immediately and ask about loss mitigation options. Borrowers with FHA insured loans who are having difficulty making mortgage payments may also be eligible for special forbearance and other loss mitigation options. More information about help for homeowners who are unable to make payments on a mortgage is available on the HUD website at http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/econ/econ.cfm.
Mortgage lenders may not foreclose, or seize property for a failure to pay a mortgage debt, while a service member is on active duty or within 90 days after the period of military service unless they have the approval of a court. In a court proceeding, the lender would be required to show that the service member's ability to repay the debt was not affected by his or her military service.
When you or your representative contact your mortgage lender, you should provide the following information:
Notice that you have been called to active duty; A copy of the orders from the military notifying you of your activation; Your FHA case number; and Evidence that the debt precedes your activation date.
HUD has reminded FHA lenders of their obligation to follow the Act. If notified that a borrower is on active military duty, the lender must advise the borrower or representative of the adjusted amount due, provide adjusted coupons or billings, and ensure that the adjusted payments are not returned as insufficient payments.
The change in interest rate is not a subsidy. Interest in excess of 6 percent per year that would otherwise have been charged is forgiven. However, the reduction in the interest rate and monthly payment amount only applies during the period of active duty. Once the period of active military service ends, the interest rate will revert back to the original interest rate, and the payment will be recalculated accordingly.
Interest rate reductions are only for the period of active military service. Other benefits, such as postponement of monthly principal payments on the loan and restrictions on foreclosure may begin immediately upon assignment to active military service and end on the third month following the term of active duty assignment.
Read more information about the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, sponsored by the Legal Assistance Policy Division, Office of The Judge Advocate General, U.S. Army.
Servicemembers who have questions about the SCRA or the protections that they may be entitled to may contact their unit judge advocate or installation legal assistance officer. Dependents of servicemembers can also contact or visit local military legal assistance offices where they reside. A military legal assistance office locator for each branch of the armed forces is available at http://legalassistance.law.af.mil/content/locator.php
Act Now to Prevent Foreclosure
New Program AnnouncedThe Federal Housing Finance Agency, the regulator of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, recently announced a new Streamlined Modification Program that is designed to help struggling borrowers avoid foreclosure by having Fannie Mae work with mortgage servicers to modify loans into more affordable terms.
You may qualify if all of the following are true:
To achieve a more affordable mortgage payment, your loan servicer may:
What You Can Do TodayIf you are about to fall behind, or have fallen behind on your mortgage payments, or if your loan has been referred to an attorney, the most important step you can take is to get help early from your mortgage lender, servicer, or housing counselor. Here are important steps to take immediately:
You have more options if you act quickly. Now is the time to ask for help!
Announcement 08-30 November 14, 2008
Amends these Guides: Selling
Appraisal-Related Policy Changes and Clarifications
Introduction
Due to current conditions in the real estate market, it is paramount that appraisers are provided with sufficient guidance to properly appraise and document the appraisal report. Fannie Mae recognizes the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice as the minimum appraisal standards for the appraisal profession. In addition, Fannie Mae has established its own separate appraisal requirements to supplement the Uniform Standards. This Announcement addresses several new or updated appraisal-related requirements and clarifies several other existing policies to help underwriters make sound underwriting decisions when reviewing the appraisal report. The following topics are discussed:
New or Updated Policies
Implementation of the Market Conditions Addendum to the Appraisal Report (Form 1004MC)
Use of supervisory appraisers
Requirement to provide the sales contract to the appraiser
Requirement regarding the appraiser’s selection of comparable sales
Clarification of Existing Policies
Repair escrows for existing construction
Research and reporting of the current and prior listings of the subject property
Appraising the entire site of a property
Time adjustments on the appraisal report
Verification of a sales transaction
Neighborhood boundaries and the selection of comparable sales
Effective age of the subject property
Utilizing the cost approach to value for insurance purposes
Announcement 08-30 Page
Selling Guide,
Fannie Mae purchases or securitizes mortgages in all markets and under all market conditions. The current appraisal report forms require the appraiser to report on the primary indicators of market condition for properties in the subject neighborhood by noting the trend of property values (increasing, stable, or declining), the supply of properties in the subject neighborhood (shortage, in-balance, or over-supply), and the marketing time for properties (under three months, three to six months, or over six months) as of the effective date of the appraisal. Fannie Mae also expects the appraiser to provide their conclusions for the reasons a market is experiencing declining market values, an over-supply of properties, or marketing times over six months.
To further enhance the transparency of the conclusions made by the appraiser related to market trends and conditions, the Form 1004MC will be required for all mortgage loans delivered to Fannie Mae with appraisals of one- to four-unit properties with an effective date on or after April 1, 2009. A sample of the form is attached to this Announcement. In addition, the form is posted on eFannieMae.com.
Guidelines for Using Form 1004MC
The Form 1004MC is intended to provide the lender with a clear and accurate understanding of the market trends and conditions prevalent in the subject neighborhood. The form provides the appraiser with a structured format to report the data and to more easily identify current market trends and conditions. The appraiser’s conclusions are to be reported in the "Neighborhood" section of the appraisal report.
Fannie Mae recognizes that all of the requested data elements for analysis are not equally available in all markets. In some markets it may not be possible to retrieve the total number of comparable active listings from earlier periods. If this is the case, the appraiser must explain the attempt to obtain such information. Also, there may be markets in which the data is available in terms of an "average" as opposed to a "median." In this case, the appraiser needs to note that his or her analysis has been based on an "average" representation of the data. Regardless of whether all requested information is available, the appraiser must provide support for his or her conclusions regarding market trends and conditions.
Inventory Analysis Section
The "Inventory Analysis" section assists the appraiser in analyzing important supply and demand factors in order to reach a conclusion regarding housing trends and market conditions. When completing this section, the appraiser must include the comparable data
that reflects the total pool of comparable properties from which a buyer may select a property in order to analyze the sales activity and the local housing supply. One of the tools used to monitor these trends is the absorption rate. The absorption rate is the rate at which properties for sale have been or can be sold (marketed) within a given area. To determine the absorption rate, the appraiser divides the total number of settled sales by the time frame being analyzed. The months of housing supply is based on the total listings for the applicable period divided by the absorption rate.
Example
Step 1:
Step 2:
Median Sale & List Price, DOM, List/Sale Ratio Section
The appraiser must analyze additional trends, including the changes in median prices and days on the market (DOM) for both sales and listings as well as a change in list-to-sales price ratios.
If the median comparable sale prices are $300,000, $295,000, and $305,000 for their respective time periods, the overall trend for the prior 12 months is relatively "stable."
Overall Trend Section
The "Overall Trend" section is designed to reflect potential positive trends, neutral trends, or negative trends in inventory, median sale and list price, days on market, list-to- sale price ratio, and seller concessions.
An increase in the absorption rate is generally viewed as a positive trend, whereas a decrease in the absorption rate may be viewed as a negative trend. Furthermore, a decrease in the number of days on the market, either sales or listings, more than likely represents an overall positive trend.
Seller Concessions
Form 1004MC also provides a section for comments on the prevalence of seller concessions and the trend in seller concessions for the past 12 months. The change in seller concessions within the market provides the lender with additional insight into current market conditions. The appraiser should consider and report on seller-paid (or third-party) costs. Examples of these items include, but are not limited to mortgage
payments, points and fees, and in condominium or cooperative projects, items such as homeowners’ association fees and guaranteed rental programs. Seller concessions must be carefully analyzed by the appraiser since excessive concessions often lead to inflated property values.
There are a number of markets across the country where, due to current conditions, there has been an increase in the prevalence of seller concessions. The following excerpt from the
"The need to make negative dollar adjustments for sales and financing concessions and the amount of the adjustments to the comparable sales are not based on how typical the concessions might be for a segment of the market area—large sales concessions can be relatively typical in a particular segment of the market and still result in sale prices that reflect more than the value of the real estate. Adjustments based on dollar-for-dollar deductions that are equal to the cost of the concessions to the seller (as a strict cash equivalency approach would dictate) are not appropriate. We recognize that the effect of the sales concessions on sales prices can vary with the amount of the concessions and differences in various markets. The adjustments must reflect the difference between what the comparables actually sold for with the sales concessions and what they would have sold for without the concessions so that the dollar amount of the adjustments will approximate the reaction of the market to the concessions."
For further information regarding seller concessions in the appraisal, refer to the
Foreclosure Sales and Summary/Analysis of Data
The presence and extent of foreclosure/REO sales is worthy of comment when analyzing market data and must be reported on the form. The form also allows for the appraiser to summarize the data and provide other data analysis or additional information, such as analysis of pending sales, which over time can show a market trend.
Use of Supervisory Appraisers
Selling Guide
Fannie Mae defines the appraiser as the individual who personally inspected the property being appraised, inspected the exterior of the comparables, performed the analysis, and prepared and signed the appraisal report as the appraiser. Fannie Mae allows an unlicensed or uncertified appraiser who works as an employee or subcontractor of a licensed or certified appraiser to perform a significant amount of the appraisal (or the entire appraisal if he or she is qualified to do so)—as long as the appraisal report is signed by a licensed or certified supervisory or review appraiser and is acceptable under state law. This policy is updated to now require that if a supervisory appraiser signs the
appraisal report as the appraiser, the supervisory appraiser must have performed the inspection of the subject property.
Requirement to Provide the Sales Contract to the Appraiser
Fannie Mae requires the lender to ensure that it provides the appraiser with all appropriate financing data and sales concessions for the subject property that will be, or have been, granted by anyone associated with the transaction. Typically this information is contained in the sales contract; however, Fannie Mae currently does not require that the lender provide the appraiser with the sales contract. Fannie Mae is adding the requirement that lenders must provide the appraiser with the sales contract and all addenda, therefore ensuring that the appraiser has been given the opportunity to consider the financing and sales concessions in the transaction and their effect on value. If the sales contract is amended during the process, the lender must provide the updated contract to the appraiser.
Requirement Regarding the Appraiser’s Selection of Comparable Sales
The
If the appraiser utilizes comparable sales outside of the subject’s neighborhood when closer comparable sales appear to be available, Fannie Mae is adding a requirement that the appraiser provide an explanation as to why he or she used the specific comparable sales in the appraisal report. This will add transparency to the appraiser’s selection of comparable sales and may assist the lender in underwriting the appraisal.
Refer to the "Neighborhood Boundaries and the Selection of Comparable Sales" section of this Announcement for an additional clarification of this section of the
Repair Escrows for Existing Construction
The following clarifications apply to both of the above referenced sections of the
stating that completion or repair escrows are permitted under certain circumstances for existing properties.
If the appraiser reports the existence of minor conditions or deferred maintenance items that do not affect the livability, soundness, or structural integrity of the property, the appraiser may complete the appraisal "as is" and these items must be reflected in the appraiser’s opinion of value. The lender is not required to ensure that the borrower has had this work completed prior to delivery of the loan to Fannie Mae.
If there are minor conditions or deferred maintenance items to be remedied or completed after closing, the lender may escrow for these items at their own discretion and still deliver the loan to Fannie Mae prior to the release of the escrow as long as the lender can ensure that these items do not affect the livability, soundness, or structural integrity of the property. Minor conditions and deferred maintenance items include, but are not limited to, worn floor finishes or carpet, minor plumbing leaks, holes in window screens, or cracked window glass. Minor conditions and deferred maintenance are typically due to normal wear and tear from the aging process and the occupancy of the property.
When there are incomplete items or conditions that do affect the livability, soundness, or structural integrity, the property must be appraised subject to completion of the specific alterations or repairs. These items include, a partially completed addition or renovation, or physical deficiencies that could affect the soundness or structural integrity of the improvements including but not limited to cracks or settlement in the foundation, water seepage, active roof leaks, curled or cupped roof shingles, or inadequate electrical service or plumbing fixtures. In such cases, the lender must obtain a certificate of completion from the appraiser before it delivers the mortgage to Fannie Mae.
Research and Reporting of the Current and Prior Listings of the Subject Property
Fannie Mae’s appraisal report forms require the appraiser to research and comment on whether the subject property is currently for sale or if it has been listed for sale within 12 months prior to the effective date of the appraisal. To clarify, the appraiser must report on
Appraising the Entire Site of a Property
The property site should be of a size, shape, and topography that is generally conforming and acceptable in the market area. It also must have comparable utilities, street improvements, adequate vehicular access, and other amenities. Fannie Mae is clarifying
that the appraisal must include the actual size of the site and not a hypothetical portion of the site. For example, the appraiser may not appraise only 5 acres of an unsubdivided 40-acre parcel. The appraised value must reflect the entire 40-acre parcel.
Effective Age of the Subject Property
The effective age can be a good indication of the condition of the subject property. Fannie Mae is clarifying that when adjustments are made to the appraisal for the effective age, the appraiser must provide an explanation for the adjustments and the condition of the property.
Verification of a Sales Transaction
It is important for the appraiser to ensure that the data he or she is providing in the appraisal report is accurate. When the appraiser is provided with comparable sales data by a party that has a financial interest in either the sale or financing of the subject property, the above section of the
Neighborhood Boundaries and the Selection of Comparable Sales
The appraiser must perform a neighborhood analysis in order to identify the area that is subject to the same influences as the property being appraised (based on the actions of typical buyers in the market area). The results of a neighborhood analysis enable the appraiser not only to identify the factors that influence the value of properties in the market area, but also to define the area from which to select the market data needed to perform a sales comparison analysis. As a reminder, although it is preferable for the appraiser to provide comparables from the subject’s neighborhood, Fannie Mae does allow for the use of comparable sales that are located in competing neighborhoods, as these may simply be the best comparables available and the most appropriate for the appraiser’s analysis. If this situation arises, the appraiser must not expand the neighborhood boundaries just to encompass the comparables selected. The appraiser must indicate the comparables are from a competing neighborhood and address any differences that exist.
Time Adjustments on the Appraisal Report
The following is being added to Section 406.05D of the
If in the analysis and completion of the sales comparison approach the appraiser determines that time adjustments are required, the adjustments may be either positive or negative. The adjustments, however, must reflect the difference in market conditions between the date of sale of the comparable and the effective date of appraisal for the subject property.
Utilizing the Cost Approach to Value for Insurance Purposes
If a lender requires the cost approach to be completed in order to obtain a replacement cost estimate for the purpose of determining the level of hazard insurance coverage required for a one-unit property, the lender may rely on the appraiser’s estimate of the replacement cost of the improvements. This is reported as the "Total Estimate of Cost New" on the appraisal forms. This estimate does not include any form of depreciation or obsolescence for the property. It is not appropriate for the lender simply to subtract the reported site or land value from the appraised value of the property to make the determination because the result is an estimate of the depreciated value of the improvements, not an estimate of their replacement cost.
Effective Date
The new Form 1004MC is required on all appraisals with an effective date
*****
Lenders who have questions about Announcement 08-30 should contact their Customer Account Team for additional information.
Michael A. Quinn
Senior Vice President
BICI APPRAISALS CAN HELP WITH YOUR APPRAISAL NEEDS FOR THE NEW FHA HOPE PROGRAM FOR HOME OWNERS, CALL 973-949-4768.
FOR RELEASELemar Wooley Wednesday (202) 708-0685 October 1, 2008
BUSH ADMINISTRATION LAUNCHES “HOPE FOR HOMEOWNERS” PROGRAM TO HELP MORE STRUGGLING FAMILIES KEEP THEIR HOMESDetailed Program Eligibility Requirements Announced
WASHINGTON – The Bush Administration today unveiled additional mortgage assistance for homeowners at risk of foreclosure. The HOPE for Homeowners program will refinance mortgages for borrowers who are having difficulty making their payments, but can afford a new loan insured by HUD’s Federal Housing Administration (FHA).
“For families struggling to keep up with their mortgage payments, this program will be another resource to refinance into a loan they can afford,” said HUD Secretary Steve Preston. “FHA remains a safe and affordable alternative to the high-priced mortgage loans that threaten homeowners’ ability to retain their homes. We strongly encourage borrowers to work with their lenders to determine if HOPE for Homeowners is the right program for them.”
The HOPE for Homeowners program was authorized by the Economic and Housing Recovery Act of 2008. Since the President signed this vital legislation into law on July 30, 2008, the HOPE for Homeowners Board of Directors has worked diligently to develop and implement the program as directed by Congress. The Board was charged with establishing underwriting standards to ensure borrowers, after any write-down in principal, have a reasonable ability to repay their new FHA-insured mortgage.
The HOPE for Homeowners program begins today and ends September 30, 2011. The program is available only to owner occupants and will offer 30-year fixed rate mortgages – so the borrower’s last payment will be the same as the first payment. In many cases, to avoid what would be an even costlier foreclosure, banks will have to write down the existing mortgage to 90 percent of the new appraised value of the home.
Borrower Eligibility
Borrowers are encouraged to contact their lender to determine eligibility, but may be eligible if, among other factors:
• The home is their primary residence, and they have no ownership interest in any other residential property, such as second homes.
• Their existing mortgage was originated on or before January 1, 2008, and they have made at least six payments.
• They are not able to pay their existing mortgage without help.
• As of March 2008, their total monthly mortgage payments due were more than 31 percent of their gross monthly income.
• They certify they have not been convicted of fraud in the past 10 years, intentionally defaulted on debts, and did not knowingly or willingly provide material false information to obtain their existing mortgage(s).
How the HOPE for Homeowners program works
“HOPE for Homeowners will add to HUD’s existing efforts to make FHA refinancing available to homeowners who need it most,” said FHA Commissioner Brian D. Montgomery. “One year ago, FHA expanded refinancing into its FHASecure program. Since that time, we have helped more than 360,000 families keep their homes by refinancing with FHA, and we will assist a total of 500,000 families by the end of this year.”
The Board expects that the primary way homeowners will participate in the program is by working with their current lender. HOPE for Homeowners will serve as another loss mitigation tool available to distressed borrowers.
HOPE for Homeowners also includes the following provisions:
• The loan amount may not exceed a maximum of $550,440.
• The new mortgage will be no more than 90 percent of the new appraised value including any financed Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium.
• The Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium is 3 percent and the Annual Mortgage Insurance Premium is 1.5 percent.
• The holders of existing mortgage liens must waive all prepayment penalties and late payment fees.
• The existing first mortgage must accept the proceeds of the HOPE for Homeowners loan as full settlement of all outstanding indebtedness.
• Existing subordinate lenders must release their outstanding mortgage liens.
• Standard FHA policy regarding closing costs applies, and they may be:
o Financed into the new loan provided the value of the mortgage (including the Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium) does not exceed 90 percent of the new appraised value of the home. o Paid from the borrowers’ own assets.o Paid by the servicing lender or third party (e.g., federal, state, or local program). o Paid by the originating lender through premium pricing.
• The borrower must agree to share with FHA both the equity created at the beginning of this new mortgage and any future appreciation in the value of the home.
• The borrower cannot take out a second mortgage for the first five years of the loan, except under certain circumstances for emergency repairs.
The lender will disclose to the homeowner the benefits of the program including home retention, a new affordable mortgage based on the current appraised value, and 10 percent equity. The lender will also explain the prohibition against new junior liens against the property unless directly related to property maintenance, and a minimum of 50 percent equity and appreciation sharing with the Federal government.
The costs to the homeowner include the upfront and annual insurance premiums, as well as a share of the equity created by the write-down associated with the HOPE for Homeowners mortgage and any future appreciation in the value of the home. At settlement, subordinate lien holders will receive a certificate that evidences their interest as an obligation backed by HUD, with payment conditional on the value of HUD’s appreciation share.
If the home is sold or refinanced, the homeowner will share the equity with FHA on a sliding scale ranging from a 100 percent FHA share after the first year to a minimum of 50 percent after five years. The lien holder that previously held the highest priority will receive payment up to a proportion of its original interest, not to exceed the amount of available appreciation. This type of delayed payoff will take place until all prior lien holders are satisfied or the amount of available appreciation is exhausted. All remaining appreciation is remitted to FHA.
The HOPE for Homeowners Board of Directors includes HUD Secretary Steve Preston, Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson, Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke, and FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair. They have named the following people to serve on the board as their designees: FHA Commissioner and Chairman of the Board Brian Montgomery, Federal Reserve Board Governor Elizabeth Duke, Treasury Assistant Secretary for Economic Policy Phillip Swagel, and Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Director Tom Curry.
Read more about HOPE for Homeowners at www.fha.gov/hopeforhomeowners.
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