Mortgage Information

     If you're like most buyers, a home is the most expensive purchase you'll ever make, and you'll probably need some form of financing.

2009 Updates

 

Special financing may be available:  (News from 3/5/09) If a home is a Fannie Mae, HomePath home, the following special financing terms are available for purchase money:

  • 3% down payment
  • No mortgage insurance
  • 6% seller concessions allowed
  • 660 score required
  • No appraisal required

The program allows for "light renovation" funds as well.

 

If you would like to see the properties available for this program, go to www.homepath.com

 

You may type in a city and state and a list of properties shows up.

 

I checked, there are not a ton of them, but certainly take a look!

 

Good news for First Time Buyers: 

 

Homebuyer Tax Credit – The bill provides for a $8,000 tax credit that would be available to first-time home buyers for the purchase of a principal residence on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009. The credit does not require repayment. Most of the mechanics of the credit will be the same as under the 2008 rules: the credit will be claimed on a tax return to reduce the purchaser's income tax liability. If any credit amount remains unused, then the unused amount will be refunded as a check to the purchaser.

 

As Modified in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

Major Modifications Italicized

February 2009

FEATURE

CREDIT AS CREATED JULY 2008

APPLIES TO ALL QUALIFIED PURCHASES ON OR AFTER APRIL 9, 2008

REVISED CREDIT –

EFFECTIVE FOR PURCHASES ON OR AFTER JANUARY 1, 2009 AND BEFORE DECEMBER 1, 2009

Amount of Credit

Lesser of 10 percent of cost of home or $7500

Maximum credit amount increased to $8000

Eligible Property

Any single family residence (including condos, co-ops, townhouses) that will be used as a principal residence.

No change

All principal residences eligible.

Refundable

Yes. Reduces (or can eliminate) income tax liability for the year of purchase. Any unused amount of tax credit refunded to purchaser.

No change

Purchasers will continue to receive refund for unused amount when tax return is filed.

Income Limit

Yes. Full amount of credit available for individuals with adjusted gross income of no more than $75,000 ($150,000 on a joint return). Phases out above those caps ($95,000 and $170,000).

No change

Same income limits continue to apply.

First-time Homebuyer Only

Yes. Purchaser (and purchaser’s spouse) may not have owned a principal residence in 3 years previous to purchase.

No change

Still available for first-time purchasers only. Three-year rule continues to apply.

Revenue Bond Financing

No credit allowed if home financed with state/local bond funding.

Purchasers who utilize revenue bond financing can use credit.

Repayment

Yes. Portion (6.67% of credit or $500) to be repaid each year for 15 years, starting with 2010 tax filing.

No repayment for purchases on or after January 1, 2009 and before December 1, 2009

Recapture

If home sold before 15-year repayment period ends, then outstanding balance of repayment amount recaptured on sale.

If home is sold within three years of purchase, entire amount of credit is recaptured on sale. Applies only to homes purchased in 2009.

Termination

July 1, 2009

(But note program changes for 2009)

December 1, 2009

Effective Date

Purchases on or after April 9, 2008 and before January 1, 2009. Repayment to begin for 2010 tax year.

All revisions are effective as of January 1, 2009

 

FHA, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Loan Limits -The bill reinstates last year's 2008 loan limits for FHA, Freddie Mac, and Fannie Mae loans. These limits were equal to the greater of 125% of the 2008 local area median home price or $271,050 for FHA and $417,000 for Fannie and Freddie, with an overall maximum cap of $729,750. For the few areas where the 2009 limits were higher, the higher limits will apply. In addition, the bill includes language providing the HUD Secretary with the discretion, if warranted, to increase the loan limit for any “sub-area”, i.e.an area smaller than a county. The Secretary's discretion is again limited by the $729,750 cap. These 2009 limits will expire December 31, 2009.

     There are many lending institutions that offer a variety of mortgage products. Financing options and rates can vary widely, so it is important to do your research and shop around to ensure you get the mortgage that best meets your needs at the best price.

 

Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan

On February 18, 2009, President Obama announced his Homeowner Affordability and Stability Plan, designed to help up to 7-9 million families avoid foreclosure by restructuring or refinancing their mortgages. In doing so, the plan not only helps responsible homeowners behind on their payments or at risk of defaulting, but prevents neighborhoods and communities from being pulled over the edge too, as defaults and foreclosures contribute to falling home values, failing local businesses, and lost jobs.

The key components of the plan are:

1. Government Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs) Refinancing for Up to 4 to 5 Million Responsible Homeowners with GSE loans to Make Their Mortgages More Affordable

2. A $75 Billion Homeowner Stability Initiative to Reach Up to 3 to 4 Million At-Risk Homeowners

3. Supporting Low Mortgage Rates By Strengthening Confidence in Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac

 

 

I would be happy to refer you several  EXCEPTIONAL mortgage contacts, or to help you in any other way I can to secure the best possible rate & mortgage program for your home purchase or refinance.

 

CALL JEANNE TILFORD-REYNOLDS 

248-703-7796-CELL

 

EMAIL:  jtilford7@gmail.com

 

 

Use the mortgage calculators below to assist you in making some decisions around financing your new home.

Mortgage Qualification Calculator

This calculator will help you determine how much money you qualify to borrow. The results are informal. You will be subject to a credit approval from your financial institution taking into consideration existing debt load, amount of down payment, income and other variables.

Mortgage Payment Calculator & Amortization Table

This calculator will help you determine what your mortgage payments will be based on purchase price, interest rate and mortgage term, as well as other factors. The amortization table shows what the interest and principal payments will be over the term of the mortgage.