Some housing experts are trumpeting changes that allow foreclosure sufferers to buy back into the American Dream sooner than they probably imagined, calling 2014 the year of the “boomerang buyer.” Revisions made over the summer to Federal Housing Administration guidelines and technical updates in November to Fannie Mae loan approval systems have opened the door…
President Obama has unveiled his second-term housing agenda, which includes initiatives to support current homeowners, families hoping to buy their first home and the one-third of American households that rent. The plan has six basic pillars: Help more homeowners refinance to today’s low interest rates; Clarify and streamline regulations to help more creditworthy homebuyers get…
Borrowers qualify despite past foreclosures Potential homeowners who fell on hard times during the recession are being offered a lifeline back into the housing market, via the Federal Housing Administration. According to a letter sent to mortgage lenders, the FHA said it would offer mortgage insurance to borrowers who, during the recession, filed for bankruptcy…
For the past few years, homeowners refinanced simply to lower their rate and their payments. With rates inching up, those prospects are no longer available but interest rate is not the only reason to refinance. I am seeing more homeowners refinance at present rates but including other debts, which offers significant monthly savings. In addition,…