Mortgage

FHA is Making it Tougher to Get a Mortgage; Changes Might Shut the Door For Many Buyers

As we warned last year, the guidelines for getting an FHA mortgage will be tougher – effective early this year.  The announcement with specific changes will be published this week.  Perhaps as early as January 22, we will have the new Mortgagee Letter in hand.   (Mortgagee Letters are used by HUD to inform everyone of [...]

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New Jersey Applicants For New FHA Mortgage Loans Will Be Turned Down – Effective Immediately .. if

Fair Warning:   Those New Jersey home buyers wanting to use FHA financing to purchase a property in connection with a short sale better first take a look at the revised requirements issued by HUD in late December. Quick Review: Applicants for new FHA insured mortgages will be turned down – effective immediately – if they [...]

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Mortgage Shopping “Online” Versus Finding a Local New Jersey Expert? What To Do?

Most will agree that, undeniably,  the Internet is a great source of information about nearly everything.  What can’t you find online? There are many items I would not (or cannot) buy anywhere else but online.  Things like pricey computer accessories, books, personalized items, car tires (yes, tires), vitamins, and lots more. But I would not [...]

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Good Credit For New Jersey Mortgage Approval Isn’t Rocket Science

Your FICO credit score  is the single biggest factor in determining whether New Jersey borrowers get the best rates for mortgages, loans and credit cards.  This score gives lenders an idea of how well you pay bills, live within your means and manage your debt. If your score is 740 or above, you’ll get the [...]

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9 Things You Must NEVER Do While You Wait For Your New Jersey Loan To Close

After you apply for a mortgage in New Jersey and you’re told you have been pre-approved, don’t think it’s all smooth sailing to the closing table.  Because YOU might do something to foul things up.  Happens a lot, especially if you were not warned by your loan officer. Even if you were pre-approved at the [...]

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Many States Already Allowing First-Time HomeBuyers to Use Tax Credit as Down Payment

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) has plans to allow first-time homebuyers to use the $8,000 tax credit as a down payment.  FHA guidelines will be released soon.  (See this post for more info.) But about 12 states have already started such a program by making bridge loans available to borrowers who are eligible to claim the First-Time Homebuyer Tax [...]

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