FHA LOANS POPULAR

For the past several years, Las Vegas homebuyers have purchased most homes with conventional loan programs.  That has changed recently, and the FHA mortgages are the most popular loan programs being written by Las Vegas mortgage brokers and bankers.  The federal government has placed great emphasis on the FHA loans and hopes that these loans will help bring new life to the current real estate market.

Las Vegas is a great target for FHA borrowers.  Since home prices have decreased during the past 2 years, as FHA limits have increased, many homebuyers find these loan programs to be their ideal solution. 

The way that FHA loans works is:  FHA insures loans that are originated by approved lenders.  FHA does not purchase loans.  If a FHA insured loan become delinquent, FHA pays off the mortgage to the lender, takes ownership of the home and then sells it as a HUD home.

TYPES OF FHA LOANS

Fha loans are available for purchasing or single family, duplex, triplex or fourplex properties that are owner occupied homes.  The increase in FHA limits have made these loans more popular.  For example, the new limit for single family FHA loans in Clark County, Nevada is $400,512; the limit for a fourplex in Clark County is now $769,250. 

Other changes in FHA loans involve the concessions that are allowed by the Seller of a property.  Sellers can still contribute up to 6% of the loan amount, but down payment assistance from Sellers has been eliminated.  So, a Buyer must have a down payment of at least 3.5% for a FHA loan, effective January, 2009.  There are other underwriting qualifying standards, as with other loan programs.  It is important to deal with an approved and experienced FHA lender. Details about FHA loans can be found at www.hud.gov.  Las Vegas has many FHA approved lenders; if you would like a list of them, contact Las Vegas Properties at 1-888-876-8383 or email terrilvp@cox.net.