FHA - Home Loan Program

Answer 1

The FHA HUD loan program has been assisting people with real estate purchases since the Great Depression. Tens of millions of mortgage have been insured by HUD through the years, and they have provided a wealth of assistance and information to home buyers.

-HUD can become involved even before you sign your first real estate contract. HUD provides housing counseling. You will obtain a basic knowledge of the real estate process to get a better idea of what to look for when you begin your search for a home. HUD counselors provide budget counseling, tips to clear up a tarnished credit score and the anticipated costs of owning a home. The information will prove invaluable.

-Home Loan assistance. HUD doesn't normally loan money for first mortgages, it insures a mortgage given by a HUD approved lender. Because the mortgage is insured, the lender is permitted to relax normal down payment requirements. A HUD approved mortgage can be granted with less than a 5% down payment.

-Home Repair Assistance. If the home you intend to purchase needs extensive repairs, HUD will allow you to make the repairs and then roll the cost of repairs into a single mortgage. This innovative program can allow you to buy a home in need of TLC for a bargain price, put the sweat equity in and then finance the repairs over a long term.

-HUD provides both information and financial assistance for energy efficient upgrades to your home. Coupled with tax breaks for energy efficiency renovations, the cost of making your home more green may be much less than you realize.

-If a manufactured home is right for you, HUD will approve mortgages for manufactured homes and mobile homes. A HUD assisted mortgage for such a home often has far more attractive interest rates than a purely private mortgage.

-Reverse mortgages for seniors. This is a relatively new program for senior citizens, who often have a great deal of equity in their home, but little in the way of liquid assets. A HUD assisted reverse mortgage can be of great help in these situations. The homeowner will provide a portion of their home equity to a third party lender, who pays the homeowner cash for the equity. The homeowner will be permitted to retain their home for as long as they live, and have cash for living expenses.

Utilizing HUD makes strong financial sense. Both their educational materials and housing assistance can place you in the right position for your home purchase. A call to a HUD approved lender or a visit to the HUD website is a step in the right direction.