Let's say you're purchasing a four-unit property. The appraiser determines that each unit can rent for $1,200 per month, giving a total rental income of $4,800. Applying the FHA's 75% rule, the property's adjusted rental income for the self-sufficiency test is $3,600 ($4,800 x 75%).
The property needs to be free of known hazards that affect health and safety, the home's use, or may affect the structural soundness of the house and its marketability. These include, but are not limited to: Toxic chemicals. Radioactive materials.
FHA loan rules do not forbid identity of interest transactions are permitted, but many want to know why the higher down payment may be a factor. According to HUD 4000.1: “The maximum LTV percentage for Identity-of-Interest transactions on Principal Residences is restricted to 85 percent.
FHA Appraisal Issues Connected With Resale Dates
The sale of real estate 91 days after purchase (up to 180 days after purchase) requires a new appraisal if the resale price is 100% or more above the original cost of the property.
The FHA typically requires borrowers to occupy the property they're buying and use it for their primary residence for at least one year. By FHA standards, a primary residence is one in which the owner occupies the property for the “majority” of the year.
Exceptions to the Rule: When You Can Have Multiple FHA Loans
The FHA recognizes that life circumstances can necessitate having more than one FHA loan. To be eligible for a second FHA loan, you must have at least 25% equity in your home or have paid down the FHA loan balance to 75% in certain circumstances.
If you need to tap home equity but your credit scores aren't very high, an FHA cash-out refinance may be worth considering. Loans insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) are easier to qualify for than other loan programs, but they require more expensive mortgage insurance premiums.
While some sellers may be hesitant to accept an FHA offer, it's important to understand the facts before making a decision. Some reasons a seller might refuse an FHA loan include misconceptions about longer closing times, stricter property requirements, or the belief that FHA borrowers are riskier.
Must have an undamaged exterior, foundation and roof. Must have safe and reasonable property access. Must not contain loose wiring and exposed electrical systems. Must have all relevant utilities, including gas, electricity, water and sewage functioning properly.
FHA loans are not permitted for condo hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, or other “occasional occupancy” rental situations. Your dream home may not be perfect; it may require repairs or corrections to be approved for an FHA mortgage.
FHA-specifics
If you can show proof that you have now been employed for at least a six-month period before requesting a FHA loan, AND that before any employment gap you worked for two-years straight or longer, you have the potential to get approved.
Loan-to-value ratio (LTV) is a number, expressed as a percentage, that compares the size of the loan to the lower of the purchase price or appraised value of the property. For example, a loan of $150,000 toward a house appraised at $200,000 represents 75% of the home's value. In this case, the LTV ratio is 75%.
FHA Loan Down Payments
The minimum down payment you're required to make on an FHA loan is directly linked to your credit score. Your credit score is a number ranging from 300 – 850 that's used to indicate your creditworthiness. An FHA loan requires a minimum 3.5% down payment for credit scores of 580 and higher.
FHA Loan: Cons
Here are some FHA home loan disadvantages: An extra cost – an upfront mortgage insurance premium (MIP) of 2.25% of the loan's value. The MIP must either be paid in cash when you get the loan or rolled into the life of the loan. Home price qualifying maximums are set by FHA.
FHA First Mortgage
Borrower must have owned property for 12 months AND if encumbered by a mortgage made payments for the last 12 months within the month due. Otherwise limited to 85% LTV. Standard 31/43 ratios, may be exceeded with compensating factor(s).
Since your home must meet FHA property minimums, the appraisal process may include more requirements than a conventional home loan. The appraisal is required to be performed by an FHA approved appraiser and may have additional inspections which could result in a higher appraisal cost.
If you're currently in the market looking to buy a triplex or fourplex with FHA financing, you need to see if the property's rents pass the Self-Sufficiency Test. To be “self-sufficient” means that 75% of the property's rents need to cover the monthly payments.
The answer is yes, you can! FHA loans are insured by the Federal Housing Administration, and they are available to purchase both existing homes and new construction.
For instance, the minimum required down payment for an FHA loan is only 3.5% of the purchase price.
Unfortunately, sellers often perceive the FHA loan approval process as risky because of the FHA's relatively lenient financial requirements and stricter appraisal and property standards.
Sellers often prefer conventional mortgages because they usually offer lower interest rates and the qualification requirements can be more lenient than those of an FHA loan. Additionally, with conventional loans, sellers may not have to pay private mortgage insurance or other upfront costs associated with an FHA loan.