Details of FHA's $8K Downpayment Advance

WASHINGTON – May 29, 2009 – The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released more details today about its program to help first-time homebuyers use a tax credit as part of a downpayment.

HUD announced the program on May 12 at the National Association of Realtors® Housing Summit. In the interim, HUD posted an announcement and then immediately took it down, leading to speculation that the program would be pulled. In response, HUD said the rules had simply not been finalized, and the original announcement had been posted in error.

“We’ve been eager for word from the federal government since the new FHA downpayment assistance plan was announced, and even more so after the program details were first published and then quickly pulled,” says John Sebree, FAR vice president of public policy. “Luckily, that turns out to be a minor setback and there will be a federal downpayment program to complement the $30 million we were successful in securing in the Florida budget.”

The most significant change involves the amount of downpayment required by qualified first-time homebuyers. FHA mortgages require a 3.5 percent downpayment, and the $8,000 tax credit cannot be used to override that requirement. Once the 3.5 percent downpayment requirement has been met, however, the tax credit can be applied to additional costs, including a higher downpayment, paying points to lower the mortgage rate, and/or closing costs. Lenders will treat the tax credit money as a second lien on the home until it’s paid back.

“Mortgage industry leaders have indicated that this type of product may not be immediately available to consumers,” says Sebree. Since lenders will oversee the tax credit loan, they must create internal programs to handle the process.

Lenders have some flexibility on payback requirements for the upfront loan of the tax credit, though HUD also created rules to protect homebuyers from onerous terms. To read the complete overview in Mortgagee Letter 2009-15, go here.

© 2009 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Two Points!

The $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit has received a lot of attention lately, but it has also overshadowed another big reason to buy a home now: record-low interest rates.

In May, 30-year mortgage rates of 5 percent were widely available. That's down from January's already-low 5.8 percent, and two percentage points less than in August 2008.

How important is two points? On a $200,000 home, a buyer could save $257 per month ($3,084 per year) by buying now rather than last August. On a $200,000, 30-year fixed rate mortgage, the monthly payment difference is:

• 7 percent: $1,330 monthly (rates in August 2008)
• 6 percent: $1,199 monthly (rates in December 2008)
• 5 percent: $1,073 monthly (rates in May 2009)

© 2009 FLORIDA ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®

Home Sales UP!!!!!

Sales of existing single-family homes in Florida rose 25 percent in first quarter 2009 compared to the same period a year earlier, according to FAR - the third consecutive quarter for higher existing home sales. Statewide existing condo sales in the first quarter rose 19 percent compared to 1Q 2008. Nationally, NAR says sales of all housing types slipped in the first quarter.

Lakes Of Cristina New Listing!

This MacKay, former model, Grand Aruba floor plan has well over 2700sf of open living space, 5BR, 4BA, POOL and a THREE car garage! The home boasts custom molding, built-in wall unit that can house a large screened TV, wired for surround sound andsliders leading to the screened pool. The master bedroom has a walk-in closet, dual sinks and a coffee bar with small refrigerator. The Bonus Room (5th BR) comes complete with a full bath! The kitchen has plenty of light oak cabinetry, including 42" uppers, built-in desk, pantry, breakfast bar and more. There is plenty of room to entertain in this home and additional space is available out on the ample lanai. The large laundry area has a built-in ironing board. The home comes with hurrucane shutters that cover the lanai. There are many other features you will have to view to appreciate. The home is located in an excellent school district and is walking distance from Riverview High. The home's location allows an easy commute to Tampa and surrounding areas. This home has everything you want and more! Priced at $289,900!

Fast Fixes to Sell a Home!

It's not rocket science: Houses that look fresh and attractive sell faster than beat-up homes. Here are some cheap tricks from Money Magazine for boosting appeal:

• Buy a new mailbox, house numbers, doorbell and knocker: $200
• Green the grass with nitrogen-rich fertilizer: $50 to $200, depending on the lawn's size
• Edge and mulch flowerbeds: $300 to $600, depending on the number of beds
• Replace the bathroom faucet: $300
• Install beadboard over dated bathroom tile: $800 to $1,000
• New paint: $60 to $100 per room if homeowners do it themselves
• Replace switch plates and outlet covers: 50 cents each
• Install stone tile over existing Formica countertops: $500 to $1,000

Mortgage Interest Rates week ending 5/1/09

Rates on 30-year mortgages slid to an average of 4.78 percent this week, tying a record low and spurring refinancing activity as the housing market moves closer to bottom, according to Freddie Mac's weekly nationwide survey.