Posts with tag fha mortgages

Reverse mortgages are a common money-raiser for senior-citizen homeowners. Unfortunately the high fees associated with reverse mortgages often make them a poor choice. But a new program from the Federal Housing Administration called the Home Equity Conversion Mortgage Saver (HECM Saver) helps lower some of the costs... Continue Reading »

More Americans find themselves in a position of negative equity -- owing more on a mortgage than the home is currently worth. By itself, negative equity isn't necessarily trouble. Those who can afford their monthly mortgage payments and have a safe loan structure can wait out the market until home values improve. For... Continue Reading »

Could this month's dreadful home sales numbers prompt the feds to offer another homebuyer tax credit? Mum's the word on Capitol Hill, but HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan would not rule out the option during an interview Sunday on CNN. Existing-home sales sank 27.2 percent in July, and sales of new homes dropped to their lowest... Continue Reading »

While experts predict that the rate of foreclosures in 2010 will exceed those in 2009, there is some good news. RealtyTrac, an Irvine, Calif.-based data company, reported that the foreclosure rate dropped by about 5 percent during the first half of 2010. Still, in the first quarter of the year, one in seven mortgages was... Continue Reading »

The Federal Housing Administration reform bill overwhelmingly approved in the U.S. House of Representatives last Thursday will strengthen the housing finance agency, but will likely prove to be mixed blessing for homebuyers. The legislation, passed by a vote of 406 to 4, would raise fees for borrowers, give the FHA the... Continue Reading »