Mortgage Guidelines on Government and Conventional Loans
In this blog, we will be covering mortgage guidelines on government and conventional loans. Mortgage guidelines on the individual mortgage loan program are set by the FHA, VA, USDA, Fannie Mae, or Freddie Mac. Every agency has its own set of mortgage guidelines.
Mortgage Guidelines on Government-Backed Mortgage Loans
All lenders need to meet the government agency mortgage guidelines if they want the mortgage loan they originate, and fund to be insurable by HUD, VA, or USDA. HUD, the parent of FHA loans, is the most popular mortgage loan program for first-time homebuyers, borrowers with collections and charge-off accounts, homebuyers with derogatory credit tradelines, and borrowers with high debt-to-income ratios. VA and FHA loans have no money-down requirements on home purchases.
The Role of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in Mortgage Lending
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are the two largest buyers of mortgages in the nation. The role of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac is to provide liquidity in the housing and mortgage markets by buying funded loans from mortgage lenders. Mortgage lenders need to sell the loans they fund to relieve their warehouse line of credit so they can repeat the process and fund more mortgage loans. Mortgage giants, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are two of largest Government-Sponsored Enterprises (GSEs) whose main roles is to provide mortgage and housing market stability and liquidity.
What Is The Relationship Between Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac?
Without Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, the housing and mortgage markets would like at a standstill since mortgages would not be able to get sold on the secondary mortgage markets.
However, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will not purchase any mortgages that do not conform to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac mortgage guidelines.
What Are Conventional Loans?
Conventional loans are not backed by any government mortgage agencies but need to conform to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac mortgage guidelines.
What Are Government-Backed Mortgage Loans
There are three different types of government-backed mortgage loan programs: FHA, VA, and USDA. Government-backed loans are insured by the respective federal agencies. FHA, VA, and USDA loans are originated and funded by private lenders. HUD, VA, and USDA do not originate nor fund government loans.
Difference Between Conventional Versus Government-Backed Mortgage Guidelines
HUD, VA, and USDA only act as federal government mortgage insurance agencies. If a home loan goes defaults or forecloses, the government agency will partially guarantee and insure the loss for the lender.
In order for the government agency to partially insure the loss, the lender needs to meet the minimum agency guidelines of HUD, VA, or USDA.
What Are Lender Overlays?
Lenders can have their own independent higher lending mortgage guidelines called overlays. Lender overlays are higher mortgage guidelines above and beyond HUD, VA, and USDA. We will cover Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac’s conforming mortgage guidelines in the next paragraph.
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Mortgage Guidelines
What Is The Role of The Consumer Financial Protection Buraus?
How New Mortgage Regulations Affect Consumers
Today’s Volality in the Housing and Mortgage Markets
Mortgage rates, costs, and fees will go up. Now that lenders are 100% responsible for all closing figures, they will have to hedge their rising costs of mistakes, in-house processing, and loans that have to be re-locked. Mortgage closing times will take longer.
Mortgage Guidelines From Start of Loan Application Until Clear to Close
Some say up to 60 days to close on a mortgage loan, which means longer waiting periods. Rush closings and fire sales will have no bearing on how fast they can turn unless the purchase is a cash deal. With cash real estate transactions, the new mortgage guidelines do not apply.
Mortgage Guidelines and How It Affects Home Loan Closings
Changes In Mortgage Guidelines
Updates To Mortgage Guidelines Versus Overlays on Government and Conforming Loans
Benefits of Conventional Loans
1. Flexibility in Property Types
- Conventional loans can be used for primary residences, vacation homes, and investment properties, offering more versatility than government-backed loans limited to primary residences.
2. No Upfront Fees
- Unlike some government loans that require upfront mortgage insurance premiums or funding fees (e.g., FHA loans with MIP and VA loans with funding fees), conventional loans typically do not have such upfront fees, potentially reducing initial costs.
3. Avoid Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
- With a down payment of 20% or more, borrowers can avoid paying PMI, which is required for most government-backed loans regardless of down payment size.
- PMI can be canceled once the homeowner’s equity reaches 20%, reducing mortgage costs.
4. Potential for Lower Interest Rates
- Borrowers with excellent credit ratings and strong financial profiles may qualify for lower interest rates than government loans, which can result in significant savings over the life of the loan.
5. Higher Loan Limits
- Conventional loans may offer higher loan limits than some government-backed loans, making them a better option for borrowers purchasing higher-priced homes.
- Jumbo loans, a conventional loan, are available for properties exceeding conforming loan limits.
6. More Lenient Appraisal Requirements
- Conventional loans often have more lenient appraisal requirements than FHA loans, which have stricter property conditions and safety guidelines.
7. Greater Variety of Loan Products
- Conventional loans offer a wide range of mortgage products, including fixed-rate and adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), allowing borrowers to choose the type that best suits their financial situation and goals.
- Options for different loan terms (e.g., 15, 20, 30 years) provide additional flexibility.
8. Streamlined Application Process
- Applying for conventional loans can be faster and more streamlined than for government-backed loans, which may require additional steps.
9. Potentially Lower Closing Costs
- Closing costs for conventional loans may be lower than those for some government loans, as there are no mandatory upfront fees like the FHA upfront mortgage insurance premium.
10.No Occupancy Requirements
- Conventional loans do not have occupancy requirements, making them ideal for purchasing second homes or investment properties. In contrast, government loans typically require the borrower to occupy the home as their primary residence.
11.No Income Limits
- Unlike USDA loans, which have income limits for eligibility, conventional loans do not have income restrictions, allowing borrowers of all income levels to qualify based on their financial profile.
By understanding these benefits, borrowers can determine whether a conventional loan aligns with their homeownership goals and financial situation. A conventional loan can potentially save money and offer greater flexibility than government-backed loan options.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the main types of government loans available for homebuyers?
Government loans primarily include FHA (Federal Housing Administration), VA (Veterans Affairs), and USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) loans. These programs are applicable to make homeownership more attainable, particularly for first-time buyers, veterans, and people living in rural locations.
2. What are conventional loans?
Conventional loans are mortgages not insured or guaranteed by any government agency. They usually need higher credit scores and larger down payments but offer more flexibility in terms and conditions.
3. How do credit score requirements differ between government and conventional loans?
- FHA Loans: Generally require a minimum credit rating of 580 with a 3.5% down payment or 500-579 with a 10% down payment.
- VA Loans: The VA typically does not set a minimum credit rating requirement, but lenders often require a score of at least 620.
- USDA Loans: Usually need a minimum credit score of 640.
- Conventional Loans: Generally require a minimum credit rating of 620, with higher scores needed for better rates and terms.
4. What are the down payment requirements for government versus conventional loans?
- FHA Loans: Minimum down payment of 3.5%.
- VA Loans: No down payment is required for eligible veterans.
- USDA Loans: No down payment is required for eligible rural homebuyers.
- Conventional Loans usually require a down payment of at least 5%, though some programs may allow as low as 3% for qualified buyers.
5. How do debt-to-income (DTI) ratios compare between these loan types?
- FHA Loans: Generally allow for a higher DTI ratio, often up to 50%, with compensating factors.
- VA Loans: No specific DTI limit, but lenders typically prefer a DTI below 41%.
- USDA Loans: Typically allow a maximum DTI ratio of 41%.
- Conventional Loans: We prefer DTI ratios below 36%, but we may accept up to 45% with strong credit and financial profiles.
6. Are there differences in mortgage insurance requirements?
- FHA Loans: If the down payment is less than 10%, mortgage insurance premiums are needed for the life of the loan.
- VA Loans: No mortgage insurance, but a funding fee is required unless the borrower is exempt.
- USDA Loans: We need an upfront guarantee fee and an annual fee.
- Conventional Loans: Private mortgage insurance (PMI) is required if the down payment is less than 20%, which can be removed once equity reaches 20%.
7. What property types are eligible for these loans?
- FHA Loans: Primarily for primary residences, including single-family homes, multifamily homes (up to 4 units), and FHA-approved condos.
- VA Loans: Primarily for primary residences, including single-family homes, multifamily homes (up to 4 units), and VA-approved condos.
- USDA Loans: Primarily for primary residences in eligible rural areas.
- Conventional Loans: Can be utilized for primary residences, vacation homes, and investment properties.
8. How do interest rates compare between government and conventional loans?
- Government Loans: Often have lower interest rates due to government backing.
- Conventional Loans: Interest rates are typically higher than government loans but can be competitive for borrowers with strong credit profiles.
9. What are the benefits of choosing a government loan?
- Lower Down Payments: These payments are more accessible for buyers with limited savings.
- Flexible Credit Requirements: Easier for borrowers with lower credit scores.
- Assistance Programs: Many state and local programs can help with down payments and closing costs.
10. What are the advantages of a conventional loan?
- No Upfront Fees: Unlike some government loans, conventional loans do not require upfront funding fees.
- No Mortgage Insurance with 20% Down: PMI can be avoided with a 20% down payment.
- More Property Types: Suitable for primary residences, second homes, and investment properties.