The Federal Housing Administration was started in 1934 as part of the new deal. The FHA's goals have remained the same through out the years and they are to contribute to building and preserving healthy neighborhoods and communities, maintain and expand homeownership, and to stabilize credit markets in times of economic disruption

 The FHA now offers a variety of loan programs to a large population and FHA mortgages can have fixed or adjustable interest rates. Many find these home loans attractive because they require very small down payments, gifts can be used for down payments and closing costs, and because the FHA regulates the closing costs. These loans also have qualifications that are easier to meet than traditional mortgages. The FHA does not require a minimum FICO score to meet qualifications and these programs will allow home purchase two years after a bankruptcy filing.

One of the many types of home loans offered to borrowers is called a fixed rate mortgage. Unlike an adjustable rate mortgage the monthly payments for a fixed rate mortgage stay stable through out the life of the loan. This type of home loan is most commonly available in 15 and 30 year mortgages and can provide the stability many home buyers require during unstable economic times.

Reverse Mortgages 

A reverse mortgage is a unique type of loan used by older Americans to convert the equity in their homes into cash. The money from a reverse mortgage can provide seniors with the financial security they need to fully enjoy their retirement years. The reverse mortgage has earned its name because the payment stream is "reversed." Instead of making monthly payments to a lender, as with a regular first mortgage or home equity loan, a lender makes payments to you. The money from a reverse mortgage can be used for anything from daily living expenses to home repairs and home modifications.

Reverse Mortgage Qualifications

To qualify for a reverse mortgage you must be at least 62 and own your own home. There are no income or medical requirements to qualify. You may be eligible for a reverse mortgage even if you still owe money on a first or second mortgage. In fact, many seniors get a reverse mortgage to pay off a first mortgage. 

 The more you know about our home loan program, the more you will realize how little "red tape" there really is in getting a VA loan. These loans are often made without any down payment at all, and frequently offer lower interest rates than ordinarily available with other kinds of loans. Aside from the veteran's certificate of eligibility and the VA-assigned appraisal, the application process is not much different than any other type of mortgage loan. And if the lender is approved for automatic processing, as more and more lenders are now, a buyer's loan can be processed and closed by the lender without waiting for VA's approval of the credit application.

 Additionally, if the lender is approved under VA's Lender Appraisal Processing Program (LAPP), the lender may review the appraisal completed by a VA-assigned appraiser and close the loan on the basis of that review. The LAPP process can further speed the time to loan closing.