Texas Mortgage & Real Estate Thoughts

If you wait a few more days or weeks to purchase a home, you could lose thousands of extra dollars. Why? Because the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is implementing several changes for loans guaranteed by the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).

These changes are coming shortly before the April 30th First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit deadline, and just after the March 31st experation of the Federal Reserve Board's mortgage backed securities purchase (which has kept home loan rates artificially low for over a year now), these FHA changes make it even more important to act now to save BIG!

In case you have not heard about these changes, here is a quick explanation:

• March 30, 2010 - Federal Reserve Board is no longer purchasing Mortgage Backed Securities (MBS) which has been keeping mortgage rates at historic lows.
• April 5, 2010 - HUD is implementing new requirements for Up-Front Mortgage Insurance (UFMI). Currently, the amount of UFMI is 1.75% and is increasing to 2.25%. What does this mean? For a borrower purchasing a home for $200,000 with a $7,000 down payment, the UFMI will increase by $965. Typically, this amount is financed into the loan, so the mortgage payment increase will be minimal, but overall the fee is increasing for the buyer.
• Later this Sping - HUD will implement the reduction fees allowed to be paid by a seller. Currently, the seller can pay up to 6% of the buyers closing costs. This percent is decreasing to 3% maximum. Using the same example above, a home buyer purchasing a $200,000 home will lose on "seller concessions" by $6,000.

How do you avoid this loss? GET OFF THE FENCE! Submit your FHA Mortgage Application by the last week of March.

Texas Relocation - Part 3

If you have followed the other two parts, then you are mentally prepared to move and have found a home in your new area. In Part 3 of 9, we will discuss Temporary Housing. A temporary home is used when there is a gap between the date you move our of your old home/rental and when you move into your new home.

Having a gap in your move can be caused by a few things. For example, if you purchased a brand new home that is being built. The home may not be ready for another month or two, but your company needs you at the new location now. During this two month period you may find a home or apartment that is available now and will allow you to keep a short lease.

How do you find a temporary home?

Finding the right rental is very similar to finding the right home. If you are relocating for your company, check your employer's policy on rentals. In some cases, the company will pay the deposit and may pay for the termination of the lease (should there be one)

You may also consider talking with the Real Estate Agent or Relocation Specialist you worked with when finding your home. Since they are familiar with the area, they could probably find a temporary home that is in a great location, is the right size for your family, and can accommodate your short term living arrangement. In bigger cities, apartment locating services are available. Two other solutions can be the local Newspaper Classifieds which can be hit-or-miss if you don't know the territory, or a co-worker in the new area may be able to direct you.

Just like when you were looking for your home, be specific with your needs. Even though it will be temporary, you still do not want it to 100% inconvenient. How many rooms do you need? Do you need public transportation? How much rent do you want to pay? What services / amenities are important to you? The more specific you are, the easier it will be to find a home that will fit your temporary needs.

Naturally, you want as much comfort and convenience as you can find. You may not have all of the conveniences of a permanent home, but you can come close. Look for something with pleasant surroundings and sufficient space. You don't want your family to feel inconvenienced, cramped, or depressed with the decor - even if this is temporary.

Many 'Short Term' rental properties come equipped with china, linen, and some may even have maid service. You'd be surprised with how far 'temporary housing facilities' have come due to their popularity. This is especially common in newly developed areas. Look for assistance from the Relocation Specialist or Real Estate Agent. More than likely, they are familiar with these developments and point you in the right direction.