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What Is A Qualified Mortgage?
As this video explains, Federal laws put into effect in 2014 and supervised by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau define lending practices and loan terms for a new category called “Qualified Mortgages.”
They provide stable loan features for consumers and improve legal protection for lenders who follow the guidelines.
These guidelines require lenders to assess each borrower’s ability to repay their mortgage loan.
As of 2014, guidelines require that a borrower’s monthly DEBT – including mortgage – be no higher than 43% of their monthly gross INCOME
The laws also define unacceptable loan terms:
- interest-only loans
- terms over 30 years
- negative-amortization loans that increase principal over time
- most balloon loans
do not meet the Qualified Mortgage guidelines.
The laws aim to provide consumers with objective guidance about reasonable debt from the CFPB and in return, to grant lenders who follow that guidance with higher levels of protection from lawsuits.
Ask your lender about Qualified Mortgage options for your home purchase.
Can Creditors Revise TRID Loan Estimates?
Creditors are generally bound by the initial Loan Estimate. They are permitted to provide a revised Loan Estimate only under certain changed circumstances. These include circumstances that:
a) increase settlement charges beyond the legal tolerance limits
b) affect YOUR eligibility or change the value of the loan security.
Also,
c) if the interest rate was NOT locked and the new rate changes points or lender credits
d) for settlement delay on new construction loans within the stated revision window – typically 60 days, or
e) if YOU indicate an intent to proceed more than 10 business days after the Estimate or request loan term revisions.
Changed circumstances are extraordinary events beyond the control of you or the lending parties, OR changes or inaccuracies revealed in the information the lender used in preparing the Loan Estimate, OR new information on you or the transaction that the creditor did not use in the Loan Estimate.
How Do Lenders Decide The Maximum Loan Amount That Buyers Can Afford?
As you’ll see in the video, the lenders consider your debt-to-income ratio, which is a comparison of your gross (pre-tax) income to housing and non-housing expenses.
Non-housing expenses include such long-term debts as car or student loan payments, alimony, or child support.
According to the FHA, monthly mortgage payments should be no more than 29% of gross income, while the mortgage payment, combined with non-housing expenses, should total no more than 41% of income.
Lenders also consider cash available for down payment and closing costs credit history and the rest of your financial picture when determining your maximum loan amount.
Which Square Footage Figure Should I Use?
Home size is one of the key figures used in comparisons.
But you may have different measurements to choose from, as you’ll learn in this video, including builder, appraiser, tax records and possibly owner records.
Which one is right, and which one is best?
The official figure is the one in tax records – typically, the county.
Any other figure must be documented by a builder’s floor plan
an appraisal or an official floor plan, prepared by a company for a fee.
If your house has been remodeled and you’re planning to sell
you may want to confirm that the official record matches your actual house – and update if required.
Most lenders will require an appraisal which will verify the figures you used. So be accurate and keep records to make the most of your sale.
What Kinds Of Loans Do TRID Disclosures Cover?
TRID rules apply to MOST consumer credit transactions secured by real property. These include mortgages, refinancing, construction-only loans closed-end home-equity loans, and loans secured by vacant land or by 25 or more acres.
The rule does NOT apply to Home Equity Line of Credit transactions reverse mortgages mortgages secured by a mobile home or other dwelling that is not attached to real property.
Also, TRID rules do NOT apply to loans made by a person or business that makes 5 or fewer mortgages in a calendar year.
What Are The Steps Involved In The FHA Loan Process?
The video puts this in more visual terms, but with the exception of a few additional forms the FHA loan application process is similar to that of a conventional loan.
With new automation measures FHA loans may be originated more quickly than before. And, if you don’t prefer a face-to-face meeting, you can apply for an FHA loan via mail, telephone the Internet, or video conference.