The change is needed because FHA reserves have dropped to $3.6 billion, or about 0.5% of the $685 billion in loans the FHA has insured. The law requires that the FHA hold 2% of its outstanding loans in reserve, but the agency can borrow from the U.S. Treasury without limit and without Congressional approval. So it can essentially become a black hole for taxpayers.
Changes expected to be announced at the hearings include:
- Borrowers will need to put more money up front. Right now borrowers can put down as little as 3.5 percent. One bill in Congress calls for that to be raised to 5%. Private lenders today require between 10% and 20%. Most want 20% unless your credit score is above 750.
- Borrowers may have to pay more in insurance premiums. Right now that premium is 1.75% of the loan value plus 0.5% or 0.55% per year.
- Sellers will be restricted by how much they can help the borrower. Right now a seller can pay as much as 6% of the home's value in closing costs. The maximum level is expected to be lowered to 3%.
- Borrowers may need better credit scores. Right now the score can be as low as 500. While that's the law, lenders don't usually accept scores that low. The FHA is expected to raise that minimum score. This may not be as noticeable as the other changes because most lenders do expect a higher score, but this change will prevent abusive lenders from lending to unqualified borrowers.
While these stricter rules will discourage borrowers and likely slow down what is already a struggling housing market, it's critical that the FHA shore up its reserves and stop the bleeding; otherwise, taxpayers will foot the bill.
Lita Epstein has written more than 25 books, including The 250 Questions Everyone Should Ask About Buying Foreclosures.
