Two changes have recently been announced by Fannie Mae (FNMA).
One will affect borrowers’ ability to repurchase after a short sale, and the other relates to discontinuing the popular Home Path Renovation Mortgage.
Longer Waiting Period for Short Sales
Currently, homebuyers who have previously experienced a short sale may have been able to purchase a new home as soon as two years after the short sale, as long as they could make a 20 percent down payment.
Effective with loan application dated August 16, 2014, four years will be the required waiting period for anyone who has experienced a short sale. The four years will be measured from the date the short sale was completed to the date of disbursement of funds on the new loan. FNMA has indicated there may still be exceptions to allow the borrower to purchase within two years when it is confirmed that the short sale was due to extenuating circumstances.
Discontinuation of FNMA Home Path Renovation Mortgage
FNMA announced that after October 6, 2014 the Home Path and Home Path Renovation loan product will no longer be available.
The Home Path program was attractive to borrowers as no mortgage insurance (MI) was required for loan-to-value ratios over 80% and it did not require a property appraisal unless it was being used as a renovation loan. Contracts dated before October 6, 2014 must close by January/February 2015 (date still to be determined).
Fannie Mae will continue to offer its similar product, Home Styles Renovation. FHA also offers a loan renovation program known as the 203K Renovation Loan, also available to borrowers purchasing a property requiring renovations.
Marimark Mortgage
Marimark Mortgage is based in Tampa, Florida, and proudly serves homebuyers and homeowners in all of Florida, Virginia, and Pennsylvania.
We specialize in conventional home mortgages, FHA, VA, and USDA mortgage options, refinance loans, and reverse mortgages. We’ve worked extensively with cash-out refinancing, and help clients to lower their monthly mortgage payments.
To get started with a mortgage to buy your next home, please fill out our Quick Mortgage Application, or contact us direct.
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