bonofan Posted November 24, 2008 Report Share Posted November 24, 2008 I thought that finally, after many years of credit repair, I was actually in a position to buy a house. Prices are way down and I found a great house in my favorite neighborhood for $350. i also amazingly have a despoit saved.But, I just got off the phone with a Refin approved mortgage broker who advised 720+ was now the required Fico score for FHA mortgages. That and I will need at least 5% down with my "low" scores.My scores were all hovering around 700 until AMEX reduced my credit limit last month from $8000 to $2000. So, they are now around 680 and I am so frustrated. It seems like no matter what, as soon as I get a a few steps ahead there is an entity out there ready to kick me hard and then :oops:screw with me.Does anyone have any accurate info as to what is the borrowing crteria for FHA mortgages at the moment? I really dislike mortgage people (no offence to any here!). All they do is keep you on the phone for 20 mins talking about the upswing of deducting 2 point margins from their formula, divided by 9, adding .5 points, and adding in the marmalade downupturn swing, of course. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
morrow Posted November 24, 2008 Report Share Posted November 24, 2008 Umm, no. That is not correct.Technically, FHA does not have a min. credit score requirement. However, many lenders set their own guidelines and alot of them are requiring a minimum of 580.Obviously the more you are able to put down, the better. But there are still programs available that may suit your needs.Hope that helps! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonofan Posted November 24, 2008 Author Report Share Posted November 24, 2008 Thanks - so maybe I just got a dud mortgage broker? I called him because I would like to buy through Redfin and get the 1 1/2 percent commission back to offset the downpayment.What do you think the best course of action is? Should I just call my bank and take that route? Or should I wait until my scores are closer to 720 before applying? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bonofan Posted November 24, 2008 Author Report Share Posted November 24, 2008 One more question: Are the MyFico scores relevant and are the accurate? The mortgage broker said to disregard them which is another major annoyance and has left me really steming, if true, because I have spent so much money over the years monitoring them etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
willingtocope Posted November 24, 2008 Report Share Posted November 24, 2008 The FICO scores you're allowed to see are closest to the FICO Bank Card scores. Mortgage underwriters do see a different score. Mortgage brokers may see the same or different scores depending on what they want to pay for.You're wise to monitor the scores you can see because it does give an indication of overall credit health...however...realize what you see may not have a bearing on whether or not you can get a mortgage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denita Posted November 25, 2008 Report Share Posted November 25, 2008 I would check other FHA sources - I just got a buyer approved last week for an FHA loan with no more than 3% down and her score was in the mid 600's and his was in the upper 500's. Sounds like the Redfin mortgage person was looking to make some money on your loan! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firstsource Posted November 27, 2008 Report Share Posted November 27, 2008 It seems that investors are realizing that with 3%+ down payment the default rate is acceptable. The bank I work with has an investor that will buy FHA loans with as low as 540 scores. The best thing is to wait until 620+ is reached, of course, but now that the "dust has settled" investors are willing to take a bit more risk than a few months ago. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scottb99 Posted November 28, 2008 Report Share Posted November 28, 2008 I just recently obtained a mortgage with mid 600's FHA....so that broker was full of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
itrev82 Posted December 5, 2008 Report Share Posted December 5, 2008 I closed on my mortgage about 30 days ago -- FHA @ 6.0% -- only had 3% down and my scores were mid/high 600's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewLife4Me Posted December 7, 2008 Report Share Posted December 7, 2008 Thats insane Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jq26 Posted December 7, 2008 Report Share Posted December 7, 2008 Just a heads up, but it appears the 3% has been slightly bumped up to 3.5%. My credit union is now advertising FHA with as little down as 3.5%. Shouldn't make much of a difference, but if funds are tight maybe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Denita Posted December 7, 2008 Report Share Posted December 7, 2008 Yep. New guidelines beginning Jan 1 increase down payment to 3.5% rather than 3%. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gator944 Posted December 11, 2008 Report Share Posted December 11, 2008 Whew. What luck? I'm scheduled to close on December 31st with 3% down and a 655 FICO. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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