Major Increase in Monterey; San Diego; Sonoma; San Luis Obispo; Ventura and Yolo Counties as well as King; Pierce and Snohomish Counties in Washington Single family conforming loan limits increased to $424,100 across the nation and to $636,150 in certain high-cost areas. People who need a loan can find forbrukslån uten sikkerhet here. Several counties that previously were in between the base and high-cost limits saw significant increases based on rising property values in Signet Mortgage service areas. Monterey; San Diego; Sonoma; San Luis Obispo; Ventura and Yolo Counties in California as well as King; Pierce and Snohomish Counties in Washington will now have access to conforming loan limits reflecting the current market values. Speaking of loans, I know that you are familiar with “student aid bill of rights” which was signed by President Barack Obama in 2015 aiming to help students with their student loans. It is still active now, apply! According to knowledgefirstfinancialresp.ca/, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) announced these changes in a press release  today.  The new conforming limits will be effective for loans closed after January 1, 2017. The new limits are helpful as conforming rates generally are lower than jumbo rates and underwriting more consistent and flexible so a few more transactions will get done!   A purchase in the Bay Area up to $795,000 at 80% loan to value can be done with a conforming loan … Particularly relevant with this news announcement is the average U.S. home prices have edged slightly above pre-decline levels from 2007.  Data published in the third quarter Housing Price Index (HPI), reveal that housing prices are approximately 1.7 percent above the value for third quarter 2007. Here is a link to the loan limits by county for Signet Mortgage service area (CA, WA, OR, ID, UT) and for the entire country.  Included on the right of the chart are the changes from 2016.   The source document from FHFA is here. Certain high-cost areas have the higher limits at 150% of the base at $636,150 (150 % of $424,100).  But many counties, such as Monterey, Orange, Sacramento, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Summit (UT), Jefferson (WA), Pierce (WA) and Snohomish (WA) saw significant bumps to its loan limits. Here are highlights of loan amounts and details for single family and up to 4 units and changes for those counties.           The changes do not impact FHA forward or reverse mortgages or VA loans for the moment. Those announcements should be forthcoming in the next couple of weeks.   With the 2008 economic stimulus plan FHA increased loan limits to $625,500 for reverse mortgages for one year and has extended this limit one year at a time since.  The $625k is due to expire this Dec 31. We should hear soon if it has been extended again or changed up or down. As Jonckers professional in business for over thirty years, I am here to consult with you and answer any questions you have about the strategic use of your mortgage. Let’s talk about your goals and perhaps ways that you can take advantage of these changes.  Call or email me – I am happy to help!    

A Renovation loan can be used to purchase a home or refinance an existing home. A HomeStyle Renovation Loan from Signet can be used to improve an investment property too!  A renovation loan based on the improved value of your home making it a valuable alternative to a construction loan. You can arrange for funds over and above the purchase price of your new home to remodel, make repairs or add a room! A refinance will pay off your existing loan, and provide additional funds for a wide range of improvements – let your imagination go! A renovation loan is a perfect way to fix up a property, or add that extra bedroom you need for your growing family.

There are several basic types of Renovation Loans. HomeStyle loan from Fannie Mae is my favorite, as it allows loan-to-value to 95%, does not have up-front mortgage insurance and is underwritten to standard Fannie Mae guidelines.  The loan is based on the improved value of your home AFTER completion – so you will have the resources to make it your dream home! FHA 203(k) loans come in two “flavors” …

• Streamline 203k – Renovation costs generally limited to $35,000.  The work can be done by the homeowner or contractors. Typical renovations include painting, carpet and replacement of appliances.  This loan does not require a HUD counselor, and is very close to the cost of a normal FHA loan.
• Full 203k – Renovation costs are only limited by the FHA loan limits for the county. The renovations are generally more extensive so they require the assistance of a general contractor.  An FHA Consultant is involved to ensure the project proceeds according to plans. Remember, the loan is based on the improved value of your home AFTER completion – so you will have the budget to renovate your dream home!

Energy Improvements – Replacement of a furnace or air conditioner, or adding double pane windows or insulation are examples of renovations that can be included.  An energy audit must be completed to demonstrate the benefit of the improvements. These costs can be over and above the streamline 203k $35,000 limit.