FHA Unveils Short Refinance Program for Underwater Mortgages

An Obama Bailout Aimed at Negative Equity Borrowers

Kimberly Louise
The Obama administration is attempting to throw a lifeline to the 25% of American homeowners who are underwater on their mortgages. To help facilitate mortgage refinancing, the FHA has announced a new program aimed specifically at underwater borrowers. Beginning September 7th, homeowners who owe more on their mortgage than the appraised value of their home will be given an opportunity to refinance into a fixed rate, FHA-backed mortgage.

Lenders who agree to participate in the program, which is not compulsory, will be obligated to reduce the principal of the homeowner's first mortgage by 10% of the unpaid balance.

The FHA short refinance is a unique program that has the potential to help a lot of struggling homeowners. Of course, in order to refinance, underwater homeowners must meet the following criteria:

- Homeowners must be current on their existing mortgage payment,
- Homeowner must occupy the home as the primary residence,
- Homeowner must fully document income,
- Homeowner must have a FICO score of at least 500, AND
- Existing lenders/investors must agree to the 10% principal reduction.

The resultant FHA loan may not have a balance greater than 97.75 percent of the appraised value of the home. The total loan-to-value (including any second mortgages) cannot exceed 115 percent after the refinancing.

It is worth noting that borrowers who participate in the FHA Short Refinance program may see a reduction in their credit score, as they would with any loan forgiveness. The program is being funded by up to $14 billion in TARP funds.

For more information on the FHA Short Refi Program, visit www.hud.gov.

Published by Kimberly Louise

Kimberly has lived and worked in both the United States and Europe. She holds a BS in Business Administration and a Master's in Political Science. She is also a certified paralegal. Currently, Kimberly is...   View profile

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  • Scott Fadler 9/20/2010

    Craigs point echos what I think so many of us are feeling, the nanny state has got to stop. Stealing from one segment of society to pay for another is criminal. The St. Louis MO Mortage market doesn't benefit from bailing out other parts of the country. The best choice is to scale everything back and let poor derisions have the inevitable impact.

  • Craig 9/8/2010

    This is incredible. I held on to an "underwater house" in the early 90's for 10+ years until I could finally sell it for what I paid for it. What ever happen to taking responsibility for your decisions? Why do I/future generations have to pay for someone else’s risky investment? Unbelievable..

  • Andrew Holiday 8/30/2010

    Principal Reduction Program is either a
    Mortgage Note Purchase or a
    Short Pay Refinance
    The best chance a Homeowner has to accomplish a Principal Reduction is to work with a company who can not only get control of your note, but also have a conventional lender that is willing and able to create a new loan.
    This is a 3 step process and requires 3-4 parties to complete.
    Step 1 Pre-qualification. Free no obligation consultation to gather information in order to do our Quick Qualification.
    Step 2 Short Refinance Processing Gather required documents and verification of income along with review of current debt to income.
    Step 3 Negotiation. Negotiate with the Bank until a short payoff is accepted, where as the lender would accept a cash settlement short of the full amount owed.
    Final Property Appraisal
    New Loan origination
    Home Owner acceptance
    Final Loan documents signed

    If any homeowner wants to consider this option and keep their home, get a principal reduction back to todays market v

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