Major Update

Attached are several updates for rates, working with the tax assessor’s office, and the changes for FHA refi’s taking cash-out.

Updating Property Taxes
I’ve had many requests for information regarding the tax assessor’s office and lowering your clients property taxes. See the form attached, have your clients fill it out, and send it in. I recommend they send it certified mail so they know it was received. When I close a loan or estimate payments I estimate taxes based on the new purchase price It’s possible, that after closing, that based on the old tax basis the county could try to collect at the higher previous tax basis (ie previous owner). This is especially pertinent on foreclosed homes in Southern California. Use the attached forms for your clients benefit and get in the habit of completing them at closing so the changes will be nearly immediate.

FHA Financing Update:
New loan limits are supported and available to lock at $500K.
Down payment requirement is still only 3.5%.
Fico score is also the same, which is required to be a 620 Fico.

The biggest difference you all need to know about is the appraisal requirements. For all loan amounts above $417K, and have a LTV greater than 95%, will be required to have 2 appraisals. The best way to avoid a second appraisal we can have the buyers put 5% down. If they want to do the second appraisal this can be done too. This is a FHA requirement.

There is only 1 more week to pull a case number for anyone interested in doing a cash-out refinance to 95% loan to value using the FHA program. The loan to value changes to 85% after next week. See the attached mortgagee letter from HUD.

Conforming Loans – or High Balance Loan Amounts
Loan Amounts also extended in Riverside County to $500K.
Max cash out is $200K on all these loans.

I hope this information is helpful. Call me with questions and make it a great week!

I am never too busy for any of your referrals.