In 2017, for the first time in a decade, the Federal Housing Finance Agency is raising the amount of money that will qualify for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, government backed loans. Loans that exceed the Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac limit are called “Jumbo” mortgages. These mortgages are held by the lenders themselves or they are sold to private investors. In most situations Jumbo loans require a larger down payment and the underwriting requirements are more detailed.
The current limit for 2016 was $417,000.00. this has been the limit since the year 2006. For 2017 the amount that can be borrowed will increase by $7,000.00 to $424,000.00. However, it should be noted in expensive areas of the country like New York, the limit will go to $686,000.00.
As home prices have recovered from the real estate crisis, higher loan limits will allow prospective homeowners to have more flexibility in terms of obtaining government backed mortgages. The real estate website Zillow expects home prices to increase by approximately 3.5% in the year 2017.
The Amount of Down Payments
Generally speaking, most financial institutions require 20% down payments on mortgages. However, the amount of down payments required has been decreasing. Some banks will accept down payments as low as between 3 and 5%. When a mortgagor seeks a down payment in the 3-5% area, they are required to buy mortgage insurance. Unfortunately, the mortgage insurance adds to the monthly mortgage cost.
Elliot S. Schlissel is a foreclosure defense attorney representing homeowners throughout the Metropolitan New York area. Elliot and his dedicated associate attorneys diligently work to help their clients obtain mortgage modifications and take legal action to set aside mortgages.
