The Housing and Economic Recovery Act of 2008 authorizes a new FHA mortgage refinance program called HOPE for Homeowners (H4H) program effective from October 1, 2008 through September 30, 2011. The FHA H4H is a program designed to assist borrowers at risk of default or foreclosure in refinancing into an affordable 30 year fixed rate loan. Any type of loan the borrower currently has is eligible for refinancing under the FHA H4H program, including conventional prime Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Alt-A, sub-prime, and government – backed FHA, VA and USDA rural home loans. Also, loans that have a variety of payment characteristics like, adjustable rate, interest only, payment option, option arm, negative amortization and/or any other exotic loan features.
The Main Advantage of the H4H program: Due to the fact that many home loans are higher than the value of the home, the borrower and current lender are required to participate in the initial 10% equity and future appreciation equity. The initial 10% equity is defined as the FHA H4H program will only lend 90% of the new current appraisal, hence the 10% equity in the home. The future appreciation is defined as; it is assumed over time the home should go up in value, hence future appreciation. If the home is sold with in the first year, 100% of the equity will go to FHA & the previous lender and nothing to the borrower. But, after five years 50% of the equity will be shared with the borrower and 50% with FHA and the previous lender. Years 2 through 4 are prorated as well. Hopefully, this will create a win-win situation for the borrower and the previous lender.
Borrowers Eligibility: Borrowers who are current or delinquent on their mortgage payment at the time of the refinance eligible for the H4H program, if they have not intentionally defaulted on their mortgage payment and have made a minimum of six (6) full mortgage payments during the current loans existence’s. All loan must have been originated prior to January 1, 2008. Borrowers must live at the residence being refinanced and have no other real estate ownership in any other properties; like 2nd homes and rental property. Having been or being in bankruptcy does not preclude a borrower from participating in the FHA H4H Program. Also, no convictions for fraud under state and federal laws within the last 10 years is required.
In conclusion, this article is a brief synopsis of all the guidelines required by the FHA H4H program, but to serve as a quick guide to see if you need to consult with your Mortgage Loan Professional to answer any addition questions from the homeowner.
