Louisville Kentucky VA Home Loan Mortgage Lender: How to Get Approved for a Kentucky VA Home Mortgag...

Louisville Kentucky VA Home Loan Mortgage Lender: How to Get Approved for a Kentucky VA Home Mortgag...: 

Basic Understanding of a Kentucky VA Mortgage Loan Approval Process. The VA makes a guarantee to the lending institution (the insurance)-for...

Kentucky VA Home Loan Requirements for Approval

Minimum credit score

Qualifying for Veteran Home Loans

The Veteran Loan program is designed for veterans who meet the minimum number of days of completed service. Some of the other eligibility requirement for the VA loan program^[5] and some specific home loan benefits include the length of service or service commitment, duty status and character of service. The program does allow for benefits to Surviving Spouses.

The VA does not have a minimum credit score used for pre-qualifying for a mortgage loan, however, most Lenders require a minimum credit score of at least 620.^[6]

A Veteran who has used their entitlement to previously purchase a home, may have entitlement left to purchase another one. If you previously purchased a home using your VA Benefits then you might still have some of that “Entitlement” available to you for the purchase a new home. To Calculate Maximum Entitlement available, consider the following:

1. If your previous home was purchased using a VA Loan, and that loan was paid off by the new owners, the full entitlement may have been restored.
2. If you sold your home to someone, and allowed them to assume your VA Loan, then you might have the full entitlement restored, if one or more of the purchasers were also Veterans.
3. If you still own the home, and you are renting it out – you might be able to purchase a new home using your partial entitlement, but there are several restrictions.

Allowable Income Sources used to qualify for a VA Loan include: Retirement Income, Social Security Income, Child Support, Alimony and Separate Maintenance, BAH, BAS and Disability Income. Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) for a Surviving Spouse can also be included. In addition, stable, documented income from employers remains the best income source for VA loans.

Requirements

VA Loan application

The VA loan application is a standardized loan application form 1003 issued by Fannie Mae also known as Freddie Mac Form 65. It is a Federal crime punishable by fine or imprisonment, or both, to knowingly make any false statements on a VA loan application under the provisions of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1001, et seq.

You will need the following paperwork to apply:

• Copies of your W2 statements for the past two years, so your gross household income can be confirmed,
• Copies of your previous two pay stubs,
• Documentation of other assets (checking accounts, savings accounts, financial investments, trust funds, etc.),
• If self-employed, two years of consecutive tax returns will be required.
• The Veteran also needs to supply their DD 214 and Certificate of Eligibility (COE)

On June 25, 2019, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019 was signed into law temporarily increasing the VA funding fee for active duty service members and veterans starting January 1, 2020. The law removed VA county loan limits for homebuyers with full VA loan entitlement and made Purple Heart recipients exempt from paying the VA funding fee.^[3] Several members of Congress were displeased after the passing of the act, writing an open letter to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy asking that future bills not be paid for by increasing VA loan fees.^[4]

Funding fees

A funding fee must be paid to VA unless the veteran is exempt from such a fee because he or she receives a minimum of 10% VA disability compensation. If a veteran is awarded disability compensation after paying a funding fee, he/she can apply for a refund of this funding fee, so long as the beginning date of the disability is prior to the closing date of the home mortgage.

In August 2012, Congress passed a bill that allows a Veteran to receive the benefits of having Veteran Disability while it is still pending. The amount paid for the funding fee can be refunded back to the Veteran when a determination is made and the paperwork is received.

The VA Funding fee may be paid in cash or included in the loan amount. Closing costs such as VA appraisal, credit report, loan processing fee, title search, title insurance, recording fees, transfer taxes, survey charges, or hazard insurance may not be included in the loan. However, the seller may pay these on behalf of the VA borrower.

Purchase and construction loans

Due to the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act of 2019, the VA funding fee is equalized for all branches of service starting January 1, 2020. For active duty military members and veterans, this means an increase in VA funding fee costs for a period of 2 years. If you have a service-connected disability that you are compensated for by the VA or if you are a surviving spouse of veteran who died in service or from service-connected disabilities, the funding fee is waived.

Type of Veteran	Down Payment	First Time Use	Subsequent Use
Regular Military, Reserves/National Guard	None 5%-9.99% 10% or more	2.3% 1.65% 1.4%	3.6%* 1.65% 1.4%

The VA funding fee can be financed directly into the maximum loan amount for the county in which the home is located. For subsequent use VA loans, if the sales price and the financed VA funding fee total more than maximum loan amount for that county, the borrower or seller must pay for the fee out of pocket. All VA loans require an impound account for property taxes and homeowners insurance which makes the monthly payment of VA loans calculated as a PITI payment.**

Cash-out refinancing loans

Type of Veterans	Percentage for First Time Use	Percentage for Subsequent Use
Regular Military, Reserves/National Guard	2.3%	3.6%*

• The higher subsequent use fee does not apply to these types of loans if the veteran’s only
  prior use of entitlement was for a manufactured home loan.

Other types of loans

Type of Loan	Percentage for Either Type of Veteran Whether First Time or Subsequent Use
Interest Rate Reduction Refinancing Loans	.50%
Manufactured Home Loans	1.00%
Loan Assumptions	.50%

• Veterans who previously lived in a home they had to then rent out will typically qualify for a no appraisal Interest Rate Reduction Refinance. The Veteran's Administration also allows Veteran Homeowners to refinance from a Conventional loan to a VA mortgage Loan. This process, however, does require an appraisal.

0% DOWN PAYMENT

580 or Higher Credit Score with most lenders I work with even though VA does not have a minimum credit score. 

2.30% Upfront Mortgage Insurance Premium (First-Time Use)

Financed into Loan Amount

Will Vary Depending on Down Payment and Subsequent Use

No Mortgage Insurance Required

No  Maximum Loan Amount

Higher Loan Amounts Available with Down Payment

Great Option for Veterans or Active Military

Kentucky VA Loan Guidelines

VA Loan Credit Issues

VA will analyze a borrower’s past credit performance in determining the loan for approval. A borrower who has made timely payments for the last 12 months serves as a guide and demonstrates their willingness to repay future credit obligations. On the opposite side, a borrower who reflects continuous slow payments, judgments and delinquent accounts is not a good candidate for loan approval.
Below is a list of items concerning the borrower’s credit:

 

LATE MORTGAGE PAYMENTS

In circumstances not involving bankruptcy, satisfactory credit is generally considered to be reestablished after the veteran, or veteran and spouse, have made satisfactory payments for 12 months after the date of the last derogatory credit item(s).
When the underwriter analyzes the borrowers credit; it is the overall pattern of credit behavior that must be reviewed, rather than isolated cases of slow payments. A period of financial difficulty does not disqualify the borrower if a good payment pattern has been maintained since then.
Account balances reduced to judgment by a court must either be paid in full or subject to a repayment plan with a history of timely payments.

 

NO CREDIT HISTORY

In the area of credit, the lack of an established credit history should not be a deterrent to loan approval. As provided in the credit standards, a satisfactory payment history on items such as rent, utilities, phone bills, etc., may be used to establish a satisfactory credit history.

 

CHAPTER 7 BANKRUPTCY

The Kentucky VA guidelines state that a minimum of two years must elapse since the discharge date of the borrower and / or spouse’s Chapter 7 bankruptcy, not the filing date. A full explanation of the bankruptcy will be required. The borrower must also have re-established good credit, qualify financially and have good job stability.

 

CHAPTER 13 BANKRUPTCY

The Kentucky VA guidelines state that they will consider a borrower still paying on a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy if the payments to the court have been satisfactorily made and verified for a period of one year. In addition, the court trustee will need to give written approval to proceed. A full explanation of the bankruptcy will be required. The borrower must also have re-established good credit, qualify financially and have good job stability.

 

COLLECTIONS, JUDGEMENTS AND FEDERAL DEBTS

The Kentucky VA guidelines state that if a collection is minor in nature, it usually does not need to be paid off as a condition for loan approval. Judgments must be paid in full prior to closing. A borrower is not eligible for the loan if they are delinquent on any federal debt. This can include tax liens, student loans, etc. Payment arrangements that would bring the borrower up to date may be considered for loan approval.

 

FORECLOSURE

A borrower whose previous residence or other real property was foreclosed on or given a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure within the previous two years since the disposition date is generally not eligible for a VA insured mortgage. If the foreclosure was on a Kentucky VA loan, the applicant may not have full entitlement available for the new loan.

 

In order to verify your credit history, your lender will obtain a credit report containing 

information as reported by all 3 of the major credit bureaus: Trans Union, Equifax and Experian.

Most people will have 3 credit scores but it is possible that you may have only 1 or two scores if 

you have limited credit history.

This report will also include information on any public records such as bankruptcies,

judgments and tax liens.

Credit Scores

Though VA does not have a set minimum credit score requirements, lenders will have a minimum credit

score requirement.

Collection account may need to be paid off in order to close your loan

It is preferable that the most recent 12 months show satisfactory payments and no other derogatory 

information.

Credit History

If you experienced a major derogatory credit event, there will be waiting periods that will have to 

be observed before you can be eligible to qualify for a loan.

Bankruptcy Chapter 7

2 years from discharge date

Bankruptcy Chapter 13

Immediately after discharge or

After 12 months of payments***

Foreclosure*

2 years from completion date

* If the foreclosure or short sale was on a VA loan, you may not have full entitlement available 

for the new loan

*** Must obtain written permission from the bankruptcy court/trustee and provide proof of 

satisfactory payment history

Income and Employment

Minimum History of Employment

A minimum of 2 year history in the same industry/line of work is required in most instances but 

it’s not a universal rule.

Recent graduates can satisfy the two year requirement by providing proof of schooling with a degree 

for the line of work you are now

employed in.

Active duty members do not need a two year history as long as the minimum service requirement for 

eligibility has been met.

Self employed borrowers must always have a two year history of self employment and must show a two  year history of filed tax returns to meet the 24 month requirement.

Income Calculations

If you are salaried, your base income will be used to qualify you for the loan.

However, if you are an hourly employee with varied hours, more than likely, your income will be 

averaged over an extended period such as 18 or 24 months depending on the situation.

Overtime, bonuses, commission and part time employment must have a 24 history in order to be 

included in the qualifying income. 

The income will be averaged out over 24 months. Verification of 

likelihood to continue will also be required.

Non taxable income can be grossed up to account for the non-taxable status.

Retirement, Disability, alimony and child support income does not require a 2 year history but 

verification that it will continue for at least 3 years is required in order for it to be included.

ASSETS

No down payment does not mean no cash needed

VA does not require additional cash to cover a certain number or mortgage payments or unplanned 

expenses (cash reserves), however, your ability to accumulate liquid assets and the amount of 

assets currently available is taken into consideration in the overall credit worthiness analysis.

Allowable source of funds

Funds for your down payment, closing costs and other expenses can come from:

•    Checking/savings accounts

•    Investment accounts

•    Retirement account

Gift funds from a relative are an allowed source of funds to cover down payment and or closing 

costs.

The gift will need to be verified and paper trailed via bank statements and a gift letter will need 

to be signed

by your and the gift donor .

Funds from unsecured loans (signature loans, credit card advances) or funds that can not be 

documented are not acceptable source of funds.

Federal regulations require that all deposits into your account be documented.

In the instance of payroll deposits, nothing will need to be done if the deposit shows as a Direct 

Deposit from your employer.

All other deposits will need to be explained and documented.

A debt to income ratios

-A debt to income ratios is the percentage of your total debt obligation, including the new estimated

mortgage payment, all debts shown on your credit report, as well as alimony, child support etc, as

compared to your gross qualifying income.

EXAMPLE

The rule of thumb is that your debt to income ratio should not exceed 50% of the usable, gross monthly

income. However, higher percentages can be approved.

In addition to the debt to income ratio requirements, VA also has residual income requirements. VA residual

income looks at how much income is available after all monthly liabilities, including tax withholdings,

utilities and child care, are accounted for.

Residual Income By Region

For loan amounts of $80,000 and above

Family

Size

Northeast Midwest South West

1 $450 $441 $441 $491

2 $755 $738 $738 $823

3 $909 $889 $889 $990

4 $1025 $1033 $1033 $1117

5 $1062 $1039 $1039 $1158

over 5 Add $80 for each additional member up to a family of

seven

2400/5000= 48%

Deferred student loans

If student loan repayments are scheduled to

begin within 12 months of the date of loan

closing, the anticipated monthly payment will

be included.

If you are able to provide evidence that the

loan(s) will be deferred for a period outside

that time frame, the payment will not be

included.

Qualifying income: $5000

New mortgage payment: $2000

All other obligations: $400

Monthly debt payments

The payments shown on

your credit report will be

used to qualify you. If the

payments are incorrect,

you will be asked to

provide proof of the correct

payment.

Co-signed loans

If you co-signed for someone on a loan and

that loan is showing on your credit report, the

payment will be included in the ratios unless

you are able to provide evidence that the other

person on that loan has been making the

monthly payments from an account that you

are NOT a co-owner on.

Alimony/child support

You will be expected to

truthfully declare that

you pay alimony or child

support. You will be asked

to provide your divorce

decree and/or child support

order to verify the amounts.

Non-purchasing spouse

You should be aware that if you purchasing a home

in a community property state such as California

and are married, your spouse’s credit report will be

required. His/her debts will be included in the ratio

calculations even if he/she is not going to be on the

purchase or loan.

Home

Documentation Checklist

Joel Lobb
Mortgage Loan Officer

Individual NMLS ID #57916

American Mortgage Solutions, Inc.

10602 Timberwood Circle 

Louisville, KY 40223

Company NMLS ID #1364

click here for directions to our office

Text/call:      502-905-3708

fax:            502-327-9119
email:          kentuckyloan@gmail.com

https://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com/

Fill out my form!

How to apply for a Kentucky VA Home Loan?

• Kentucky VA guaranteed home loans benefit veterans because they do not need to make a down payment and there is no upper limit or required cap on the income of the borrower.  Without a down payment as security against foreclosure, lenders receive a certificate of guaranty from VA. 
•  In essence, as gratitude for honorable military service, the government is vouching for the veteran's trustworthiness to repay his/her debt.  

• To determine eligibility, a military veteran, active duty person, or a member of the national guard or selected reserves, must submit a VA Form 26-1880 (2 pages) (Form is now in a FILLABLE format - but people with Adobe 5.0 seem to have trouble with it) along with proof of service (DD Form 214, a statement of active duty, or proof of participation in the national guard or reserves) to the VA Eligibility Center, P.O. Box 100034, Attn. COE (@^@), Decatur, GA 30331. 
• 
  
•  Based on the applicant's length and type of service, VA issues a certificate for each person determined eligible to apply for a VA guaranteed home loan.  Check the status after ten days by calling 1 (888) 768-2132, option 1, between 8:00 - 4:00 Eastern time.

2. Viewing and Inspecting the Home

• Kentucky Home buyers usually use the services of state-licensed real estate agents to: determine an affordable price range, suggest certain home features suitable for the buyer, schedule home tours, negotiate sales contacts and hold earnest money deposits.  
• State-licensed real estate professional can explain the legal requirements for buyers and sellers, and can refer buyers to local lenders and certified home inspectors.  Buyers should accompany their preferred home inspector during the inspection of the property to ask questions about the home's systems.  

3. Requesting the Loan

• Kentucky Home buyers may want to contact a lender even before they sign a contract for a home, so that they can be pre-approved to determine their maximum mortgage amount.  Home buyers who wish to obtain a VA guaranteed loan should make sure that the sales contract includes a phrase, sometimes called a financing contingency, making the contract subject to approval for a Kentucky VA guaranteed loan.  
• Lenders verify and review past and present job and credit history of home applicants and compare it with VA loan approval guidelines.  If the documents with the loan request cannot be approved, then additional written information must be presented to the lender or the Kentucky VA for further consideration.

• Kentucky VA Lender Appraisal Processing Program (LAPP) lenders can process loans faster than other lenders. Kentucky VA LAPP lenders do not need to send any paperwork to VA until after the home sale is closed. VA's long-standing policy is not to recommend any specific lender.

• VA recommends that buyers compare lending terms among several lenders in order to find the best combination of interest rates, discount points, and other negotiable costs for a Kentucky VA guaranteed loan.

4. Appraising the Property

• When an eligible veteran contacts a lender to request a Kentucky VA guaranteed loan, the lender obtains a VA number for the request via the Internet.  The lender uses the VA number to monitor progress of the appraisal and loan application.  The lender also sends a VA form to a state-licensed real estate appraiser who will visit the home to give the lender and VA an opinion of the market value of the property. 
•  The appraisal tells the lender and VA whether the property is expected to be adequate collateral for the requested loan.  Neither the appraisal of the home nor the VA guaranty is a warranty from constructional defects and their resulting repair costs.  Builders and brokers can issue warranties for the condition of the home's structure and systems.

5. Closing the Sale

• If the loan and home are approved, the buyer needs to contact a state-licensed insurance agent who will provide homeowner coverage to protect the owner and lender from property damage and loss.  
• Title to the home is usually examined and insured by a title insurance company that may also prepare closing documents and enter them into public records after the closing. After the home is purchased and the loan is originated, the lender usually sells the active loan to another company which will receive the loan payments and pay the real estate taxes and insurance premiums. 

6. Closing Costs for Kentucky VA Home Loans

• VA regulates the closing costs that a veteran can be charged when obtaining a VA home loan. The closing cost regulation is designed to keep lenders from charging veterans those closing costs that VA has determined as being beneficial to the lender and not necessarily beneficial to the veteran. For a list of allowable and unallowable closing costs, please follow the link below.

• 
  

• A List of Allowable and Unallowable VA Closing Costs.    

7. Prequalifying Worksheet

• The Prequalifying Worksheet will give you a general idea of what you can afford, and whether you are within VA underwriting guidelines for approval.  This Prequalifying Worksheet is not a commitment to lend, nor can it be used to determine whether a lender will approve the Kentucky VA loan.   Please note, the Prequalifying Worksheet is in Excel format.   Prequalifying Worksheet    

Mortgage Application Checklist of Documents Needed 

below  👇

W-2 forms (previous 2 years)
Paycheck stubs (last 30 days - most current)
Employer name and address (2 year history including any gaps)
Bank accounts statement (recent 2 months – all pages
Statements for 401(k)s, stocks and other investments (most recent)
federal tax returns (previous 2 years)
Residency history (2 year history)
Photo identification for applicant and co-applicant (valid Driver’s License







Joel Lobb (NMLS#57916)

Senior Loan Officer

American Mortgage Solutions, Inc.
10602 Timberwood Circle Suite 3
Louisville, KY 40223

Company ID #1364 | MB73346

Text/call 502-905-3708

kentuckyloan@gmail.com


If you are an individual with disabilities who needs accommodation, or you are having difficulty using our website to apply for a loan, please contact us at 502-905-3708.


Disclaimer: No statement on this site is a commitment to make a loan. Loans are subject to borrower qualifications, including income, property evaluation, sufficient equity in the home to meet Loan-to-Value requirements, and final credit approval. Approvals are subject to underwriting guidelines, interest rates, and program guidelines and are subject to change without notice based on applicant's eligibility and market conditions. Refinancing an existing loan may result in total finance charges being higher over the life of a loan. Reduction in payments may reflect a longer loan term. Terms of any loan may be subject to payment of points and fees by the applicant Equal Opportunity Lender. NMLS#57916http://www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org/

NMLS Consumer Access for Joel Lobb 

Accessibility for Website 

Privacy Policy

Mortgage Overlays Explained

Overlays Explained

By Realty Times Published Dec 15, 2021 11:18 am

What’s an Overlay? An Overlay is a mortgage industry term that highlights an additional qualifying requirement(s) beyond what the guidelines issued by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. FHA, VA and USDA loans can also have overlays. These guidelines are set forth for several reasons, but one is to provide lenders with mortgage program stability as well as allowing lenders to sell loans, either individually or ‘in bulk.

Think about that for a moment. If there were no secondary market at some point the mortgage company would run out of money to lend. When a lender makes a loan, it draws down some money from its credit line and replenishes that credit line once the loan(s) is sold. This process occurs over and over again.

Overlays can also be used to target a specific type or class of borrower. To reduce risk, a lender might ask for a greater down payment than is originally required. Let’s look at credit scores as an example. While Fannie might ask for a minimum credit score to be 680 a lender might decide to up the ante a bit and set the minimum score at 700.

Catering to different groups means catering to a particular market or class of borrower. One lender may continue to stand firm with a 680 score while another decides 700 is better. Many borrowers may not know about this dynamic. This can mean applying for a mortgage at a mortgage company, getting declined and thinking that all lenders are the same and stop their search for a new home. All they really needed to do was to continue shopping for a lender who would approve the very same loan, just without the harsher overlays.

If a lender asks for a 680 score your loan officer will know where to send a loan with a sub-700 FICO. These overlays can be placed on both conventional as well as government-backed mortgages. The government-backed mortgages are those underwritten to FHA, VA and USDA program guidelines.

Overlays can come and go over time. A lender might set forth a new overlay and then a year later remove it or even enhance it. It’s completely up to the individual lender as long as the loan is approved using established guidelines. What lenders can’t do is weaken guidelines. There are no overlays to drop the minimum score requirement from 680 to 650, for example. Doing so would mean the mortgage didn’t meet program guidelines and the loan could no longer be sold. Overlays help protect the lender while at the same time providing borrowers with additional choices.

Finally, lenders can’t dilute loan program requirements. In other words, lenders can’t apply an overlay to lessen the requirements. Reducing approval requirements means the loan won’t have the minimum features that secondary markets require. If a lender does in fact reduce the requirements the loan can still be made, it’s just that the lender can expect to keep the loan in its own possession for the life of the loan.

One important concept you should familiarize yourself with is the “lender overlay,” which is essentially an expanded guideline (or set of guidelines) on top of what Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, or the FHA/VA will allow.

Think of it as a second coat of paint, applied after the primer. The primer is the bare minimum necessary, but you don’t see people driving around too often without that second coat.

The same goes for mortgages. Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, and the FHA/VA all set underwriting guidelines for residential mortgages, but they don’t actually lend directly to consumers.

Their job is to purchase and/or securitize the home loans that fit their guidelines, which is why they exist to begin with. Essentially, to keep the mortgage market liquid.

By doing so, lenders are able to sell their loans more easily, knowing they fit certain pre-determined criteria, which allows them to originate more loans via that increased liquidity.

Written by David Reed for www.RealtyTimes.com Copyright © 2022 Realty Times All Rights Reserved. Reed is from Austin, Texas and is the author of The Real Estate Investor’s Guide to Financing, Your Guide to VA Loans and Decoding the New Mortgage Market. A Senior Loan Officer and Mortgage Executive for more than 20 years, he has also appeared on CNN, CNBC, Fox Business, Fox and Friends and the Today In New York show.

Kentucky Mortgage Forbearance Guidelines

Kentucky First Time Home Buyer Programs For Home Mortgage Loans: Kentucky Mortgage Forbearance Guidelines for Fanni...: 

Conventional Mortgage Loans by Fannie Mae

Mortgage credit history for any mortgage which the borrower is obligated as borrower, co-borrower, or co-signer may be

considered acceptable if it meets one of the following:

 The borrower has made all payments due on time, prior to subject loan Note date, even though the loan was in

forbearance, or

 The borrower has not made one or more payments due, and the late payments or forbearance has been resolved

per one of these acceptable resolution plans:

Resolution Plans* Eligibility Requirements

Reinstatement ▪ Any missed payments must be made

▪ Funds to reinstate after application must be documented from eligible source

▪ Funds from the current transaction may not be used to reinstate mortgage

Repayment Plan ▪ Must have made 3 timely** payments under the repayment plan, or

▪ Repayment plan has been completed

▪ Funds from the current transaction may satisfy the existing mortgage in full

Payment Deferral ▪ Must have made 3 timely** payments after executing the deferral agreement

▪ Funds from the current transaction may satisfy the existing mortgage in full

Modification ▪ Must have made 3 timely** payments under trial modification

▪ Funds from the current transaction may satisfy the existing mortgage in full

Any Other Loss Mitigation Option ▪ Must have completed successfully or made a minimum of 3 timely payments

▪ Funds from the current transaction may satisfy the existing mortgage in full

*If loan was in forbearance, provide documentation from servicer showing the exit from forbearance into one of the

acceptable resolution plans.

** Payments cannot be made in advance to meet the 3 required payments.

 For purposes of determining acceptable mortgage payment history, missed payments under a COVID-19 forbearance

are not considered late payments.

 The above guidance does not apply to Freddie Mac Enhanced Refinance or Fannie Mae High LTV Refinance

transactions.

Fannie Mae FAQs: https://singlefamily.fanniemae.com/media/22326/display

Freddie Mac Bulletin 2020-17: https://guide.freddiemac.com/app/guide/bulletin/2020-17

Freddie Mac FAQs: https://sf.freddiemac.com/general/covid-19-selling-faq

VA ELIGIBILITY

 Borrowers must provide a Letter of Explanation (LOE) stating the circumstances behind the forbearance.

Documentation will be required to verify the items listed in the LOE have been resolved.

 If the forbearance was on a non-subject property, the forbearance must be resolved, and new payment (if

applicable) must be included in the DTI.

 A Veteran who was granted a forbearance and continues to make payments as agreed under the terms of original

note is not considered delinquent or late and will be treated as if not in forbearance status, provided that the

forbearance plan is terminated prior to closing.

Cash-Out Refinances

 Refinance of mortgages that are in a current forbearance status, where mortgage payments are not being made,

including mortgages under the CARES Act forbearance protection program, are not eligible. The forbearance plan

must be completed/terminated prior to closing.

 Borrower in forbearance with missed payments- Borrower must have made 6 consecutive months’ timely payments

post-forbearance, regardless of method of resolution of the forbearance.

 Missed payments due to COVID-19 forbearance cannot count toward seasoning. Borrower must have made six

consecutive monthly payments prior to the CARES Act forbearance or six consecutive payments will be required post

forbearance. In addition, loans that have been modified must meet seasoning requirements based on the modified

note first payment date. The new note date must be on or after the later of: The date that is 210 days after the date

on which the first modified monthly payment was due on the mortgage being refinanced, and the date on which 6

modified payments have been made on the mortgage being refinanced.

IRRRL Refinances

 Borrowers must be current at time of application (any skipped payments under a COVID-19 forbearance have since

been made).

 Borrower in forbearance with no missed payments- standard underwriting applies.

 Borrower in forbearance with missed payments- Borrower must have made 6 consecutive months’ timely payments

post-forbearance.

 Loans must still meet loan seasoning, fee recoupment, discount points, and net tangible benefit requirements.

 Missed payments due to COVID-19 forbearance cannot count toward seasoning. Borrower must have made six

consecutive monthly payments prior to the CARES Act forbearance or will need to make six consecutive payments

post forbearance. In addition, loans that have been modified must meet seasoning requirements based on the

modified note first payment date. The new note date must be on or after the later of: The date that is 210 days after

the date on which the first modified monthly payment was due on the mortgage being refinanced, and the date on

which 6 modified payments have been made on the mortgage being refinanced.

References VA Circular 26-20-25: https://www.benefits.va.gov/HOMELOANS/documents/circulars/26-20-25.pdf

FHA ELIGIBILITY

*NOTE: FHA Guidance is permanent, not temporary, and applies where a Forbearance Plan was granted due to COVID-19, Presidentially Declared major

disaster or other hardship. This new guidance has been included in the updated 4000.1 Handbook.

Payment

History

Documentation

When any mortgage reflects payments under a Modification or Forbearance Plan within 12 months prior to case number

assignment, obtain:

 Copy of Modification or Forbearance Plan* and

 Evidence the payment amount and the date of payments during the agreement

* A copy of Forbearance Plan due to the COVID-19 National Emergency is not required. Must be able to determine the reason for

forbearance.

Borrowers that are or were in Forbearance

Maximum base loan amount for a Streamline of an owner-occupied primary residence and HUD-approved second home is

the lesser of:

 The outstanding principal balance of the existing mortgage (including suspended payments from forbearance) as of

the month prior to mortgage disbursement; plus:

o Interest due on the existing mortgage

o Late charges and escrow shortages

o MIP due on existing mortgage; or

 The original principal balance of the existing mortgage (including financed UFMIP)

 Less any refund of UFMIP

New FHA Insured Mortgage Eligibility

 Any active forbearance plan must be terminated.

 Borrowers granted forbearance but who continued to make all payments as agreed under the terms of original Note

are not considered delinquent. No additional payment seasoning post forbearance required.

 Borrowers granted forbearance but who did not continue to make payments require additional mortgage payment

seasoning post-forbearance that document satisfactory, consecutive monthly payments. See chart below for details:

Transaction Additional Requirements

Purchase Must make three consecutive payments* post-forbearance or

▪ If home sold prior to making three payments, must be manually underwritten

Cash-Out Refinance Must make 12 consecutive payments* post-forbearance

GNMA Seasoning: Loans that have been modified must meet seasoning

requirements based on the modified note first payment date.

No Cash Out Refinance Must make three consecutive payments* post-forbearance (six payments if

mortgage was modified after forbearance)

Simple Refinance Must make three consecutive payments* post-forbearance

*NOTE: The consecutive payments must be documented on the credit report and read by AUS to follow AUS approval.

Streamline Refinance  Missed payments under forbearance do not count toward mortgage

seasoning requirements

 If mortgage modified after forbearance, six payments under

modification required.

Non-Credit Qualifying

 At time of case number assignment, borrower has made three post

forbearance payments.

Credit Qualifying

 At time of case number assignment, borrower is still in mortgage

payment forbearance or has made less than three monthly payments,

and

 Has made all mortgage payments due within the month due for the six

months prior to forbearance

***ALL Streamlines: GNMA Seasoning: Loans that have been modified must

meet seasoning requirements based on the modified note first payment date.

References FHA Mortgagee Letter 2020-30:

  https://www.hud.gov/sites/dfiles/OCHCO/documents/2020-30hsgml.pdf

USDA ELIGIBILITY

 For each open mortgage, confirm the forbearance status and payment history.

 Borrowers who have a current mortgage that was placed in COVID-19 forbearance, but continued to make all

payments as scheduled, are not subject to additional seasoning.

 Purchases: Borrowers who missed any payments as allowed under the forbearance plan must have resumed

repayment of their mortgage loan for a period of at least 3 months prior to applying for a new loan.

 Refinances: the loan must have closed at least 12 months prior to the request to refinance, borrower must have

resumed making payments for a period of at least 3 months and have a total 180-day period of satisfactory

payments, excluding the time the loan was in forbearance.

References SFHGLP FAQs: https://www.rd.usda.gov/sites/default/files/RD-GRH-OriginationServicingFAQs.pdf

LOANS MADE TO BORROWERS POST-FORBEARANCE

The guidance herein is based on Agency and Investor eligibility. The below is a summary and not all-inclusive of Agency announcements. For full

Agency guidance see the Resources section under each program section below.

IN ALL CASES THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS APPLY:

 BORROWER MAY NOT BE IN FORBEARANCE ON THE SUBJECT PROPERTY MORTGAGE OR ANY OTHER NON-SUBJECT PROPERTY

MORTGAGES AT THE TIME OF LOAN CLOSING.

 Explanation from Borrower(s) for forbearance reason and how any hardship has been overcome is required. If borrower faced hardship,

documentation supporting resolution is required. (e.g. borrower was furloughed for a time and is now back to work and employer

documentation supports).

 Payment history required for most recent 12-months to see payment made dates to determine if borrower skipped any payments.

 Documentation from servicer that forbearance has ended.

 Asset sourcing to document funds for any lump-sum payments made to reinstate/bring mortgage current- 2 months consecutive

statements required.

 If borrower entered into modification/work out plan rather than reinstating the forbearance, a copy of plan must be obtained. See

applicable Agency guidance for eligibility in this case.

Joel Lobb
Mortgage Loan Officer

Individual NMLS ID #57916

American Mortgage Solutions, Inc.

10602 Timberwood Circle 

Louisville, KY 40223

Company NMLS ID #1364

click here for directions to our office

Text/call:      502-905-3708

fax:            502-327-9119
email:          kentuckyloan@gmail.com

https://www.mylouisvillekentuckymortgage.com/

 

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