8 things you need to know about the new housing rescue bill

1. Nothing's free! And neither is that FHA tax rebate of $7,500. If you take that rebate, you'll have to pay back the $7,500 in equal installments on your income taxes over the next 15 years, 2 yrs after the purchase.
2. The maximum combined loan to value is 100%, period; not dependent on sales prices, area, and new construction, etc. Maximum Loan To Value, however, is 96.5%. That means the minimum down payment is now 3.5%.
3. Say good bye to Seller-paid Down Payment assistance. That means Nehemiah is "no mas".
4. You can, however, not only accept gift money from family, but a "loan" from family, up to 100%. Congratulations, you're now deeply in debt to your mother-in-law! Fun! :(
5. All this takes place as of October 1, 2008 with some of the new law's provisions taking effect in January 1, 2009 (new loan limits, for example).
6. This one is important: the maximum upfront mtg insurance premium (MIP) is increased from 2.25% to 3%, and upfront premiums for first time home buyers completing approved homebuyer counseling is increased from a max of 2% to 2.75%. Annual premiums remain unchanged.
7. Permanently increased loan limits! From $271, 050 ($288,750 in Austin) up to $625,500 in high-cost areas, limit one house per family, and depending on your area's median household price, an increase of at least 3%.
8. Most importantly, an increase in FHA's role of helping at-risk borrowers, up to $300 billion. This will help help roughly 325k people keep their homes over the next few years. The cost of this new program will be funded by fees from Fannie and Freddie.
There's much to like and much to dislike with this new bill, #HR 3221. Please feel free to call any of us at FSHL, 512,358-1700, and we'll be more than happy to explain in further detail.