USDA Rural Development – 2010 Census Update

I’ve written about the USDA Rural Development loan program a number of times in the past. I’m fond of the program as it opens the door to many homebuyers who don’t have the down payment funds available to purchase a home. One trick to the program is the requirement that the home needs to [...]

USDA Home Loans- What every home buyer should know Part I

The program basics are the same for all areas but local experts will know how to quickly identify if the areas you’re shopping are eligible (this program can only be used in areas designated as rural by the USDA) and if your income is within the limits for that area (there are income limitations for [...]

How Will the Government Shut Down Affect the Mortgage Industry?

As we get closer to a potential government shut down, I’ve seen several reports on how this will affect the housing market and the mortgage industry. Some of the information is accurate but there are some consequences that have not been mentioned. The largest impact will be directly to mortgage loans that are being contracted [...]

How Long Do I Have to Wait to Buy a House After a Short Sale?

The answer to this question varies depending on the loan program a buyer is looking at, but most buyers who have past credit problems rely on FHA loans as their fastest track back to homeownership.  This is due to FHA’s lenient credit guidelines compared to conventional loan programs.  UPDATED: For guidelines on other programs, please [...]