First let us start with a quick explanation of how the product works. With Interest Only loans, the borrower has the flexibility of paying only the interest due on the mortgage. Most of these products allow you to pay extra if you choose.

The positive aspects of these loans are as follows:

• They work well for borrowers that are restricted by a tight budget, and the savings can be as much as $300-400 per month!
• Interest Only loans may allow you to qualify for a bigger home. If the underwriter considers only the ”Interest Only” payment, you may be able to upgrade to a nicer or larger home.
• This type of loan works well for people who only want to stay in a home for just a few years. During the first couple of years with a conventional 30-year mortgage, most of your mortgage payment is being applied directly to the interest of the loan. If you want to stay in the house for only 3-5 years, an “Interest Only” loan may be the right loan for you. You can receive a lower payment and have almost the same principal balance as the borrower who chose a 30-year, conventional mortgage if you choose to sell in 3-5 years.
• You want to buy a very expensive home. Most people who buy very expensive home have no desire to pay off their home completely, and the rate of appreciation on the house is usually very good. An “Interest Only” loan allows these borrowers to deduct their interest payments, and the money they save can be directed to other investments.
• You want to buy a rental property. The lower payment can help improve cash flow on a rental property.

As with every loan program, with positives there are always negatives.

• You are not paying down your principal on your mortgage. If your property doesn’t appreciate in value over those 3-5 years, you may even have to pay money if you choose to sell the home.
• Most “Interest Only” products have a specified term. For example, on most 30-year fixed “Interest Only” loans, most lenders allow interest payments for 10 years, and then you must repay the loan during the last 20 years. This loan now must be amortized over a 20-year period, and this will carry a higher payment than a 30-year fixed mortgage. These loans may be a good option for you as a borrower, but each person’s situation is unique.
• Lastly, when in a period of incredibly low fixed rates, “Interest Only” products will be very attractive. But if you are planning on staying in your home for an extended period of time, you may want to consider a traditional fixed product.

At the end of the loan term there is still a remaining principal loan balance, and the mortgage company generally requires that the loan be paid in full, which can be accomplished by refinancing. Many companies have other options such as a conversion feature at the end of the term. For example, the loan may convert to a 30-year fixed loan at the thirty year market rate plus 3/8 of a percentage point. Your conversion can be guaranteed based on certain criteria such as having made your last 24 payments on time. The balloon mortgage program with the conversion option is often called a 7/23 Convertible or 5/25 Convertible.

The monthly weighted average 11th District has been published by the Federal Home Loan Bank of San Francisco since August 1981. Currently more than one half of the savings institutions loans made in California are tied to the 11th District Cost of Funds (COFI) index.

The Federal Home Loan Bank’s 11th District is comprised of saving institutions in Arizona, California and Nevada. The index is published on the last day of the month and reflects the cost of funds for the prior month.

Few people who use and follow the 11th District Cost of Funds understand exactly how it is calculated, what it represents, how it moves and what factors affect it.

This index, which varies, is used by lenders such as Home Savings of America to adjust interest rates as economic conditions change. They then add a certain number of percentage points called a margin, which doesn’t vary, to the index to establish the interest rate you must pay. When this index goes up, interest rates on any loans tied to it also go up. COFI usually lags market interest rates in both up and down markets. That means loans tied to this index rise and fall more slowly than rates in general.

ARMs with different indices are available for both purchases and refinances. Choosing an ARM with an index that reacts quickly lets you take full advantage of falling interest rates. An index that lags behind the market lets you take advantage of lower rates after market rates have started to adjust upward.

The interest rate and monthly payment can change based on adjustments to the index rate.

Index

The index of an ARM is a published measure of economic conditions usually relative to other financial instruments such as Treasury notes or Treasury bills. Other common indices are the 1-Year Treasury Security, LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate), Prime, 6-Month Certificate of Deposit (CD) and the 11th District Cost of Funds (COFI). Each of these indices move up or down based on conditions of the financial markets.

Margin

The margin is one of the most important aspects of ARMs because it is added to the index to determine the interest rate that you pay. The margin added to the index is known as the fully indexed rate. As an example if the current index value is 5.50% and your loan has a margin of 2.5%, your fully indexed rate is 8.00%. Margins on loans range from 1.75% to 3.5% depending on the index and the amount financed in relation to the property value.

Interim Caps

All adjustable rate loans carry interim caps. Many ARMs have interest rate caps of six months or a year. There are loans that have interest rate caps of three years. Interest rate caps are beneficial in rising interest rate markets, but can also keep your interest rate higher than the fully indexed rate if rates are falling rapidly.

Payment Caps

Some loans have payment caps instead of interest rate caps. These loans reduce payment shock in a rising interest rate market, but can allow  deferred interest or “negative amortization”. This means the payment is not sufficient to pay all of the interest due and the unpaid interest is added to the balance of the loan.  These loans generally cap your annual payment increases to 7.5% of the previous payment.

Lifetime Caps

Almost all ARMs have a maximum interest rate or lifetime interest rate cap. The lifetime cap varies from company to company and loan to loan. This is the maximum interest rate that could be charged on your loan.  Loans with low lifetime caps usually have higher margins, and the reverse is also true. Those loans that carry low margins often have higher lifetime caps.

However, the interest rate changes at specified intervals (for example, every year) depending on changing market conditions; if interest rates go up, your monthly mortgage payment will go up, too. However, if rates go down, your mortgage payment will drop also.

There are also mortgages that combine aspects of fixed and adjustable rate mortgages – starting at a low fixed rate for seven to ten years, for example, then adjusting to market conditions. Ask your Home Savings Community Banker about these and other special kinds of mortgages that fit your specific financial situation.

Fixed rate mortgages are available for 30 years, 20 years, 15 years and even 10 years. There are also “biweekly” mortgages, which shorten the loan by calling for half the monthly payment every two weeks. (Since there are 52 weeks in a year, you make 26 payments, or 13 “months” worth, every year.)

Fixed rate fully amortizing loans have two distinct features. First, the interest rate remains fixed for the life of the loan. Secondly, the payments remain level for the life of the loan and are structured to repay the loan at the end of the loan term. The most common fixed rate loans are 15 year and 30 year mortgages.

During the early amortization period, a large percentage of the monthly payment is used for paying the interest. As the loan is paid down, more of the monthly payment is applied to principal. A typical 30 year fixed rate mortgage takes 22.5 years of level payments to pay half of the original loan amount.

A reverse mortgage is a special type of loan made to older homeowners to enable them to convert the equity in their home to cash to finance living expenses, home improvements, in home health care, or other needs.

With a reverse mortgage, the payment stream is “reversed.” That is, payments are made by the lender to the borrower, rather than monthly repayments by the borrower to the lender, as occurs with a regular home purchase mortgage.

A reverse mortgage is a sophisticated financial planning tool that enables seniors to stay in their home or “age in place” and maintain or improve their standard of living without taking on a monthly mortgage payment. The process of obtaining a reverse mortgage involves a number of different steps.

A reverse mortgage is different from a home equity loan or line of credit, which many banks and thrifts offer. With a home equity loan or line of credit, an applicant must meet certain income and credit requirements, begin monthly repayments immediately, and the home can have an existing first mortgage on it. In addition, there is no restriction on the age of borrowers.

In general, reverse mortgages are limited to borrowers 62 years or older who own their home free and clear of debt or nearly so, and the home is free of tax liens.

Borrowers usually have a choice of receiving the proceeds from a reverse mortgage in the form of a lump sum payment, fixed monthly payments for life, or line of credit. Some types of reverse mortgages also allow fixed monthly payments for a finite time period, or a combination of monthly payments and line of credit. The interest rate charged on a reverse mortgage is usually an adjustable rate that changes monthly or yearly. However, the size of monthly payments received by the senior doesn’t change.

Some reverse mortgage products also involve the purchase of an annuity that can assure continued monthly income to the senior homeowner even after they sell the home.

The size of reverse mortgage that a senior homeowner can receive depends on the type of reverse mortgage, the borrower’s age and current interest rates, and the home’s property value. The older the applicant is, the larger the monthly payments or line of credit. This is because of the use of projected life expectancies in determining the size of reverse mortgages.

Seniors do not have to meet income or credit requirements to qualify for a reverse mortgage.

Unlike a home purchase mortgage or home equity loan, a reverse mortgage doesn’t require monthly repayments by the borrower to the lender. A reverse mortgage isn’t repayable until the borrower no longer occupies the home as his or her principal residence.

This can occur if the sole remaining borrower dies, the borrower sells the home, or the borrower moves out of the home, say, to a nursing home.

The repayment obligation for a reverse mortgage is equal to the principal balance of the loan, plus accrued interest, plus any finance charges paid for through the mortgage. This repayment obligation, however, can’t exceed the value of the home.

The loan may be repaid by the borrower or by the borrower’s family or estate, with or without a sale of the home. If the home is sold and the sale proceeds exceed the repayment obligation, the excess funds go to the borrower or borrower’s estate. If the sales proceeds are less than the amount owed, the shortfall is usually covered by insurance or some other party and is not the responsibility of the borrower or borrower’s estate. In general, the repayment obligation of the borrower or borrower’s estate can’t exceed the value of the property.

In general, a borrower can’t be forced to sell their home to repay a reverse mortgage as long as they occupy the home, even if the total of the monthly payments to the borrower exceeds the value of the home

To be considered for a low down payment loan, Home Savings of America lending experts say you generally need to have:

• Sufficient income to support the monthly mortgage payment
• Enough cash to cover the down payment
• Sufficient cash to cover normal closing costs and related expenses (explained below)
• A good credit background that indicates your payment history or “willingness to pay”
• Sufficient appraisal value, which shows the house is at least equal to the purchase price
• In some instances, a cash reserve equivalent to two monthly mortgage payments

Closing costs, or settlement costs, are paid when the home buyer and the seller meet to exchange the necessary papers for the house to be legally transferred. On the average, closing costs run approximately 2% to 3% of the house price. This percentage may vary, depending on where you live.

Closing costs include the loan origination fee (if not already paid), points, prepaid homeowner’s insurance, appraisal fee, lawyer’s fee, recording fee, title search and insurance, tax adjustments, agent commissions, mortgage insurance (if you are putting less than 20% down), and other expenses. Your Home Savings Community Banker will give you a more exact estimate of your closing costs.

Points are finance charges that are calculated at closing. Each point equals 1% of the loan amount. For example, 2 points on a $100,000 loan equals $2,000. Companies may charge 1, 2 or 3 points in upfront costs in addition to the down payment. The more points you pay, the lower your interest rate will be. In some cases, you may be able to finance the points.

So How Much of a Mortgage Can You Afford?

There are two basic formulas commonly used to determine how much of a mortgage you can reasonably afford. These formulas are called qualifying ratios because they estimate the amount of money you should spend on mortgage payments in relation to your income and other expenses.

It is important to remember that the following ratios may vary and each application is handled on an individual basis, so the guidelines are just that — guidelines. There are many affordability programs, both government and conventional, that have more lenient requirements for low and moderate income families.

Many of these programs involve financial counseling for low and moderate income people interested in buying a home and in return, offer more lenient requirements.

Generally speaking, to qualify for conventional loans, housing expenses should not exceed 26% to 28% of your gross monthly income. For FHA loans, the ratio is 29% of gross monthly income. Monthly housing costs include the mortgage principal, interest, taxes, and insurance, often abbreviated PITI. For example, if your annual income is $30,000, your gross monthly income is $2,500, times 28% = $700. So you would probably qualify for a conventional home loan that requires monthly payments of $700.

Any expenses that extend 11 months or more into the future are termed long term debt, such as a car loan. Total monthly costs, including PITI and all other long term debt, should equal no greater than 33% to 36% of your gross monthly income for conventional loans. Using the same example, $2,500 x 36% = $900. So the total of your monthly housing expenses plus any long term debts each month cannot exceed $900. For FHA the ratio is 41%.

Maximum Allowable Monthly Housing Expense
26% – 28% of gross monthly income – Conventional
29% of gross monthly income – FHA

Maximum Allowable Monthly Housing Expense and Long Term Debt
33% – 36% of gross monthly income – Conventional
41% of gross monthly income – FHA

When budgeting to buy a home, it is important to allow enough money for additional expenses such as maintenance and insurance costs. If you are purchasing an existing home, gather information such as utility cost averages and maintenance costs from previous owners or tenants to help you better prepare for home ownership.

Homeowner’s insurance or property insurance is another cost you will have to consider. Home Savings of America or the lending institution holding the mortgage will require insurance in an amount sufficient to cover the loan. However, to protect the full value of your investment, you might want to consider purchasing insurance that provides the full replacement cost if the home is destroyed. Some insurance only provides a fixed dollar amount which may be insufficient to rebuild a badly damaged house.

How do I apply for a VA guaranteed loan?

You can apply for a VA loan at any mortgage company that participates in the VA home loan program. At some point, you will need to get a Certificate of Eligibility from VA to prove to the mortgage company that you are eligible for a VA loan.

How do I get a Certificate of Eligibility?

To get a Certificate of Eligibility, you need to submit form 26-1880, Request for Determination of Eligibility and Available Loan Guaranty Entitlement. A copy of the form can be obtained by calling 800-827-1000. Send it to any VA Regional Office. You must include a copy of your DD-214 with the form 26-1880. If you are on active duty, you must submit a statement of service signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters showing date of entry on your current active duty period and the duration of any time lost.

I have already received one VA loan. Can I get another one?

Yes, depending on the circumstances. If you have paid off your prior VA loan and disposed of the property, you can have your entitlement fully restored for additional use. To obtain restoration of entitlement, you must send VA a completed VA Form 26-1880, along with evidence that the property has been disposed of and the loan repaid in full. This evidence can be in the form of a payoff statement from the former mortgage company, or a copy of the HUD-1 settlement statement completed in connection with the sale of the property. The application can be presented to any VA Regional Office. A veteran can also obtain restoration of entitlement, on a one time basis, if the prior VA loan has been paid in full but the property has not been sold.

- For high cost areas, VA will provide 25% entitlement up to the maximum allowed for the subject property county; see 2010 VA loans limits for details, on the VA website at www.homeloans.va.gov/docs/2010_county_loan_limits.pdf

- For loan amounts greater than the conforming or county loan limits, and for veterans without a full guaranty entitlement, the VA guaranty or a combination of the VA guaranty plus the veteran’s down payment and/or equity must be equal to at least 25% of the subject property’s estimated reasonable value as documented in the Notice of Value (NOV). Helpful examples for determining guaranty entitlement can be found at www.homeloans.va.gov/docs/guaranty_calculation_examples.pdf

- In order to meet Secondary Marketing requirements, the Veteran must have entitlement or equity available in an amount equal to 25% of the loan amount. The loan amount calculation for ensuring 25% coverage on purchases and cashout refinances is as follows:

- 75% x (the lesser of purchase price or appraised value) + available entitlement = maximum base loan amount.

I have sold the property I obtained with my prior VA loan on an assumption. Why can’t I get my entitlement restored to purchase a new home?

In this case your entitlement can be restored only if the assumer is also an eligible veteran who is willing to substitute his or her entitlement for that of your original entitlement. Otherwise, you cannot have entitlement restored until the assumer has paid off the VA loan.

My prior VA loan was assumed, the assumer defaulted on the loan, and VA paid a claim to the mortgage company. VA said it wasn’t my fault and waived the debt. Now I need a new VA loan but am told that I am not eligible. Why not? or My prior loan was foreclosed on, or I gave a Deed in Lieu of Foreclosure, or VA paid a compromise claim. I was released from liability on the loan and/or the debt was waived. Can I get another VA loan?

Although your debt was waived by VA, the Government has still suffered a loss on the loan. The law does not permit your entitlement to be restored until the loss has been repaid in full.