The Obama Mortgage
What You Should Know About This Program?
The U.S. government has created several programs aimed at helping borrowers in financial trouble avoid foreclosure, stay in their homes, and make their mortgage payments more affordable. Some use a catch-all term, “Obama mortgage” to describe one or more of these programs. What is an Obama mortgage? How does the government offer help to borrowers who are worried about their mortgage payments?
The term “Obama mortgage” has, for better or worse, been applied by some to one or more of the following. You’ll find that there’s one program that’s directly referred to as an Obama mortgage-the Making Home Affordable program.
The official government website for Making Home Affordable has a list of options for borrowers who need mortgage help. Choosing the right program depends on your needs. Here’s a list of the programs found at the Making Home Affordable Website:
The Home Affordable Modification Program (HAMP)
This program is described on the official site for borrowers who want to lower monthly mortgage payments, "making them more affordable and sustainable for the long-term".
The Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP)
The HARP program is for homeowners who are current on mortgage payments but, “have had difficulty refinancing”. The official site says that even for borrowers who are “underwater” on their mortgages (owing more than the home is currently worth on the housing market), if mortgage is owned by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, HARP could be of assistance.
Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives (HAFA)
According to the official website, HAFA “provides homeowners the opportunity to exit their homes and be relieved of their remaining mortgage debt through a short sale or a deed-in-lieu of foreclosure (DIL). It also provides homeowners with $10,000 in relocation assistance”.
Home Affordable Unemployment Program (UP)
This program is designed to temporarily lower or suspend a qualifying borrower’s monthly mortgage payment, “giving you some much needed breathing room while you search for your next job” according to the official site.
Each of these programs has specific criteria borrowers will need to meet in order to qualify. Some programs require you to be current on your mortgage and apply before missing payments, etc. Othes may be available for those who have fallen behind on mortgage payments. Some of these programs will help borrowers keep their homes and stay in them, while at least one is designed as a short sale/foreclosure avoidance plan.
You can view specific details of these programs and more at the Making Home Affordable official site.
SEE YOUR CREDIT SCORES From All 3 Bureaus
Do you know what's on your credit report?
Learn what your score means.
FHA Loan Articles and Mortgage News
May 21, 2019 - If you're applying for an FHA home loan, you aren't forced to apply and be responsible for the debt all by yourself. FHA rules allow a co-borrower or cosigner to apply alongside the borrower.
May 17, 2019 - Do you need answers about pressing home loan questions such as how much your estimated down payment will be, how much you could pay on a monthly mortgage, and how much your seller is allowed to contribute toward your closing costs?
May 10, 2019 - First-time borrowers may wonder what steps they can take in the months leading up to a loan application that will help them get closer to loan approval. What does it take to get a lender to approve your mortgage loan application and put you on the road to owning your first real estate?
May 9, 2019 - Worried about the down payment for a home purchase? Some borrowers would rather hang on to their cash for home improvement projects, bills, student loans, or new furniture. FHA loans are designed to help with down payment issues in addition to providing more flexible credit requirements.
May 8, 2019 - Remember, it’s better to take longer to prepare for your refinance if you need to in order to fix things like payment history (a recommended 12 months of on-time payments for all bills) or correct identity theft issues on a credit report.
FHA.com Reviews
FHA.com is a one-stop resource for homebuyers who want to make the best decisions when it comes to their mortgage. With our detailed, mobile-friendly site, individuals can access information about different FHA products, the latest loan limits, and numerous other resources to make their homebuying experience easier. Take a look at some of the reviews from other FHA.com visitors!
