Texas Home Mortgages for Bad Credit: Why sub prime lending is making a comeback

Hard economic times have caused more Americans to have sub-prime credit scores leading to an increase in Texas home mortgages for bad credit programs and loan types. As interest rates rise more borrowers are using sub-prime loans to make home purchases and refinance high interest conventional loans.

With recent economic hardships, more and more Americans are finding themselves in the position of having a “fair” or even “poor” credit rating. Job loss, divorce, rising fuel prices and a host of other factors have led to nearly 25% of all credit using Americans to have a sub-prime credit rating, meaning their FICO score is less than 640. This can be a significant obstacle when it comes to purchasing or refinancing a home. Two types of loans that can help you purchase or refinance a home with bad credit are an FHA loan and an adjustable rate mortgage.

An FHA loan is a program for Texas home loan for bad credit borrowers. If you have bad credit, an FHA loan may be a good option for you to secure a home loan. An FHA loan is a government backed loan. Each month you pay extra insurance against default. The loan is secured by the Federal government so lenders are more likely to give them to borrowers with bad credit. In order to qualify for an FHA loan you will need to have 3.5% of the purchase price to put down. You will also pay extra for monthly mortgage insurance which can vary based on the amount of your loan. For many bad credit borrowers an FHA loan is a good path for homeownership. The Federal Housing Administration does not give out loans. In order to obtain an FHA loan you will need to find a mortgage broker, bank, or investment firm that is certified to give out FHA loans. The FHA provides mortgage insurance to the lender on their loans. This mortgage protects the lenders from losses due to homeowner default. The lenders bear less risk because the FHA will pay an insurance claim to the lender if the homeowner defaults on their loan the lender has to foreclose on the property. This insurance makes and FHA loan a good program for bad credit borrowers because a lender is more likely to make a loan to a borrower with bad credit if they have FHA insurance. However, borrowers with good credit can also apply for and receive an FHA loan. For prime borrowers, the small down payment option of an FHA loan is often an attractive feature.

Another type of loan that is making a resurgence recently is an adjustable rate mortgage or ARM. An adjustable rate mortgage is a mortgage with an interest rate that adjusts after a fixed period. The fixed period is anywhere from 1 to 7 years, with the most common terms being 3 or 5 years. During the initial fixed period, the interest rate on the loan is very low, usually lower than prime. This means that your monthly mortgage payments will be low. After the fixed term, the rate will adjust to a higher interest rate. This will increase your monthly payment amount due to the higher interest payments. When your interest rate does reset, it will be to a higher than prime rate.

Why Are ARMs Making a Comeback?

When interest rates on home mortgages rise, it has a big impact on the mortgage loan market. In late 2014, rates on tradition 40 year mortgages rose from about 3.5% to 4.5% or more. This significant increase had a dramatic effect on monthly mortgage payments for home buyers and made it harder for many borrowers to qualify for home loans. However, there is one type of loan that rates did not increase for and that is an adjustable rate mortgage or ARM. An ARM is typically consider an Texas home loans for bad credit or sub-prime borrowers program, but in the case of rising interest rates it can be a good option for prime borrowers as well.

Until recently, it only made sense for individuals looking for Texas home mortgages for bad credit to look into adjustable rate mortgages. With traditional mortgage rates low, prime borrowers could easily qualify for and afford the home they needed with a 30 year fixed rate. However, once interest rates rose, monthly payment amounts increased by hundreds of dollars each month and many borrowers were unable to qualify for the loan amount they needed. As a result, many prime borrowers benefited from an adjustable rate mortgage.

If you have bad credit or want to take advantage of the lower interest rates offered by an ARM or the lower down payment offered by an FHA loan, contact an Texas mortgage broker.

If you have bad credit, you have probably been turned away by a bank if you applied for a home loan. You may think that owning a home is impossible. However, there are a number of programs that can help you qualify for a home loan. The best first step is to ditch the bank and find a company that specializes in helping individuals and families figure outTexas mortgages for bad credit. A good

first stop is a mortgage broker. Unlike a bank, the broker does not actually loan out the money for a home loan. Instead he or she shops different banks to help you find the best loan for your purchase and credit situation. This allows more flexibility in terms of the types of loans that the broker can find as well as lenders. A mortgage broker or mortgage company can act as your intermediary and usually get you better loans and better terms than you could get by going straight to a bank, especially if you have bad credit.

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO

Level 4 Funding LLC
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444 
Texas Tel:     (512) 516-1177 
www.Level4Funding.com

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
23335 N 18th Drive Suite 120
Phoenix AZ 85027

Texas Subprime Mortgage for Regular Borrowers

A sub prime mortgage Texas is typically designed for borrowers who have bad credit to purchase Texas real estate.However, there are certain situations where prime borrowers can benefit from asub prime loan. Knowing the types of loans available can help you make aninformed mortgage decision.

A subprime mortgage is a loan given to a borrower who is considered to be a higher risk due to a poor credit score. Typically a subprime borrower has a credit score of less than 640, but this does vary. Since the lender is assuming a higher risk, the interest rate is also generally higher. Critics of subprime lending argue that it charges unfair interest rates and further burdens individuals with low incomes and high amounts of debt. However, if used correctly a sub prime mortgage, Texas can benefit all Texas home buyers, even those with good credit. There are several types of subprime mortgages available and each type has different advantages and risks. 

  

The most common type of Texas subprime mortgage offered in the state is an adjustable rate mortgage or ARM. An ARM starts out with a low interest rate that is locked in for a specified period of time, usually between 1 and 7 years. At the end of the term, the rate adjusts to a higher rate. ARMs earned a bad reputation in the mid-2000s for contributing to the foreclosure crisis. However, it is important to note that many of these ARMs were given to buyers with bad credit who overextended themselves by buying homes that were more expensive than they could afford. When the rate reset they could no long make their monthly payments.

Although the rate of ARMs does adjust with time, you can always refinance to either a lower fixed rate mortgage or even another adjustable rate mortgage. Taking advantage of the lower interest rates of an ARM could save you thousands on mortgage interest, giving you more money to pay off the balance of your loan. As a result, you can pay off your home sooner and pay significantly less interest.

Using an ARM to your Advantage

For many people, a traditional mortgage actually costs them money and simply does not make sense. Most people do not live in a home for 30 years, in fact the average time frame is 8 to 10 years. Even if they stay for longer, most people end up refinancing their mortgage at least once and some people refinance every 2 to 3 years. This ends up costing a significant amount in interest because in traditional home loans, you pay the majority of you interest during the first half of the loan term. Also, traditional 30 year loans charge a higher interest rate as a type of insurance for the lender. The lender assumes you will take 30 years to pay off the debt. 30 years is a long time and there is a chance that something could happen that would cause you to default. The lender charges you a higher interest rate to earn more money to keep as a type of insurance against default. The terms on an adjustable rate are only about 1 to 7 years so they can offer a lower interest rate since the term is shorter and less risky for the lender. An adjustable rate mortgage has a much lower interest rate than a traditional mortgage which can save you thousands of dollars over the loan term. Using this type of sub prime mortgage Arizona can save you significant amounts of money and should be considered by both prime and sub prime borrowers alike. Here are a few situations when an adjustable rate mortgage actually makes more sense than a traditional mortgage:

1.       You have bad credit, but you are working on it. An ARM is a fantastic option to help rebuild your credit score. If you know you will be able to qualify to refinance before the rate adjusts, it is a good way to get into a home and start rebuilding your credit score.

2.       You plan to sell your home prior to the rate raise. If you only plan on living in your home for a short period of time, an adjustable rate can save you money. If you sell before the rate raises you will never have to pay the higher interest rate.

3.       You plan to fix up the home and sell it for a profit. If you are not planning a long term investment, an ARM can save you money while you are renovating.

4.       You expect your income to increase. If the loan resets, you will be able to pay the higher interest payments because you will be earning more money.

5.       You expect a windfall. You know you will be able to pay the home off early due to an inheritance. Then the ARM can save you interest while you wait to pay off the home.

There are certain risks for adjustable rate mortgages but these can be minimized by smart investing.

The most important piece of advice regarding ARMs, is to never overextend yourself. An ARM often allows buyers to buy a home that is higher than they could qualify for with a traditional mortgage because the lender looks at the monthly payments. Once the rate resets these can increase and the buyer can actually be priced out of the home they already own. This can lead to default and foreclosure. Talk with a mortgage broker to get the most up to date information about Texas sub prime mortgage programs to see what makes the most financial sense for you and your family.

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO

Level 4 Funding LLC
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444 
Texas Tel:     (512) 516-1177 
www.Level4Funding.com

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
23335 N 18th Drive Suite 120
Phoenix AZ 85027

Using a Hard Money Loan in Texas to Buy a Fix and Flip

Is Texas Hard Money Right For Me?

  

Sometimes people get confused about Texas hard money, but it shouldn't be so difficult because Texas hard money can provide the short-term money that individuals need to fix up or purchase a piece of property.

Texas hard money can come in two forms; hard money lender Texas and private money lender Texas.

Hard money lender Texas refers to a group of people who do not use conventional standards to loan money to borrowers and by that it is meant that hard money lender Texas is not affiliated with banks. The loans hard money lender Texas gives out are non-traditional loans, which makes them easier to obtain.

Private money lender Texas is an individual who wishes to give out non-traditional loans. This private money lender Texas could be someone that you know or it could just be an investor that you’ve met with who wants to join you on your real estate adventure.

Whichever way you choose, Texas hard money ensures that investments happen relatively quickly. Texas hard money is a loan solution that is short-term and over quickly, so higher interest doesn’t really matter. The credit history of a borrower doesn't make a difference because the Texas hard money loan comes from a non-traditional loaner interested less in the credit and more in the property.

If you are looking for a quick loan for the property you have wanted for quite some time now, it could serve you well to begin looking into Texas hard money for the loan that you want and need. Instead of dealing with confusing banking rules, get together with a private money lender Texas or a hard money lender Texas group and begin to plan out the remodeling of your brand new property. 

You will be glad that you chose Texas hard money lender.

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO

Level 4 Funding LLC
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444 
Texas Tel:     (512) 516-1177 
www.Level4Funding.com

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
23335 N 18th Drive Suite 120
Phoenix AZ 85027

Texas Subprime Mortgage: How to get a Home Loan with Bad Credit

A Texas subprime mortgage, is one type of home loan that is available to Texas borrowers with a low FICO score. Learn all the details of subprime lending to determine the right loan for your unique credit situation.

Many potential homeowners with low FICO scores find themselves denied by banks when they try to qualify for a mortgage. Nearly 1 in 4 Americans have a FICO score of less than 640 which is considered to be a subprime credit score. With a subprime score it can be difficult to qualify for a traditional home loan. However, there are other options available for a A Texas subprime mortgage . Certain loan types and programs can help borrowers with low credit scores qualify for a home loan.

One type of loan available to borrower with bad credit is a Texas subprime mortgage . A subprime loan refers to a loan given to a borrower that represents a greater financial risk due to his/her credit score. A subprime loan is funded by a bank but does not have to meet the same underwriting guidelines as a prime loan. Subprime loans allow access to groups that would normally not have access to the credit market like people with low FICO scores. The most popular type of subprime loan is an adjustable rate mortgage or ARM. In an ARM, the initial interest rate is usually low but then adjusts after a period of time to above the prime rate. The low interest rate is usually locked in for anywhere from 2-5 years and can be as low as 2.5%. After the lock in period, the rate adjusts and can be as high as 10%. An ARM is a good option for borrowers who know they will have the credit to refinance to a traditional loan after the adjustable period or for borrowers who only intend to live in the home for a short period and sell the property before the rate adjusts.

Another loan type that is available for subprime borrowers is a bad credit FHA loan. An FHA loan is backed by the Federal Housing Authority and will allow you to borrow about 96.5% of the value of the home you are purchasing. This means that you won’t have to come up with a large sum of money for a down payment. In addition, the government backing means that you will be more likely to qualify, even with less than perfect credit. This is because the government helps secure the loan for the bank in case of default. One important note is that you will pay monthly insurance on your loan. In additional to you principle and interest payments, you will also pay a PMI insurance payment. This is basically extra money you pay to help insure against default. PMI payments can range from $80 to over $200 each month, depending on the amount of the loan. Make sure that you budget for this amount when calculating your monthly payments. Also, this may decrease the overall amount you can qualify for because it increases your monthly payment amount.

Texas Subprime Mortgages and Negative Press

Although a subprime mortgage can be a valuable tool in helping secure a home loan, many borrowers shy away from them due to recent negative press. Specifically, in Texas, many politicians have gone as far as to label subprime mortgages as predatory lending practices. They claim that subprime loans are designed to charge high interest rates for people who cannot afford them.  Proponents of subprime mortgage Texas programs claim that subprime loans allow individuals access into the home marker who would otherwise be shut out due to credit history. 

In order to protect yourself financially and choose the right Texas subprime mortgage product, find a mortgage broker that you can trust today. Brokers at Level 4 Funding will be there to lend a helping hand to help you navigate the ins and outs of Texas subprime mortgages. Call us today to make your dream to own a home, a reality.

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO

Level 4 Funding LLC
Arizona Tel:  (623) 582-4444 
Texas Tel:     (512) 516-1177 
www.Level4Funding.com

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
23335 N 18th Drive Suite 120
Phoenix AZ 85027

How to Get a Texas Home Loan: Borrowers with Bad Credit can Still Qualify!

Home Loan Borrowers Can Still Get Texas mortgages for bad credit

At Level 4 Funding, we believe there is no need to fret if you are in debt! New home loan borrowers can still obtain Texas home loan or mortgages for bad credit or poor credit due to problems with debt. Debt should not be viewed as a scary thing, especially if you are buying a house. Like student loans, experts consider obtaining a mortgage as 'good debt'. Good debt is considered an investment and something that can improve your credit. However good credit is only considered good if you are able to pay off a loan responsibility. To lenders, consistent and timely payments on a substantial loan give a positive impression of the borrower. It proves to financial institutions that the borrower has a dependable payment history. With a significant and positive credit history, the borrower has an easier time being approved for any type of loan, including a mortgage.

The problem is when the credit history is scarred from late payments or defaulted loans. Such negative marks that result in bad credit can come from both avoidable and unavoidable tragedies, such a maxed-out credit card or serious medical situation. Despite whether a subpar credit rating came from an irresponsible or a necessary decision, there is still hope for new home loan borrowers to obtain Texas Home Loan if you have bad credit.

First, what is considered a low credit score rating?

The difference between a low credit score and a bad credit score is difficult to define. This is because to some financial institutions, both situations are considered high risk. Therefore both low and bad credit scores are not favorable to lenders. Most likely individuals with low or bad credit score ratings will not be approved for a mortgage.

The breakdown of credit ratings is as follows:

750 and higher = Excellent

749 to 700 = Good

699 to 650 = Fair

649 to 600 = Poor

599 or lower = Bad

According to the above list, if your credit score is below 650, you are considered to be a high-risk borrower. However exacting scoring may vary depending on the lender you are seeking a home loan from. For instance, a 640 may be the cut off point for what is considered poor credit. In any case, with a poor to bad credit rating, you most likely will not be approved for a typical mortgage from a banking institution. However you may consider other loan alternatives.

Why you should consider Texas home mortgages for bad credit

There are many options for new home purchasers with poor or bad credit history.  Lenders that accept bad credit ratings are often very flexible with your financial situation. As long as you have a good explanation for low score, offer proof of financial stability and have a significant down payment, you will likely be approved for alternative financing.

Speak to one of our friendly associates at Level 4 Funding, to learn more about our alternative finance options for bad credit. We will assess your individual financial circumstances and identify the right loan option for you. Don't hesitate in purchasing your ideal home today! 

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO

Level 4 Funding LLC
Tel:     (512) 516-1177 
www.Level4Funding.com

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
23335 N 18th Drive Suite 120
Phoenix AZ 85027

Texas Real Estate: How to Buy a Home with Bad Credit

A typical question that most buyers with less than stellar credit ask is: How do I buy a house with bad credit? Now you may be wondering what a sub prime mortgage is and how it may benefit you. 

Quite simply a sub prime mortgage is a loan provided to an individual that is regarded as a high-risk borrower, due to their credit rating. Subprime borrowers who have a credit score of less than 640 are not the norm, however this may vary depending on the lender. Since it is the lender who is assuming this risk, the interest rate for a home loan may also be higher. Some sub prime naysayers complain that the interest on these loans is unfair. However keep in mind that in Texas how to buy a house with bad credit, there are several types of subprime financing available. In fact, using this kind of financing correctly could turn out to be beneficial.

The most popular type of Texas subprime mortgage offered in the state is known as an adjustable rate mortgage or ARM. An ARM begins by having a low-cost interest rate that is locked-in for a specified period of time, usually between 1 and 7 years. At the end of the term, the rate adjusts to a higher rate. Adjustable rate mortgages have earned a bad reputation in the mid-2000s for the role in the foreclosure bubble. That being said, it is crucial for you to understand that most of those ARMs were supplied to buyers with a bad credit report who simply overextended themselves. They simply bought more home than they could afford. When the rate reset, they could no longer make their monthly obligations.

Although the rate of ARMs does adjust with time, consider refinancing to a lower fixed rate mortgage or another adjustable rate mortgage. Taking advantages of the reduced interest charges of an ARM could save you thousands on mortgage interest. The money you save in interest can be used to pay off the balance of your loan and consequently allow you to pay significantly less interest.

Utilizing an ARM Texas: how to buy a house with bad credit

For many people, a traditional mortgage actually costs them more money than the actual value of the purchase. It just doesn’t make sense. Let’s be honest, most people do not live in a home for 30 years. In fact the average time frame to live in a house 8 to 10 years. Even if the homeowners decide to stay longer, the majority of people end up refinancing their mortgage at least once. Some homeowners refinance as often as every 2-3 years.

In the long run, traditional mortgages end up costing the buyer significantly more money upfront. This is because these ARMs require the buyer to pay the majority of the loan during the first half of the term. The traditional 30-year loan on the other hand, charges a higher mortgage rate as a kind of insurance for the lender. Your loan provider assumes you will take 30 years to settle the debt. Thirty years is a long time and there is a chance that something could happen that would cause you to default. The loan provider charges you a higher interest rate to make more money in case of default. The adjustable rates are only about 1 to 7 years so they can offer a lower interest rate since the term is shorter and less risky for the lender. These ARMs have lower interest rates than your traditional mortgage, and can save you significant amounts of money. In retrospect, a traditional mortgage can cost you thousands of dollars in premiums over the entire life of the loan. Subprime mortgages should be considered by both prime and sub prime borrowers alike, simply for it’s unique benefits. Below are a few situations when an adjustable rate mortgage might actually make more sense than a traditional mortgage.

1. When you have poor credit you want to restore. ARMs are fantastic tools to help rebuild your credit. Refinancing before the rates adjust during the course of the loan proves to be a good strategy to boost credit and get you in a home faster.
2. In case you plan to sell off your home before the rates reset and rise. This works whenever you plan on living in the home for a short while. Selling before the rates rise can help you avoid having to pay costly premiums.
3. If you are planning to improve the home to later sell it for a profit. In situations where you are not planning for a long-term investment, an ARM can save you money while you are remodeling a home.
4. When you are expect to earn more money in the near future. In this case, if the loan resets, the higher interest rates won’t matter because they will be easier to pay off.
5. If you are expecting to receive an inheritance or lump sum of money. After receiving a windfall, it’s usually easier to pay off any remaining balances of a mortgage. In this situation the ARM serves as an instrument that will keep your monthly payments low as you pay off the mortgage.

While there may be certain risks for adjustable rate mortgages, these pitfalls are often minimized by intelligent investing and research.

A key strategy to remember whenever dealing with these types of loans is to never overextend and to be honest with your budget. An ARM often allows buyers to buy a home that’s greater than one they could afford. Bear in mind that once these rates reset they can always be raised and can price you out of your home, which may lead to foreclosure.  

Speak with a loan specialist at Level 4 Funding to receive the most up-to-date Texas sub prime mortgage programs. Find out how to buy a house with bad credit in Texas and what makes the most financial sense for you and your household.

 

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO

Level 4 Funding LLC
Tel:     (512) 516-1177 
www.Level4Funding.com

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
23335 N 18th Drive Suite 120
Phoenix AZ 85027

Texas Home Loans for Bad Credit: How to Use FHA Loans to your Advantage

The Federal Housing Administration is a government entity that can help secure Texas Home Loans for bad credit borrowers. The government backed loans often offer bad credit borrowers as well as first time home buyers a viable option to aid in home ownership.

If you have bad credit, you have probably been turned away by a bank if you applied for a home loan. You may think that owning a home is impossible. However, there are a number of programs that can help you qualify for a home loan. The best first step is to ditch the bank and find a company that specializes in helping individuals and families figure out Texas home loan for bad credit. A good first stop is a mortgage broker. Unlike a bank, the broker does not actually loan out the money for a home loan. Instead he or she shops different banks to help you find the best loan for your purchase and credit situation. This allows more flexibility in terms of the types of loans that the broker can find as well as lenders. A mortgage broker or mortgage company can act as your intermediary and usually get you better loans and better terms than you could get by going straight to a bank, especially if you have bad credit.

One loan type your broker will recommend is an FHA loan. An FHA loan is a program for Texas home mortgages for bad credit borrowers. If you have bad credit, an FHA loan may be a good option for you to secure a home loan. An FHA loan is a government backed loan. Each month you pay extra insurance against default. The loan is secured by the Federal government so lenders are more likely to give them to borrowers with bad credit. In order to qualify for an FHA loan you will need to have 3.5% of the purchase price to put down. You will also pay extra for monthly mortgage insurance which can vary based on the amount of your loan. For many bad credit borrowers an FHA loan is a good path for homeownership.

The Federal Housing Administration does not give out loans. In order to obtain an FHA loan you will need to find a mortgage broker, bank, or investment firm that is certified to give out FHA loans. The FHA provides mortgage insurance to the lender on their loans. This mortgage protects the lenders from losses due to homeowner default. The lenders bear less risk because the FHA will pay an insurance claim to the lender if the homeowner defaults on their loan the lender has to foreclose on the property. This insurance makes and FHA loan a good program for bad credit borrowers because a lender is more likely to make a loan to a borrower with bad credit if they have FHA insurance.

History of the FHA and Its Role in Texas home mortgages for bad credit Borrowers

The FHA was established in 1934 during the Great Depression. The goal of the agency is to help all Americans purchase homes and to help stimulate the housing economy. In the 1940s the FHA helped finance home loans for veterans and military families. By the 1980s the FHA moved into falling home prices and made it possible for home buyers to get financing during needed during the recession. By 2001 homeownership in the United States was at a record high. The FHA has insured over 34 million mortgages since its inception.

As illustrated above, the FHA has been in the home mortgage business for over 80 years. It is completely self-funding and does not require tax payer money or government bail outs. This makes it ideal for Texas home mortgages for bad credit because lenders know and trust the agency. In addition, there are no surprises in terms of interest rates like there are in adjustable rate mortgages. FHA loans offer fixed interest rates for 15 to 30 years. However, keep in mind that you will pay mortgage insurance each month. The amount of this payment varies depending on the amount of your loan. You will pay this insurance until your loan to value ratio is less than 80%. Meaning, you will have an extra monthly payment until you have paid off 20% of your loan. If the value of your home increases dramatically you can look into refinancing to eliminate this monthly payment. In addition, there are certain mortgage arrangements that can be made during your real estate negotiations to have the seller pay a portion of this insurance upfront.

Talk with a mortgage broker to determine if an FHA home loan is a good option for you.

The Federal Housing Administration has helped many homeowners obtain loans they otherwise may not qualify for. A mortgage broker can walk you through the process of qualify for an FHA loan as well as describe any funds you may need. Call a broker today to take the next steps to purchasing a home.

Dennis Dahlberg
Broker/RI/CEO/MLO

Level 4 Funding LLC
Tel:     (512) 516-1177 
www.Level4Funding.com

NMLS 1057378 | AZMB 0923961 | MLO 1057378
23335 N 18th Drive Suite 120
Phoenix AZ 85027