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There are a lot of roadblocks when it comes to applying for a mortgage. For example, if your income isn’t high enough, your debt-to-income ratio could keep lenders from approving you. However, new rules make it a little easier for potential homeowners to get approved, even if their income isn’t stellar.
Fannie Mae’s new HomeReady mortgage rules make it easier for new borrowers to apply for a mortgage by stretching the qualifications a bit. With the new rules, if your own income isn’t enough to qualify for a mortgage, you could potentially count the income of family members. In a press release, Fannie Mae explains:
For the first time, income from a non-borrower household member can be considered to determine an applicable debt-to-income ratio for the loan, helping multi-generational and extended households qualify for an affordable mortgage. Fannie Mae’s research indicates that these extended households tend to have incomes that are as stable or more stable than other households at similar income levels, positioning them well for homeownership. Other HomeReady flexibilities include allowing income from non-occupant borrowers, such as parents, and rental payments, such as from a basement apartment, to augment the borrower’s qualifying income.
The press release does suggest the change is aimed at multi-income households, which makes sense. However, there’s the elephant in the room: buying a home you can’t necessarily afford. Just because you can get a loan doesn’t mean it’s a smart financial move.
Everyone’s situation is different, but post housing crisis, this is an issue we’re all too familiar with. Fannie Mae plans to address it with a mandatory home-buying course called “FrameWork.” According to the press release, it’s an online education course that’s supposed to provide “post-purchase support for sustainable homeownership.”
An even better idea? Do your own research about home buying and make sure you buy a home you can actually afford.
You can read more about the new rules at the link below.
Fannie Mae Announces Improved Affordable Lending Product | Fannie Mae via Money Talks News
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