Residential Realities May 2012
May 30, 2012--Are Condo Clouds Clearing: Lending climate may soon improve...
Is the FHA about to Blink?
As reported in the LA Times on May 20th, in a development that could significantly improve the landscape for new construction sales in New York, the Federal Housing Administration is hinting at looser restrictions for approval of condo associations.
The Story Thus Far…
Since most established condos in New York City require a minimum down payment of at least 10 percent of the purchase price, the FHA lending program (which only requires a down payment of 3.5% percent) is usually found with lower price point new construction condos that appeal to first time home buyers with limited resources. But, alas the rub, most newly constructed condos cannot satisfy the FHA’s harsh requirements for approval.
The Restrictions
In order to qualify for FHA approval, the condo must jump through a series of guideline hoops including 50% owner occupancy, minimal delinquencies by unit owners on monthly payments of common charges, increased insurance coverages and personal liability for condo officers if the FHA approval application contains inaccuracies. Although the 3.5% down payment is tantalizing to first time buyers, in most cases, the condo will not be able to satisfy all of the requirements and the developer or the condo association will not apply for approval.
New Rules
Although it is unlikely that the FHA will dial back all of the restrictions, the trial balloons seem to predict a roll back of at least some of the requirements that have made the lending program unavailable to many new condos. We shall see…
Does the Condo Qualify?
The FHA website does have a helpful feature that allows you to check whether a particular development has been approved. If you are counting on a reduced down payment for your purchase, the FHA website is a good place to start your search…