FHA Condo Approval dramatically increases the pool of potential buyers

First and foremost, FHA Condo Approval opens up a sea of buyers. Statistics show that approximately 60% of new homebuyers intend to use an FHA Loan.  If your community does not have FHA condo approval, you potentially limit the buying pool to only 40% of homebuyers.

NOTE: These are “regular” buyers – an FHA loan is not associated with low-income HUD programs, such as Section 8.  In some counties, an FHA insured loan can reach amounts of $800,000.00 or more.  Since the recession, most American buyers are using FHA insured loans, and this will be the trend for years to come.

Increased Home Values

Secondly, FHA Approved Condos have a larger pool of prospective buyers, therefore increasing competition and demand for the product.  This can result in higher purchase prices and an increase in market value.  This will ultimately increase the value of all units within the community.

Reverse Mortgages

Furthermore, FHA Certification is necessary to get a Reverse Mortgage (HECM). Many owners use these types of loans as a financial planning tool and cannot stay in their units without this type of financing.  Without FHA condo approval, unit owners cannot obtain a reverse mortgage.

FHA Loans are Assumable

This means that in the future, an FHA Loan can be assumed (including the interest rate) by a new buyer.  With interest rates at an all-time low, this can be a very valuable asset to an HOA community.

Marketability

Realtors are more likely to bring their clients to FHA and VA Approved communities. Units with these approvals are easier to sell and most often sell for higher prices than similar condo associations that are not approved.

Fewer Renters in the Community

Generally speaking, buyers who use FHA loans are more likely to reside within the unit, and not rent it out. Conversely, condominiums without FHA approval will attract buyers that can make large down payments for conventional financing.  These buyers are usually investors who will rent out the property for a profit.

Awareness

Going through the FHA Condo Approval process gives homeowners the sense that the Board cares about the community and wants it to thrive.  By avoiding the approval process, it will hamper unit owners when they go to sell, refinance, or reverse their units.

Fiduciary Duty

Finally, Board Members and Property Managers are expected to maintain property values in their communities.  Several HOA attorneys advise that it is the fiduciary duty of the condo Board to apply for FHA condo approval to maintain or increase property values for residents.

None...

At this time, experts agree that there are no “cons” to being FHA Certified.  However, there are several misconceptions about FHA Condo Approval.  Remember, chances are, your community was FHA certified when it was first developed.  Most communities in the US are currently seeking FHA eligibility, but may not meet the strict FHA guidelines, and will not qualify.  For this reason, there are fewer than 10,000 communities nationwide that can boast FHA Condo Approval.

FHA and VA are Lenders - FALSE

The FHA and VA provide mortgage insurance to banks, credit unions, and other lenders. In turn, these lenders make loans that meet insurance standards. If the loan defaults, the FHA or VA reimburses the lenders for a portion. They do not “approve buyers.” This is still done by the lender/bank, just like conventional loans.

The banks impose a set of standards for a borrower to use an FHA or VA Insured Mortgage. Each lender enforces additional requirements based on their own best practice. These requirements include mortgage score, credit history, bankruptcy and foreclosure/short sale history, and employment verification.

Being FHA Certified will bring in “low-income” buyers – FALSE

This is false.  FHA Condo approval is completely unrelated to affordable housing programs.  The FHA can insure loans upwards of $800,000.00 in some areas.  Since the recession, most American buyers are using FHA insured loans, and this will be the trend for years to come.

FHA Loans have lower down payments, so they are more likely to default – FALSE

There are many different factors that come into play during a foreclosure. If down payments were the key to borrower default, banks and lenders would be able to predict and avoid all foreclosures. Many conventional lenders allow down payments equally as low as FHA, including military veterans using a VA loan with as little as 0% down.

Not all FHA borrowers are only putting only 3.5% down. Some FHA borrowers need FHA loans for other reasons, and will put down significantly larger amounts as a down payment. The lower down payment is only an option if your credit score is high enough. If a potential buyer has a lower credit score, the minimum down payment goes up to a minimum of 10%.

If we become FHA Certified, the FHA will have control over our community – FALSE

The FHA will not have any “control” over the governing of the community. An FHA certified community has no obligation to maintain its certification, and the FHA does not monitor or visit the Association. When a condominium is placed on the FHA connection list, the FHA is simply certifying that the Association meets requirements set forth in the FHA guidelines.

FHA Loans caused the housing crisis – FALSE

The FHA does not lend money. It insures loans that meet their standards. Sub-prime loans are what caused the mortgage crisis.   FHA Insured loans are a big part of how the housing market came back.   The following is what “caused” the foreclosures and defaults stemming from the 2008 real estate fall-out:

• Sub-Prime Mortgages
• Interest-Only Payment Options
• Negative Amortization Loans
• Housing Speculators
• Faulty Appraisals
• Limited Underwriting

The FHA requires a minimum percentage of units to be FHA Loans – FALSE

No. In fact, the FHA strictly limits the amount of FHA insured loans within condominium associations. The FHA cannot require any association (regardless of FHA Certification status) to carry a minimum amount of FHA Loans.

The guidelines are too strict and it’s too expensive – FALSE