FannieMae cans 4 home investor limit
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
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Effective March 1, 2009, real estate investors can once again own and finance up to 10 individual properties. The restriction reversal does come with new minimum requirements, however.
Homeowners buying a 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, 9th or 10th home must meet the following standards, as set forth by Fannie Mae:
720 credit score
25% downpayment for a 1-unit (30% for a 2-4 unit)
No mortgage delinquencies in the last 12 months
6 months of reserves for each investment property
In other words, Fannie Mae is re-opening the lending spigot for real estate investors with good credit, a sizeable downpayment and ample reserves.
According to Fannie Mae, the change rationale is that experienced investors can "play a key role in the housing recovery". Until now, foreclosure auctions have gone at less than full speed because investors unable to pay cash have been halted by the existing 4-property Fannie Mae limit.
Going forward, expect a more expedient foreclosure liquidation nationwide which should, in turn, provide further support for the housing market.
And lastly, not to be forgotten, homeowners with more than 4 properties can finally participate in the ongoing conforming mortgage Refi Boom. Until now, they've been stymied by the 4-property restriction, too.
Posted by Brian on 05:03 PM • (2) Comments • (0) Trackbacks • Permalink • Email This Post
