Question: Are FHA loans assumable?

Answer: Lenders will only permit those loans that have a "subject to transfer" clause to be taken over through a formal assumption process. Look to your loan agreement for specific terms. In addition, you should candidly discuss any risks with your lender, and possibly consult an attorney before signing the final agreement.

Question: Are there government programs for rehab?

Answer: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Section 203 (K) rehabilitation loan program is designed to facilitate major structural rehabilitation of houses with one to four units that are more than one year old. Condominiums are not eligible.

The 203(K) loan is usually done as a combination loan to purchase a fixer-upper property "as is" and rehabilitate it, or to refinance a temporary loan to buy the property and do the rehabilitation. It can also be done as a rehabilitation-only loan.

Plans and specifications for the proposed work must be submitted for architectural review and cost estimation. Mortgage proceeds are advanced periodically during the rehabilitation period to finance the construction costs.

For a list of participating lenders, call HUD at (202) 708-2720.

If you are a veteran, loans from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs also can be used to buy a home, build a home, and improve a home or to refinance an existing loan. VA loans frequently offer lower interest rates than ordinarily available with other kinds of loans. To qualify for a loan, the first step is to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility.

Another program is the Federal Housing Administration's Title 1 FHA loan program.

Question: Are there programs for fixer-uppers?

Answer: If you need home loan to buy a "fixer-upper" and remodel it, look at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Section 203(K) loan program. The program is designed to facilitate major structural rehabilitation of houses with one to four units that are more than one year old. Condominiums are not eligible.

A 203(K) loan is usually done as a combination loan to purchase a "fixer-upper" property "as is" and rehabilitate it, or to refinance a temporary loan to buy the property and do the rehabilitation. It can also be done as a rehabilitation-only loan.

Investors no longer may participate - only owner-occupants. Owner-occupants are required to come up with only 3 to 5 percent. HUD requires that a minimum of $5,000 be spent on improvements.

Two appraisals are required. Plans and specifications for the proposed work must be submitted for architectural review and cost estimation. Mortgage proceeds are advanced periodically during the rehabilitation period to finance the construction costs.

Question: Can I get a HUD home for as little as $100 down?

Answer: If you are strapped for cash and looking for a bargain, you may be able to buy a foreclosure property acquired by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for as little as $100 down.

With HUD foreclosures, down payments vary depending on whether the property is eligible for FHA insurance. If not, payments range from 5 to 20 percent. But when the property is FHA-insured, the down payment can go much lower.

Each offer must be accompanied by an "earnest money" deposit equal to 5 percent of the bid price, not to exceed $2,000 but not less than $500.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs also offers foreclosure properties which can be purchased directly from the VA often well below market value and with a down payment amount as low as 2 percent for owner-occupants. Investors may be required to pay up to 10 percent of the purchase price as a down payment. This is because the VA guarantees home loans and often ends up owning the property if the veteran defaults.

If you are interested in purchasing a VA foreclosure, call 1-800-827-1000 to request a current listing. About 100 new properties are listed every two weeks.

You should be aware that foreclosure properties are sold "as is," meaning limited repairs have been made but no structural or mechanical warranties are implied.

Question: Do FHA loans require impound accounts?

Answer: Yes, according to the "Realty Bluebook," 30th Ed., Dearborn Financial Publishing, Chicago; 1993: "Under FHA financing it is the lender's responsibility to ascertain that property taxes and hazard insurance premiums are paid when due. Lenders, therefore, will insist that the monthly payments include proportionate amounts for taxes and insurance."

Question: Do you have to buy HUD homes through a realty agent?

Answer: You can only purchase a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development property through a licensed real estate broker. HUD will pay the broker's commission up to 6 percent of the sales price.

Question: How do you find government-repossessed homes?

Answer: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development acquires properties from lenders who foreclose on mortgages insured by HUD. These properties are available for sale to both homeowner-occupants and investors.

You can only purchase HUD-owned properties through a licensed real estate broker. HUD will pay the broker's commission up to 6 percent of the sales price.

Down payments vary depending on whether the property is eligible for FHA insurance. If not, payments range from the conventional market's 5 to 20 percent.

One caution; HUD homes are sold "as is," meaning limited repairs have been made but no structural or mechanical warranties are implied.

Question: How does FHA work?

Answer: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers a variety of loan insurance programs through the Federal Housing Administration which require approximately 3 to 5 percent cash down. FHA loan limits vary depending on the county where the property is located. FHA loans administered by HUD are originated by private lenders. For more information, contact lenders who offer FHA loans or a regional HUD office.

Question: Rules for a FHA Loan?

Answer: The U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development offers a variety of loan insurance programs through the Federal Housing Administration, which requires approximately 3 to 4 percent cash down. There are no income requirements to qualify for a FHA mortgage. Other advantages are that FHA loans do not contain prepayment penalties and in some cases they are assumable by qualified purchasers.

FHA loan limits vary, depending on the county where the property is located. FHA loans are originated and serviced by private lenders.

FHA does not lend money. The mortgage is made by a bank, savings and loan, Mortgage Company or other FHA-approved lender. In addition, FHA does not set the rates and points. The lender determines these, so it is best to shop around by calling several FHA-approved lenders.

Question: What are rates for FHA and VA loans?

Answer: There are no set interest rates for FHA and VA loans. The FHA stopped regulating rates in 1983 and the VA followed suit soon after. Shop around for the best rate.

Question: Which lenders offer FHA loans?

Answer: Lenders who handle Federal Housing Administration loans typically advertise in the Yellow Pages under "real estate loans" and in the real estate sections of newspapers. FHA also supplies limited lists of approved lenders. For general qualifications and program details, see the FHA brochure, "How to Qualify for an FHA Loan." To order, write the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Printing Branch, Room B-100, 451 7th St., Washington, DC 20410; (800) 767-7468.

Question: Are there tax credits for first-time home buyers?

Answer: Many city and county governments offer Mortgage Credit Certificate programs, which allow first-time home buyers to take advantage of a special federal income tax write-off, which makes qualifying for a mortgage loan easier.

Requirements vary from program to program. People wanting to apply should contact their local housing or community development office.

Here is a list of four general requirements to keep in mind:

• Some credit may be claimed only on your owner-occupied principal residence.
• There are maximum income limits, which vary by locality and family size.
• You must be a first-time home buyer, which means you must not have had any kind of ownership interest in a principal residence during the past three years. This restriction may be waived, however, if you are buying property within certain target areas.
• Allocations must be available. A local MCC program may have to decline new applications when it runs out of funds.

Question: What are the rules for mortgage credit certificates?

Answer: To qualify for a mortgage credit certificate, both your income and the purchase price of the home must fall within established city guidelines. These guidelines vary by city but generally only permit people who earn an average income or slightly higher than average income.

A limited number of cities have authorized the MCC program. Contact your municipal housing department for more information.

Question: What is the Mortgage Credit Certificate program?

Answer: The Mortgage Credit Certificate program allows first-time home buyers to take advantage of a special federal income tax credit. This program allows buyers credit in qualifying for the tax advantage they'll receive after they purchase the home.

The amount of the credit is tied to a local formula that every city with an MCC program must follow. A MCC credit, which can total $2,000 or more, reduces the borrower's federal tax liability by an amount tied to how much one pays in annual mortgage interest. Both the borrower's income and the purchase price of the home must fall within established guidelines.

To see if your community has an MCC program, call your local housing or redevelopment agency. You also may inquire with your real estate broker or the local association of Realtors.

Question: Do states offer help to home buyers?

Answer: Most states have a housing finance agency, usually located in the state capital, which offers help for first-time home buyers.

Question: Can National Guard vets, and other reservists, get VA loans?

Answer: The Veteran's Benefits Improvements Act of 1994 gives men and women who have completed six years in the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard Reserves or the Army National Guard or Air National Guard eligibility for VA home loans, including no-down payment programs. If you are a reservist or a National Guard veteran, you can receive VA home loan benefits, but you will pay higher funding fee, up to 2.75 percent of the loan amount. If you make a down payment, the fee can be incorporated into the loan amount.

Question: Do all loans require impound accounts?

Answer: If you are taking out a FHA or VA loan, the lender can require an impound account to pay real estate taxes and hazard insurance premiums, as with a standard loan. Most conventional loans do not require an impound account.

Question: How does someone qualify for VA loans?

Answer: After issuing a certificate of eligibility to a veteran, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs guarantees the loan to the lender up to a certain amount. VA loans frequently offer lower interest rates than ordinarily available with other kinds of loans. The Veteran's Benefits Improvements Act of 1994 gives men and women who have completed six years in the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard Reserves or the Army National Guard or Air National Guard eligibility for VA home loans, including no-down payment programs.

To qualify for a loan, the first step is to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (complete Form 26-1880). Call (800) 827-1000 for more information.

Question: What are rates for FHA and VA loans?

Answer: There are no set interest rates for FHA and VA loans. The FHA stopped regulating rates in 1983 and the VA followed suit soon after. Shop around for the best rate.

Question: What are VA programs?

Answer: Veterans Administration loans, which are available to veterans, reservists and military personnel, are attractive because the buyer is not required to make a down payment. The maximum loan amount the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will insure varies by region. There is no restriction on the purchase price as long as you have the cash to make up the difference between the loan amount and the purchase price.

For the nearest regional office of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, call (800) 827-1000.

Question: What if a VA loan is foreclosed on?

Answer: VA loan holders who suffer a foreclosure must repay the full debt before the federal agency will insure another loan. People with concerns about a specific loan should contact their lender or the VA directly at (800) 827-1000.

Question: Where do I get information on mortgages?

Answer: For information on mortgages, check out the following sources for information:

• American Bankers Association; (202) 663-5000.
• Mortgage Bankers Association of America, 1125 15th St., N.W., Washington, DC 20005; (202) 861-6500.

Question: Where do I get information on VA loans?

Answer: For information on VA loans, call the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs directly at (800) 827-1000. Also refer to:

• "To the Home-Buying Veteran," Department of Veterans Affairs; 810 Vermont Ave., N.W.; Washington, DC 20420.
• "VA Home Loans," Department of Veterans Affairs, 810 Vermont Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20420.

Question: Who can get a VA loan?

Answer: Millions of veterans and service personnel are eligible to participate in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs' Home Loan Guarantee Program, which in most cases requires no down payment. VA loans can be used to buy a home, build a home, and improve a home or to refinance an existing loan.

After issuing a certificate of eligibility to the vet, the VA guarantees the loan to the lender up to $203,000. VA loans frequently offer lower interest rates than ordinarily available with other kinds of loans. To qualify for a loan, the first step is to apply for a Certificate of Eligibility (complete Form 26-1880). Call (800) 827-1000 for more information about VA programs.