Community Development Purchase Assistance Applicant Instructions and Lender Guidelines Planning and Growth Management Community Development Division 533 South Dixie Highway, Suite 101 Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 (954) 480-6420
PROGRAM SUMMARY The City of Deerfield Beach NSP Homebuyer Assistance is designed to provide financial assistance to low, moderate and middle income applicants/households to purchase one of six (6) homes within the City limits of Deerfield Beach that is currently owned by the City of Deerfield Beach, as well as assist first time homebuyers purchasing an NSP eligible foreclosed, abandoned, vacant or short-sale single family home. Funding for this program was made possible through grant proceeds received from HUD under the Neighborhood Stabilization Program. The homes must be used as the buyer s principal place of residence. Financial assistance will be provided in the form of a zero percent (0%) soft second mortgage or homebuyer s credit, which is due upon sale, refinance (no cash out), transfer, conveyance of the property that occurs within the affordability/recapture period. If the loan conditions are met at the end of the deferment period, a Satisfaction of Mortgage will be provided to the homebuyer. PURPOSE The purpose of the is to enable the City to eliminate slum and blight within the City of Deerfield Beach by purchasing and rehabilitating abandoned or foreclosed homes and make them available to low, moderate and middle income homebuyers. The City of Deerfield Beach does not make a profit from the sale of the homes; they are sold at cost (total of acquisition and rehabilitation cost). Funds provided may also be used towards down payment, closing costs, interest rate buy-down and principal reduction. - 1 -
APPLICANT INSTRUCTIONS The application process for a prospective homebuyer commences with the submission of a City of Deerfield Beach Homebuyer Application completed entirely, signed and dated by the applicant and co-applicant (where applicable). Applicant must receive an approval in order to participate in the City of Deerfield Beach. Application Availability: Applications for the NSP Homebuyer Assistance will be available from June 9, 2010 thru June 16, 2010 and may be picked up at City of Deerfield Beach, Community Development Division at 533 S. Dixie Highway, Suite 101, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM or on the City s website www.deerfield-beach.com. Deadline for submission of the completed application with all required documentation is June 23, 2010 by 4:00 PM. Applications are processed on a first-come, firstqualified, first-served basis; incomplete and applications missing required documentation will be rejected. In addition, applicants are required to obtain and submit a Lender commitment letter on or before June 30, 2010 in order to be eligible for final approval and to receive a funding award letter for NSP Homebuyer Assistance. Maximum Income: Households with an annual income at 120% or below the median income for Broward County (see max income limits table 2 in the application). The City of Deerfield Beach determines the household income and not just that of the applicant. Income for all household members 18 years and older and not enrolled in school as a full-time student, is included in calculating gross annual household income. Liquid Assets: Borrowers with liquid assets in excess of $50,000 after closing are not eligible for purchase assistance. IRAs, pensions, 401k and other retirement accounts will not be included in asset calculation. Buyer s Contribution: Buyer is required to contribute a minimum of 1% of the sales price toward their purchase as down payment. Maximum Subsidy: Up to $100,000 for households whose gross annual income does not exceed 50% of Broward County s Median income, and up to $80,000 for a household whose gross annual income is greater than 50% and does not exceed 120% of Broward County s Median income. Income limits are subject to change without notice. Homebuyer s Workshop: Attendance is mandatory and is evidenced by the workshop certificate. This is a requirement for participation in the program and will empower homebuyers by giving the information needed to make informed decisions. - 2 -
The table below lists agencies that conduct homebuyer workshops. The list is not all inclusive; please check with your lender for additional workshop providers in your area. DEERFIELD BEACH HOUSING AUTHORITY P: 954-425-8449 F: 954-425-8450 URBAN LEAGUE OF BROWARD COUNTY P: 954-625-2590 F: 954-321-2276 E: swilliams@ulbcfl.org 533 South Dixie Highway, Suite 201 Deerfield Beach, FL 33441 11 NW 36 Avenue Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33313- NEW VISIONS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORP.(NVCDC) P: 954-768-0920 F: 954-768-0964 E: JTUFTS@MTBBC.ORG 950 NW 11th Avenue Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 33304 BROWARD COUNTY HOUSING AUTHORITY P: 954-739-1114-2304 F: 954-535-0407 E: pbrown@bchafl.org GLOBAL FAITH INC. P: 954-972-2799 F: 954-301-0152 E: mmsquick@hotmail.com 3810 Inverrary Boulevard Suite 405 Main Office Lauderhill, Florida 33319 731 SW 10th Street Pompano Beach, Florida 33060 NID-HCA FRANCOIS P: 954-914-5593 F: 954-747-4991 E: lakayfinancial@bellsouth.net 6780 Sunset Strip Sunrise, Florida 33313 Eligible Properties: Any of the six City of Deerfield Beach owned homes that were purchased and rehabilitated using NSP Funds or an NSP eligible foreclosed, abandoned, vacant or short-sale single family home purchased by the applicant. Eligible Homebuyers: All applicants must be considered irrespective of age, race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, military status or physical handicap. Credit Issues: Delinquency of all credit should not exceed more than five (5) times within the past 12 month period. No delinquencies to exceed sixty (60) days which shall count as 2 occurrences. No delinquencies shall occur within the past six (6) months; outstanding charge-offs, judgments or liens must be paid or provide proof of payment; repossessions allowed as long as deficiency is satisfied; bankruptcies will be evaluated by each lender. - 3 -
Citizenship: Non-citizen Applicants may qualify under the following circumstances: (1) Borrowers with lawful permanent resident alien status must provide evidence of lawful permanent residency issued by the U.S Citizenship and Immigration Services (UCIS) within the Department of Homeland Security (formerly the Immigration and Naturalization Service) (2) Borrowers who are non-permanent resident aliens must satisfy the following requirements: the property will be the borrower's principal residence, the borrower has a valid SSN, and the borrower is eligible to work in the U.S. as evidenced by an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by UCIS. A social security card is not sufficient evidence of work status for nonpermanent resident aliens (3) Other non-citizen borrowers must satisfy requirements imposed by Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, VA, USDA, or FHA. Persons qualifying for political asylum are eligible in this program Purchase Price: Existing and new construction sale price limit is $423,750 Inspections Fees: The homes will be sold in As Is condition, however the homebuyer in encouraged to have the home fully inspected by a licensed/duly qualified home inspector or inspection engineer. Cost of home inspection to be incurred by homebuyer. Verification of Income and Assets: State and/or Federal Regulations require verification of all income and assets. Each household member over the age of 18 that is not a full-time student will be required to sign an Authorization to Release Information form. Release and verification forms will be mailed directly to the source. - 4 -
INSTRUCTIONS FOR LENDERS UNDERWRITING GUIDELINES INSTRUCTIONS FOR LENDERS UNDERWRITING GUIDELINES Please carefully review the Homebuyers Program Guidelines to ensure the borrower s file will be underwritten according to these guidelines. This program is designed to provide an affordable housing mortgage loan to all who meet the program guidelines. The loan must be fully documented (income and assets). Purchase assistance is available on a first-come, first qualified, first served basis. Lender Participation: Institutional first mortgage lender is defined as any bank or trust company, mortgage banker, savings bank, credit union, national banking association, savings and loan association, building and loan association or other financial institution or governmental agency authorized to conduct business in this State and which customarily provides service or otherwise aids in the financing of mortgages on real property located in this State. Prior to commit of NSP, SHIP and or CDBG funds, lenders must meet the following criteria: Interest Rate: Only fixed rate mortgages are available through this program. Interest rate shall not exceed.5 percentage points above the rate Broward County Office of Housing Finance Agency s posted rate. Rate Lock-In: Existing property: 60-day lock from date of real estate sales contract to purchase. The original rate may be extended or the most current lender s program rate may be applied at lender discretion New/Under Construction: 60 days prior to estimated Certificate of Occupancy Construction-to-Perm: 60 days from date of mortgage approved by lender Mortgage Terms: up to 40 year fixed rate mortgage with no prepayment penalty City s Lien Position: 2 nd or 3 rd position only - 5 -
Assumability: The purchase assistance is not assumable. If home is sold or refinanced, the annual pro-rated portion of purchase assistance must be reimbursed to the City of Deerfield Beach Origination or Discount Fees: Not to exceed 1% of the first mortgage loan Loan-to-Value(LTV): Not to exceed 97% with no PMI Private Mortgage Insurance: No Mortgage Insurance (PMI) is allowed to be charged on any loans originated through the First Time Homebuyers Program Income/Debt Ratios: The front-end ratio can not exceed 30%. Total housing expense plus other monthly debt obligations not to exceed 45% Seller s Concessions: Up to 6% of sales price Co-Borrower: Use all income/all debts to arrive at ratios for qualification purposes only. Co-borrower information cannot offset poor credit. Primary Borrower source of income must represent at least 50% of qualifying income. Co-Borrower, if not household member, is not to be listed on the Warranty Deed Lender Application Fees: Due at time of application, non-refundable, must be credited towards cost at closing. Fee determined by lender not to exceed $480 (for appraisal and credit report) Items Payable in Connection with Loan: $1,500 maximum other fees (not including application fees) Credit Issues: Delinquency of all credit should not exceed more than five (5) times within the past 12 month period. No delinquencies to exceed sixty (60) days which shall count as 2 occurrences. No delinquencies shall occur within the past six (6) months; outstanding charge-offs, judgments or liens must be paid or provide proof of payment; repossessions allowed as long as deficiency is satisfied; bankruptcies will be evaluated by each lender. Escrows: Required for taxes and insurance Mortgage Application Submission to the City of Deerfield Beach: Borrowers interested in receiving purchase assistance from the City of Deerfield Beach, please submit the following from an eligible Lender: Mortgage Commitment signed by lender and borrower Good Faith Estimate Mortgage Credit Analysis Worksheet Purchase Money Mortgage (HUD 92900-PUR) or Uniform Underwriting and Transmittal Summary (1008) Credit Report - 6 -
Copy of executed Contract for Sale and Purchase (cannot be dated before the date of homebuyer assistance application) Copy of Property Appraisal Report (must be within 60 days of sale and purchase contract) Home Inspection Report NO REPAIR ESCROWS 2 weeks before closing: provide name, contact person, address, telephone number of closing agent and proposed closing date 2 days before closing: provide HUD Settlement Statement and a copy of homeowner insurance policy(s) naming the City of Deerfield Beach as 2 nd mortgagee Closings must take place in the City of Deerfield Beach, Community Development Division Office, 533 S. Dixie Highway, Suite 101, Deerfield Beach, FL 33441-7 -
FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERS PROGRAM * APPROVED REGISTERED LENDERS Bank of America 888 West Cypress Creek Road, 2ND Floor Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 Loretta Parker Phone: 954-308-9585 Fax: 866-517-0913 E-mail: loretta.parker@bankofamerica.com BankAtlantic 2100 W. Cypress Creek Road Fort Lauderdale, FL 33309 Edith Bynes Phone: 954-940-5435 Fax: 954-940-5460 E-mail: ebynes@bankatlantic.com * Maria Infante (954) 940-5434 Gibraltar Private Bank & Trust Juan E. Rojas 220 Alhambra Circle, 5 th Floor Coral Gables, FL 33134 Phone: 305-476-5545 Fax: 305-447-6250 E-mail: jrojas@gibraltarprivate.com B. B. & T. Banking 300 S. Pine Island Road Plantation, FL 33324-2619 Donna Drake Phone: 954-493-8951 Fax: 954-491-7650 E-mail: ddrake@bbandt.com City National Bank of Florida 25 West Flagler Street Miami, FL 33130 Eugene N. Simmons Phone: 305-577-7263 Cell: 305-761-7001 Fax: 305-577-7498 E-mail: Eugene.Simmons@citynational.com * Alvaro Orozco Phone: 305-577-7441 Cell: 305-720-8420 Fax: 305-577-7498 E-mail: Alvaro.Orozco@citynational.com Northern Trust 1100 East Las Olas Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 Paula A. Tier Phone: 954-659-3734 Fax: 954-385-5160-8 -
E-mail: pat6@ntrs.com - 9 -
City of Deerfield Beach FIRST TIME HOMEBUYERS PROGRAM * APPROVED REGISTERED LENDERS - continued B. B. & T. Bank (formerly Colonial Bank) 1580 Sawgrass Corporate Parkway Sunrise, FL 33323 * Marilyn Lopez Phone: 954-839-1078 Fax: 954-839-1189 E-mail: Marilyn_Lopez@Colonialbank.com Mortgage Solutions Inc. of South Florida 17121 NE 6 th Avenue North Miami Beach, FL 33162 Ann John Latimer Phone: 305-653-2791 Fax: 305-653-2712 E-mail: ANN.LATIMER@lmcpro.com BankUnited Don Degli 2201 West Hillsboro Boulevard Deerfield Beach, FL 33442 Phone: 954-304-1288 Fax: 305.818.1438 Email: ddegli@bankunited.com - 10 -
Prohibited Practices Consumer Information PREDATORY LENDING To combat predatory lending, the Florida Fair Lending Act, effective October 2, 2002, prohibits predatory tactics on high cost home loans, including: * Charging prepayment penalties for longer than three years * Increased interest on loans going into default * Balloon payments on loans that mature in less than 10 years * Extending credit regardless of a borrower's ability to pay * Making direct payments to home improvement contractors * Calling a loan due even though the borrower has complied with the terms of the loan * Refinancing a loan during the first 18 months, unless there is a benefit to the borrower * Offering to originate a loan at the borrower's home without a prearranged appointment * Charging late fees that exceed five percent of the payment The new law also requires lenders to disclose certain facts about the loan at least three days prior to closing the deal, including: * A mortgage will be placed on the borrower's home, and they could lose the home in the event of foreclosure. * Interest rates and terms can vary, depending on the lender or broker. * Borrowers should consider consulting a HUD approved credit counseling agency or a financial advisor regarding financing of their home. * Debt consolidation can be a useful tool if the borrower does not take on additional short-term debts. - 11 -
* Loan applicants do not have to accept the loan, even though they have filled out an application. * Changes in loan terms will require another three-day disclosure period. - 12 -
Predatory Lending Practices Several predatory lending practices such practices described below. Potential borrowers are pressured into including false information on loan applications or are asked to leave signature lines or other lines blank. The lender or broker alters information entered by the borrower on the loan application. Excessive fees are financed into the loan. Banks generally charge 1-2% of the loan amount in fees to originate the loan. Predatory lenders often finance fees around 8% into a loan. Borrowers pay interest rates which are higher than their credit warrants. Loans are made based on equity without regard to borrower s ability to pay. A loan has prepayment penalties. These penalties negatively affect a borrower s ability to pay off a loan early and can impact the ability to refinance. Loans are made for considerably more than the property is worth. Refinancing is generally not possible if a borrower owes more than the property is worth. A single premium credit insurance policy is financed in the loan amount. Rather than making regular payments for an insurance policy, a borrower is compelled to make one up-front payment and this payment is financed into the loan. Balloon payments make sense for some borrowers but can be extremely harmful to others. Balloon payment mortgages require borrowers to pay off the entire loan balance in one large (balloon) payment after some number of regular payments. Borrowers must often refinance to make the balloon payment. Borrowers are sold loans with negative amortization, wherein the regular payment does not cover the principal and interest on the loan. Despite making regular payments, the loan balance increases. Loan flipping occurs when lenders encourage or pressure borrowers into frequent refinancing. Benefits are often not sufficient to cover the fees charged for each refinance. Lenders place pre-dispute mandatory binding arbitration clauses in loan contracts. These clauses limit the borrower s access to injunctive relief for abuses and borrowers can be required to pay arbitration costs and travel long distances. Tips to Avoid Predatory Lending Deals that sound too good to be true usually are. - 13 -
Ignore high-pressure sales tactics and lenders or brokers who try to rush you. Always shop around, do not take the first loan you are offered. Look at the total cost of the loan, not just the monthly payment. Consider items like points, fees, insurance, and prepayment penalties. Never sign a blank document or a document somebody promises to fill in later. Before closing your loan, get a copy of your final loan terms and conditions. Go over them with somebody you trust and do not sign if anything looks substantially different at closing. - 14 -
Program Source/Reference: Housing Finance Authority of Broward County Applicant Instructions Housing Finance Authority of Broward County Instructions for Lenders Florida Housing Finance Corporation Single Family Mortgage Revenue Bond Program 2006 Series 4-5 FNMA Underwriting Guidelines Part 1 & 2 City of Deerfield Beach First Time Homebuyer Program Palm Beach County SHIP Purchase Assistance Program 2 nd Mortgage Subsidy Program Saint Lucie County Lending Consortium Requirements for Membership - 15 -