New Conforming Loan Limits for 2019
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) today announced the maximum conforming loan limits for mortgages to be acquired by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac in 2019. In most of the U.S., the 2019 maximum conforming loan limit for one-unit properties will be $484,350, an increase from $453,100 in 2018. The average increase for the House price Index rose 6.9% for the year which is the reason for the increase over the 2018 loan limits.
In High Cost counties they are adjusting between 115% to 150% of the Baseline which can result in a new max loan amount in high cost areas of $726,525. This is calculated by taking the baseline $484,350 multiplying by 150 to equal a max of $726,525.
Normally FHA and Veterans administration will follow will follow soon with there new limits if they are going to make any changes. The loan amounts for FHA and VA do not always follow the FHFA limits.
This brings us back to within a .5% of the all time high in the Loan limits which were at a max of $729,750 in July 2007 to Dec 2008. This was done during a stimulus period and they used 175% of $417,000 standard loan limit vs. the 150% of $484,350 they are using now. Shortly thereafter the limits were lowered when the recession and mortgage crisis occurred. Since then we have slowly increased loan limits as the economy has recovered. The new standard loan limit is technically the highest it has been at the new level of $484,350. These limits will allow for better pricing vs some jumbo products available and should be seen as a positive. Refinancing Adjustable Rate Mortgages with no Closing Cost into new fixed or Adjustable Rate Mortgage may benefit from the mortgage increases, allowing to roll in seconds, consolidate debt and lower the rates as they adjust up at there respective change dates.
As Always Semper Fi
For reference https://www.fhfa.gov/DataTools/Downloads/Pages/Conforming-Loan-Limits.aspx
Rates are subject to change.VA MC-928 | MD4272 | DCMLB3295 | KEVINS RETCHER 116922
Notice; Information about the author: Kevin Retcher is the Owner of First Meridian Mortgage since 1996 and can be reached at 703-799-5636, kevin@firstmeridianmortgage.com. His opinions are his and his alone, and not to be taken as legal advice. Always consult with a licensed professional. Also excuse grammar and spelling, I work with math for a living. © First Meridian Mortgage Corporation. NMLS# 180004 www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org, ©KSA Insurance agency, License NPN 8036794 VA License, Rates are subject to change without notice. Kevin Retcher is a licensed Realtor with Jobin Realty , Springfield Virginia, 703-642-8500